Coffee morning for Operation Christmas Shoebox at Cefn’s Wesley
Cefn Methodist Church will be holding its next, monthly, charity coffee morning, tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd October, at 10.00am-12.00midday.
This month the coffee morning will be raising funds for the Operation Christmas Shoebox appeal 2024.
All are welcome at the little chapel on the edge of the common, to get together to meet old friends and make new friends, over a cuppa and biscuits.
Local man given 43-month prison sentence in rogue builder case
Cardiff Crown Court has heard of the misery that Paul Atkinson caused residents after they agreed for him to undertake building work and home improvements at their properties.
In a case brought by Bridgend County Borough Council, Atkinson, of Woodlands Avenue, Porthcawl, was charged with offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The Shared Regulatory Services then investigated Atkinson’s trading practices, and it soon became apparent that he engaged in misleading and fraudulent trading practices in his dealings with customers.
Using classic rogue trader practices, Atkinson had many reports against him including incomplete work, goods not being ordered, poor workmanship, and failure to obtain necessary planning and building control consents.
Atkinson pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud, one count of fraudulent trading and one count of unfair commercial practice.
During the recent sentencing hearing, the court was told of the significant financial detriment the homeowners found themselves in after choosing Paul Atkinson to work at their properties. Victim impact statements were read out in court.
In total, he was sentenced to a total of 43 months imprisonment and a Proceeds of Crime Act timetable has been set, which should include consideration of compensation for the victims.
In sentencing, His Honour Judge Carl Harrison reflected on the Victim Impact Statements provided by the residents affected and highlighted recurring themes within them, noting that it was clear that the offending had a serious detrimental effect on the victims, including emotional and psychological harm as well as financial.
Cllr Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance and member of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Committee, said: “The outcome of this case should send out a clear message to all rogue traders that complaints of this nature will be investigated by our Shared Regulatory Service and action will be taken as appropriate.
“The residents have been through an extremely difficult time both personally and financially. I would encourage everyone to visit the SRS website for advice on how to avoid rogue traders and how to report a problem if something goes wrong.
“Particularly given the ongoing national financial pressures, residents should take their time and do their research to find reputable traders for any work.”
Fire at local recycling depot – residents are reminded about recycling flammable materials
Following a small fire that recently broke out at the Plan B recycling depot in Tondu, the council is reminding residents about the recycling of flammable materials.
For safety reasons, crews are unable to collect the following items in your kerbside recycling:
- Firelighters
- Lighter fluid
- Expanding foam canisters
- Mini gas canisters
- Helium balloon canisters
- Spray paint cans
- Camping gas canisters
Please take them to your local recycling centre for safe disposal.
Also, all aerosols must be empty before disposal in your blue bag.
News provided by:
Huw David, County Borough Councillor for Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr
Tel: 07890 399742, Email: [email protected]