A family business based in Neath has been left reeling after two of its vehicles were destroyed in a suspected arson attack, sending shockwaves through both the owners and the local community. The incident, which took place late on Thursday evening, April 24, has caused significant distress to the family behind SW Waste Management Ltd, leaving them not only counting the financial cost, but also dealing with lasting fear for their safety and livelihood.
The attack targeted two vehicles belonging to the well-established waste management and skip hire company: a brand-new skip truck, which the company had only recently acquired, and a transit box van. Both were parked at the firm’s yard in Llandarcy at the time of the suspected arson. The business, which has been serving customers across Neath, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Bridgend since its founding in 2012, now faces an uncertain future as a result.
Carly Ball, who runs SW Waste Management with her husband, John, spoke candidly about the emotional toll the incident has taken. “The impact has gone far beyond our business. My children are terrified at night, wondering whether our home or car could be next,” she said. The fear and anxiety have shaken the entire family unit, demonstrating that the repercussions of such crimes reach much further than the initial scene of destruction.
The couple revealed that they first learnt of the incident when police officers knocked on their door in the early hours of the morning, bearing the bad news. “At first, I was terrified something even worse had happened—a death in the family. I never imagined it would be our business under attack in this way,” Mrs Ball reflected, her voice heavy with emotion.
The devastating blaze has dealt a serious financial blow to the family, with the loss of the two vehicles estimated at several thousands of pounds. The brand-new skip truck, in particular, represented a major investment and had only been in their possession for a week before being destroyed. “We’re currently unable to offer services for bigger skips, because we can’t operate with our other van,” Mrs Ball explained. “If our other vehicles had been there at the time, we’d likely be out of business altogether.”
Beyond the practical challenges, the psychological impact on the family has been profound. “It’s left us feeling completely vulnerable. Nothing feels safe anymore,” she admitted. “My husband is now questioning whether to purchase another truck, because we’re afraid the same thing could happen again. It’s a constant worry.”
South Wales Police have confirmed that they are treating the fire as a deliberate act. A police spokesperson stated, “Officers attended a business premises on the B4290 shortly after 11:30pm on Thursday, April 24, following a report of two vehicles on fire. The fires are believed to have been set deliberately, and a full investigation is currently ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
As the investigation continues, the Ball family are left waiting for answers while trying to rebuild their business and help their children feel safe at home once more. Despite the adversity, Mrs Ball remains determined to persevere, although she acknowledges the challenge: “We’re doing our best to carry on, but it’s hard not to let this break your spirit.”
Incidents like this raise wider concerns across communities regarding security for small, family-run businesses and the emotional toll such attacks can inflict. The Balls’ experience illustrates just how much harm can be wrought by a single act, not only in financial terms, but in the sense of safety and trust that underpins family life and local enterprises.
Anyone with information about the incident in Llandarcy is urged by South Wales Police to come forward as investigations continue. In the meantime, the family and their supporters are hoping for swift justice and for some sense of security to return to their hard-working community.