Claims of unreturned devices, unpaid refunds and small claims court cases as company blames landlord dispute

CUSTOMERS across west Wales have raised concerns about the trading activities of Computer Solutions Wales, alleging unpaid refunds, missing computers and prolonged periods of poor communication.

The Herald has spoken to several individuals who say they handed over laptops or desktop computers for repair or replacement, paid hundreds or in some cases thousands of pounds, and were then left without their property or a refund despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter.

In some cases, those affected say they have pursued the issue through the civil courts.

Court action taken

Zac Townley said he handed over two custom-built desktop PCs for repair on Sunday (Mar 30, 2025) and later paid £710 after being told the work was complete. He says the computers were never returned.

After months of chasing, Mr Townley took the matter to court. A hearing took place in October 2025, which he says the defendant did not attend. The court ruled in his favour and issued an order in November for the return of the two computers and repayment of £377 in court fees.

He says that deadline has since passed and the computers remain outstanding.

Other customers described similar experiences, including payments for repairs or replacement equipment followed by delays, cancelled appointments and repeated assurances that items would be returned or refunds processed.

Several said they were eventually advised to pursue claims through the small claims court.

One former worker also alleged unpaid wages during a period of employment.

The Herald has seen copies of text messages, payment confirmations and court paperwork relating to some of the complaints.

Company status questions

Companies House records show that Computer Solutions Pembs Ltd, the limited company associated with the business, was dissolved on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) following compulsory strike-off proceedings.

Filings show changes to directors and persons with significant control in the months before dissolution, along with a change of registered office address outside Wales.

Under company law, a dissolved limited company cannot trade or enter into new contracts.

Despite this, services continued to be advertised online under the Computer Solutions Wales name, including through a website and social media pages. Some customers told The Herald they believed they were dealing with an active limited company at the time they made payments.

Trading history

Archived photographs, marketing material and social media posts seen by The Herald show the Computer Solutions Wales name has been used publicly for several years, including from a high street premises in Pembrokeshire and in promotional material dating back to 2022.

Customers said they understood Computer Solutions Wales to be an established local business operating under the same branding throughout that period.

Police response

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they had reviewed information provided to them about the complaints.

In correspondence seen by The Pembrokeshire Herald, police said the matters raised did not constitute a criminal investigation and appeared to relate to civil liability and potential consumer protection issues. Complainants were advised to contact Trading Standards and pursue enforcement through the civil courts where appropriate.

Company response

Steven Grant, trading as Computer Solutions Wales, was contacted and offered the opportunity to comment. Publication of this article was delayed by one week to allow time for a response.

In a written holding statement, a spokesperson for the business said the issues stemmed from a dispute with a former landlord.

The statement said: “This issue began when Computer Solutions Wales was in dispute with its then landlord over building repair obligations and subsequent rent requirements.

“Since then, the landlord has denied CSW access to the property which contains a number of computers. These computers do not belong to CSW nor the landlord, but to CSW customers.

“CSW does not understand the legal position regarding ‘ownership’ of these computers, and is urgently seeking legal advice as to how the computers can be returned to their rightful owners at the earliest opportunity.

“CSW fully understands the frustration of its customers, and can reassure them that it is making strenuous efforts to resolve this matter as soon as is possible.”

The Herald asked Mr Grant to clarify several points arising from this explanation, including why customers were not kept informed during the alleged access dispute, how long access to the premises had been restricted, how many customer devices remained at the property, whether customers had been formally notified in writing, and the name of the landlord or managing agent so the circumstances could be independently verified.

He replied that he was travelling and had no further comment beyond the statement already provided.

Two senior Downing Street exits in 24 hours as Anas Sarwar breaks ranks, but ministers insist the Prime Minister is staying put

PRESSURE continued to mount on Keir Starmer today (Monday) after two of his closest advisers resigned within 24 hours and the leader of Scottish Labour publicly called on him to step down.

The rapid series of events has fuelled growing speculation about the Prime Minister’s authority inside his own party, with critics describing the situation in Downing Street as chaotic and poorly handled.

Starmer first lost his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped aside after taking responsibility for recommending the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.

Within hours, his director of communications, Tim Allan, also quit, saying a new team should take charge of the government’s messaging.

Two departures at that level in a single day are highly unusual and immediately prompted questions in Westminster about stability at the centre of government.

The crisis deepened further when Anas Sarwar broke ranks and urged Starmer to resign, arguing that the ongoing Mandelson controversy was becoming a damaging distraction and risked harming Labour’s prospects, particularly in Scotland.

Sarwar is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly question the Prime Minister’s position.

A row that would not go away

The Mandelson appointment was initially seen as a difficult but containable judgement call. Supporters pointed to his experience and international contacts, while critics raised concerns about his past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

However, instead of fading, the story has dragged on for days, prompting criticism of how Downing Street has handled the fallout.

Several Labour MPs privately admit the issue is no longer the appointment itself but the perception that the government has been slow and defensive in responding.

One senior backbencher said: “It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s looking like you’re not in control.”

Who is backing Starmer

Despite the noise, Starmer still retains public support from much of the Cabinet.

Allies say he remains focused on governing and has no intention of stepping down. Downing Street sources insist he is “getting on with the job” and dismiss talk of an imminent leadership challenge.

Senior ministers have urged colleagues to rally around the Prime Minister rather than fuel instability.

There is currently no formal mechanism under way to remove him, and no obvious successor waiting in the wings.

Political risk growing

Nevertheless, the optics are uncomfortable.

Two senior resignations in quick succession, combined with a public call to quit from within Labour’s own ranks, risk creating the impression of a government losing control of its message.

That perception matters.

Prime ministers are rarely forced out over a single decision. They fall when their own MPs begin to doubt that they can win the next election.

With Reform UK continuing to dominate headlines with simple, punchy messaging and Labour struggling to explain its record, some backbenchers fear that continued communication missteps could erode confidence further.

For now, Starmer remains in office.

But after the past 24 hours, questions about his leadership are no longer confined to the opposition benches.

They are coming from inside his own party.

KIDNEY RESEARCH UK has launched a new dedicated online forum specially created to give people living with kidney disease and the families and carers who support them a safe and supportive space to talk, learn from each other and share experiences. 

Shaped with help from Welsh patients, the forum offers a dedicated community space for the more than 377,000 people in Wales thought to be living with kidney disease. 

Free to use, the new forum, called Kidney Community, creates a single, safe space where people can connect with others who understand their experiences, ask questions, share practical advice and find support, no matter what stage of the kidney disease journey they are at. 

Kidney Community is open to kidney patients at all stages of the disease, people with a higher risk of developing it, and anyone affected by a diagnosis in their family or friendship groups. 

The forum will be continually supported by Kidney Research UK’s team, helping to ensure discussions are informed, respectful and grounded in trusted information. It has been co-developed with kidney patients and carers to ensure it reflects real needs, concerns and priorities. 

Darren Daniel from Ammanford in southwest Wales helped with the forum’s development. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2017, Darren has used social media, including TikTok, to raise awareness of kidney health and the realities of living with long-term illness. His experience of connecting with others helped inform the development of the forum. 

Darren said: “When I started sharing my kidney journey online, I saw just how many people were desperate for somewhere to talk honestly about what they were going through. Helping shape this forum felt like a natural next step – making sure it’s real, accessible and driven by the questions people actually ask, not medical jargon.” 

“This forum takes that sense of community and gives it a safe home, backed by Kidney Research UK. It means people don’t have to scroll endlessly or rely on misinformation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into treatment, there’s power in knowing others understand your day-to-day reality, and that support is only a conversation away.” 

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “Many people affected by kidney disease tell us they feel unsure where to turn for support. This forum brings patients and carers together in one place, so they can feel heard as part of a community, with access to information and shared experience at every stage of kidney disease. We are providing a safe, welcoming space where every question and every story matters.” 

The launch builds on Kidney Research UK’s long-standing commitment to ensuring the voices of patients and families help shape research, services and support. Existing supporters, volunteers and members of the charity’s Kidney Voices for Research network were among the first invited to join. 

The forum is now live and free to access at kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org