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EditorThird man charged over Pyle shooting remanded in custody
20‑year‑old from Bridgend faces multiple charges
South Wales Police confirmed that Daniel Clarke, 20, from Bridgend, has been charged following the incident on Maes Glas, Pyle, on Monday 22 September.
Clarke is accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and conspiring with others to cause grievous bodily harm. He is also alleged to have taken part in the activities of an organised crime group. In addition, prosecutors say he had a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place, and that he was concerned in the supply of a class B controlled drug.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 October at 10am.
What happened in Pyle
The charges stem from an incident in the early hours of Monday 22 September, when residents of a property on Maes Glas reported hearing a loud bang at around 3.30am. On inspection, they discovered two holes in the glass panel of their front door.
Police officers attended and later recovered bullets from the scene. The discovery sparked a major investigation, with detectives treating the incident as a targeted attack involving a firearm.
In the days that followed, two men were arrested and subsequently charged in connection with the shooting. Both were remanded in custody earlier this month, as reported by Swansea Bay News.
Ongoing investigation
This latest charge brings the total number of men facing prosecution over the incident to three. South Wales Police say their enquiries are continuing and have thanked the local community for their cooperation during what has been described as a “serious and concerning” case.
The force has again appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Related coverage: Pyle shooting
Two men arrested after bullets found at Pyle property
Police launched an investigation after bullets were discovered at a Maes Glas home in September.
Two men charged over Pyle shooting remanded in custody
The first two suspects were charged and remanded earlier this month in connection with the incident.
#bulletHole #firearms #gang #MaesGlas #OCG #organisedCrimeGroup #Pyle #shooting #SouthWalesPolice
Two men charged over Pyle shooting remanded in custody
From street disturbance to major investigation
The case stems from an incident on Monday 22 September in Maes Glas, Pyle, when residents reported hearing a loud bang outside a property. Officers later discovered damage to a front door and recovered what appeared to be two bullets at the scene.
The discovery sparked a major police response, with armed officers carrying out arrests in the Bryntirion area of Bridgend. No injuries were reported, but the incident left the local community shaken and the property boarded up for safety. (Read our earlier coverage here)
Charges laid at Cardiff Magistrates Court
On Monday 6 October, Kian Darkes, 20, and Kyle Long, 39, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates Court.
Darkes faces charges of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.
Long faces the same four charges, with an additional count of possessing a controlled drug, namely cocaine.
Both men were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 3 November.
Community thanked for support
South Wales Police have acknowledged the concern the incident caused locally and thanked residents for their cooperation.
A spokesperson said:
“We understand this incident caused concern in the community, and we are grateful for the support of residents in Pyle and Bryntirion as our enquiries continue.”
What happens next
The case will now move to Cardiff Crown Court, where both defendants will face the charges in full. For the community in Pyle, the focus remains on reassurance and the hope that the swift police response will bring clarity and justice in the weeks ahead.
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#firearms #gang #MaesGlas #organisedCrime #Pyle #SouthWalesPolice
Two men arrested after bullets found at Pyle property
Arrests in Bryntirion
The arrests follow an incident on Monday 22 September, when a resident on Maes Glas, Pyle, reported hearing a loud bang and later found damage to their front door. Officers recovered what appeared to be two bullets at the scene.
Police confirmed that a 20‑year‑old man and a 39‑year‑old man, both from the Bryntirion area of Bridgend, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody for questioning.
For the safety of officers and the public, firearms units were deployed during the arrests.
‘We understand this may cause concern’
Detective Inspector Gareth Holmes said:
“We understand this incident may cause concern in the community, but I want to reassure residents that we are carrying out a thorough investigation. We are grateful for the cooperation of people in Pyle and Bryntirion as our enquiries continue.”
No injuries were reported, but the property has since been boarded up.
Neighbours react
According to BBC Wales, neighbours suggested the incident may have been a case of mistaken identity. One resident told the broadcaster:
“The lady and her son who live in the house are lovely… the feeling is it must be a case of mistaken identity, or someone has got the wrong address.”
Appeal for information
South Wales Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, quoting occurrence number 2500303856.
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Police disperse crowd of more than 100 teenagers after house party spirals out of control
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#Bridgend #Bryntirion #bulletHole #firearms #gunshot #Pyle #SouthWalesPolice
Police disperse crowd of more than 100 teenagers after house party spirals out of control
South Wales Police confirmed officers were called to Croft Goch Road, Kenfig Hill, just before 9pm on Saturday, September 13, following reports of a large group of youths in the street.
Video and images captured by residents show crowds of teenagers spilling out of a property and gathering across the road as police arrived.
Neighbour Jayne Llewellyn, 42, said she was stunned when she opened her front door to an Amazon delivery driver and saw the scene outside.
“It was total chaos. I opened the door to an Amazon delivery to see well over 100 teenagers in the street and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The whole road was taken over – I didn’t know our county had that many children in it. I phoned the police after I saw bottles being thrown and smashed in the road.”
She added that she spent the rest of the evening sweeping broken glass from the road and pavements to prevent damage to cars.
Police said there were no reports of violence and no offences were identified.
A spokesperson said:
“Upon arrival officers found over 100 teenagers gathered in the street. While several distinct groups were spread across both sides of the road there were no signs of fighting or violence.
“Additional units quickly arrived, dispersing the crowd. The gathering reportedly stemmed from a birthday party advertised on social media.
“Those who remained were escorted to Pyle Railway Station where officers accompanied them to Bridgend and Maesteg.”
Social media reaction
Footage of the incident shared online has prompted a wave of comments from local residents and parents.
One parent admitted: “My daughter is amongst them too somewhere, I think it’s half of Cynffig comp… it was supposed to be a small house party with friends that ended up on social media and turned into this!”
Others compared the scenes to a teen movie, with one comment reading: “It’s like an American Pie film scene lol.” Another added: “Good god, what size house did they party in? Be like sweaty sardines haha.”
While some neighbours expressed frustration at the disruption, others were more relaxed, with one poster saying: “They didn’t seem to be fighting. Let them be kids.”
#Bridgend #houseParty #Pyle #socialMedia #SouthWalesPolice #teenagers
Local pottery artist sees business success in pop-up unit at Maesteg Market
Mudwerx Bespoke Pottery, based in Pyle, is a creative business rooted in the therapeutic power of clay. During their stay, Mudwerx run a variety of community-based workshops and classes, alongside fulfilling bespoke commission pieces for local as well as national customers.
The interactive workshops included clay throwing, pottery painting, and live demonstrations of the pottery wheel, which was attended by adults and children of all experiences.
Drew Richards, founder of Mudwerx, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Bridgend Council for the fantastic opportunity to be part of the pop-up shop initiative. The support I’ve received throughout my occupancy has been second to none. As a small business still finding its feet, having the chance to showcase my work and run workshops in a dedicated space has allowed me to raise awareness of Mudwerx, increase my confidence in running a business and to reach new audiences.”
“The experience has been truly inspiring. I’ve met so many wonderful people – from customers and fellow traders to new friends and future collaborators. It’s been a real confidence boost and a huge step forward after years of working from my garden studio.” Drew continued.
“Being given the chance to run my own shop, even for a limited time, has meant the world to me. I’m proud to have been part of such a supportive and creative initiative, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Councillor Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said, “The pop-up unit in Maesteg Market has already seen some wonderful businesses in the space so far and I am delighted that Drew has had such a positive reception. This opportunity is perfect for those who are looking to test a business idea in a shop setting. I would greatly encourage businesses to submit interest in the space; it is a fantastic place to showcase.”
The next business to host the pop-up unit will be ‘Entwined Together Crafts by Pip’, a craft business based in Llangynwyd and will be in the unit until Sunday 2nd July.
Plans for new M4 service station submitted to Bridgend planners
The development would be just to the south of the junction 37 interchange, alongside the A4229.
The proposed drive-through restaurants could include a McDonald’s, Greggs and a Starbucks or Costa, along with seating areas and toilet facilities. These would be in three separate buildings rather than the more integrated services stations seen on other parts of the motorway network.
The development would be accessed by a new road off the A4229.
With regards the proposed new petrol station, planning documents say that “notwithstanding government policy to phase out the sale of new petrol/diesel cars by 2030, there will continue to be demand, albeit reducing, for petrol/diesel sales for a further 15 years or so after that.”
“To cater for future changes, the PFS will have a large number of electric charging stations from the outset, and there is currently a significant under-provision off these along this stretch of the M4.
“The operator also envisages increasing the number of charging points as electric cars become more popular, and in turn reducing the number of petrol pumps, in line with the take up of electric private vehicles by the public.
“Depending on future developments in HGV propulsion, provision for hydrogen tanks to replace diesel in the medium to long term is also feasible.”
Draycott Group, who are behind the plans, recently completed a similar development in St Clears off the A40 trunk road between Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
The St Clears development was initially refused by Carmarthenshire planners, but granted on appeal by Welsh Government planning inspectors.
Initial pre-application discussions with Bridgend County Borough Council on the proposed Pyle development were “negative” according to the latest submission, but the developer pointed out that all of the same arguments that the planning inspector gave for approving the St Clears scheme would also apply to Pyle.
The developers say they are willing to construct a car-sharing or park and ride facility at Junction 37 if the council is willing to run it.
Planning documents say: “During the course of the previous discussions, the developer, in response to comments as to J37 being a car-sharing location, indicated a preparedness to include land either as a car-sharing facility or P&R.
“Moreover, the developer would be prepared to fund/develop such a facility, on the basis that it would then be leased to the Council to operate. It is understood that the proposed P&R facility at Pyle has failed to attract funding, although it remains an objective for the Council.
“Should the Council not be interested in promoting such a facility at this site, or does not feel that it could be successfully operated, then the developer would not propose pursuing the matter alone.”
The proposals will now be decided by Bridgend County Borough Council’s planning department.
#construction #driveThru #electricCarCharging #EVCharging #Junction37 #M4 #petrolStation #Pyle #ServiceStation
Major roadworks on M4 near Pyle will last 6 months
Work on the five bridge structures will start on Monday 9 June.
Welsh Government are responsible for maintaining the M4 in Wales rather than local councils.
It says the motorway will generally remain open with two out of the three running lanes operational in both directions for the duration of the works.
The Welsh Government say that when full closures are required, they will be limited to overnight only and will be well-signposted in advance. Temporary speed limits will also be implemented to ensure driver and worker safety.
To set up a contraflow system, the M4 will be closed overnight westbound between J37 Pyle and J39 Groes between 8pm on Monday 9 June and 6am on Tuesday 10 June.
There will be a further overnight closures in both directions between 8pm on Tuesday 10 June and 6am on Wednesday 11 June – and again overnight from 8pm on Wednesday 11 June to 6am on Thursday 12 June.
There will be an overnight closure for westbound traffic for 1 night on the M4 between J37 Pyle to J39 Groes from 8pm on Thursday 12 June until 6am Friday 13 June.
Then an overnight closure eastbound for 2 nights this time between J38 Margam to J37 Pyle from 8pm on Friday 13 June to 6am on Saturday 14 June – and again from 8pm on Saturday 14 June until 6am on Sunday 15 June.
Diverted traffic will be directed to use the A4229 and A48 through Pyle.
From Sunday 15 June until Wednesday 16 July there will be central reservation works, with traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction. A 50mph speed limit will be in place during this time for safety.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Fixing and maintaining our roads and making them more resilient is a priority for us. I understand the works will cause disruption and I’d like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the work is taking place, however it is important it is carried out during periods of drier and warmer weather to ensure it can be done effectively.”
Bridgend-based environmental management specialist to expand its services with £350,000 funding boost
The firm, which has been in business for more than 20 years, offers a range of services to different industries including flood protection, pollution control and contaminated land treatment as well as dealing with on-land oil spills.
Operating from Village Farm Industrial Estate in Pyle, Bridgend, the business also has a second premises in Exeter and thanks to the funding is soon to be opening a third in the Midlands, creating new positions in many areas of company operations.
Throughout its history, GEO Pollution Technologies has built up a prestigious roster of clients, including the National Grid, Southern Electric Power Distribution Plc (SSE), Celsa Steel Service and National Trust, as well as working with industry leaders in the UK aerospace, defence, and security sectors.
The team works closely with customers to ensure that effective environmental management processes are in place for business and local communities.
The business is also an accredited UK Spill emergency responder for land-based, freshwater and groundwater spills, plus contaminated soils, with specially trained staff on call 24 hours a day throughout the year.
NatWest says that this latest funding deal comes as part of the bank’s commitment to supporting regional growth throughout Wales. The facility will enable the firm to drive business growth, including expanding its headcount, having already boosted its ranks in recent years, as turnover grows.
NatWest added that as one of the UK’s biggest banks for small businesses, it works collaboratively with customers to understand their needs and help them find solutions to support their businesses as they grow.
David Welsh, Finance Manager at GEO Pollution Technologies (UK), said: “We’re thrilled to have secured this latest deal with NatWest, which will play a key role in the pursuit of our ambitious growth plans by helping to increase our headcount and serve more customers with the evolving environmental challenges they face.
“NatWest has already proved it really understands our business, its ethos, and its ambitions and we’re keen to continue to develop that relationship and in doing so, make an even greater positive impact on the environment.”
Andrew Tummon, Business Development Manager at NatWest in Cardiff/South West, said: “Enabling regional growth and supporting sustainable business practices are part of our purpose of turning possibilities into progress, so we’re very pleased to have completed this deal for GEO Pollution Technologies (UK) helping to expand the scale of its environmental protection business.
“David and the team at GEO Pollution Technologies have a strong focus on long-term success which aligns really well with our values here. We’ll continue to support them with our sector expertise and we’re looking forward to seeing their future successes”.
Ducky FellaLong shot, but anyone in the #Bridgend #Porthcawl #Pyle #Pencoed #Margam area got an old bike gathering dust they wouldn’t mind offloading? Looking to take up cycling as a healthier form of transport but upfront cost of a new bike is a bit steep 😬
Edit: Bikey hath been acquired. Thanks @Beedazzled for the suggestion!!!