February 2020

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2020 www.aftermarketonline.net Garage battles on after fire A Lincolnshire garage is continuing to trade despite being left "completely devastated" by a fire in January. The fire, which ripped through Elderkin Autos in Spalding, began in a nearby building, before spreading to the former warehouse where the garage was based. Police were forced to shut the nearby A151 road as emergency services worked at the scene to put out the fire. Lincolnshire Live reported that the business later issued a statement on their social media, telling customers they would remain open: "Our business will still be operational with temporary accommodation opposite our unit. Our services will be limited in the short term and we thank all our customers for your loyalty and patience. We would like to thank the emergency services for getting the blaze under control, they have all worked very hard.” On-street chargepoint funding gets government boost Government funding for the installation of chargepoints on residential streets will be doubled to £10 million in 2021, which could pay for 3,600 chargepoints across the country. The move aims to make EV ownership more attractive to drivers. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We want to make electric cars the new normal, and ensuring drivers have convenient places to charge is key to that. By doubling funding again for chargepoints on streets where people live and opening up data we are helping drivers easily locate and use affordable, reliable chargepoints whether at home or on the road.” Tech jailed for handling stolen cars Ben is increasing its range of digital services for automotive industry people seeking support with mental health and wellbeing issues including stress, anxiety and depression. 52% of those contacting Ben’s helpline in 2019 did so due to mental health concerns. The new digital services are designed to widen engagement. Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director, commented: “Our new digital services will enable us to support even more people and the extension of our services will offer individuals more informed choice and control in how they receive support for their mental health. “The digital platform will support people with issues such as managing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as commonly associated issues like money worries or sleeping difficulties. As Ben continues to transform its health and wellbeing services, the digital platform will be extended to support people with their wellbeing, lifestyle and building personal resilience, with specific programmes including mindfulness.” Rachel added: “In addition to this, automotive employers can feel assured that their employees have access to a range of support options which are free and confidential. So, whether you’re an individual struggling with your own mental health, or an employer worried about an employee, please don’t put off getting in touch with us.” Ben’s online self-help, provided through its website and via email, will continue to provide tips, advice and tools on a range of topics including mental health. Individuals can sign up at www.ben.org.uk/signup A Leeds mechanic received a three-and- a-half-year prison sentence last month for handling stolen cars taken in burglaries, including a BMW and a Skoda. Kestusis Bernotas both lived and worked at a lock-up in the Dewsbury area of the city, reported the Yorkshire Evening Post. Bernotas’ DNA was found on items inside the BMW following a raid by police in August 2017. Bernotas, originally from Lithuania, later handed himself in to police and was charged with handling stolen goods. He then appeared at Leeds Crown Court in January 2018 and a trial date was set, and he was then bailed. Graham O'Sullivan, prosecuting said an Audi was later stolen in a house burglary in Doncaster in April 2018. When police followed up on an anonymous tip regarding suspicious activity at a closed MOT garage, they found Bernotas onsite. He said he was working on his own car. The Audi had been stripped, but police were able to confirm its identity from the chassis number. Bernotas admitted three charges of handling stolen goods. His defence cited an ongoing heroin addiction: “This was the reason he got involved in this,” said Ben Thomas, defending. "He was working but he was also spending money on feeding this addiction. "Mr Thomas said Bernotas has not used drugs since August 2019, adding: "He apologises to the victims and wants to remain in the UK." Sentencing Bernotas, Recorder David Gordon said: "You were a qualified mechanic, using your skills to break up cars, no doubt so the parts could be sold or their identities concealed." Ben increases mental health services provision