News
Bluestone National Park Resort is to become a COVID-19 recovery centre
Bluestone National Park Resort is to become a Recovery Centre for patients in Pembrokeshire, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the wake of the ongoing public health emergency, part of Bluestone’s extensive facilities, as well as open spaces, will be utilised to help treat those in need and those recovering from the virus. Bluestone is joining a local, regional, and national effort to do everything possible to prepare for the unfolding outbreak – and ultimately save as many lives as possible.
Bluestone provides a significant addition to the resources and facilities of Hywel Dda University Health Board, which is responsible for the health and wellbeing of the residents of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
Members of the Bluestone Team will continue to provide security and management of some of the facilities on the site, while the Health Board will manage the addition of medical resources, and Pembrokeshire County Council will lead work on the site. The details of additional personnel required to support the effort, under the full guidance of the Health Board, are currently being worked up, and the facility will available to those in need as soon as possible.
Dr Phil Kloer, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Hywel Dda, said: “We have followed the situation in Italy closely to learn where possible and to help our planning. Our European colleagues have provided feedback that patient flow and throughput is a critical factor in response to COVID-19 pressures. Delivering these additional beds for patients will therefore be essential to help us manage patient flow over the coming weeks. We are extremely grateful for all of the support that we are receiving from Bluestone and Pembrokeshire County Council to help make this happen and am confident this facility will offer a good environment in which our patients can recover.”
Speaking following the announcement, William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone said: “We are living and operating in previously unimaginable circumstances. It is moments like these that it’s vital we come together to support each other – as family, as friends and as a community.
“It is right that Bluestone is utilised in this time of great national need. We all want – and need – to do whatever we can to make a difference and contribute to tackling the unfolding coronavirus emergency.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those who are personally affected by this unfolding situation.”
Cllr David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: ”We are very grateful to William and the Bluestone Team for coming forward and making the Bluestone site available. The facilities are going to provide significant additional resources to the local area as we battle the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
“I know that this is an uncertain and worrying time for residents across Pembrokeshire and Hywel Dda. The community is doing a truly heartening job of pulling together – and we will get through this together.”
Business
People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement
FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).
In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.
The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.
Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.
The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.
News
Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke
A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.
The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.
The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.
Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.
Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.
By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.
The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.
Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.
News
Tragic loss of pony spurs campaign for safer roads in west Wales
A WEST WALES woman has embarked on a mission to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Laura Grant, 58, faced an unthinkable ordeal last spring when her Welsh Mountain Section A pony, Katie, was fatally injured on a Carmarthenshire road, leading to a wider call for road safety reforms.
The incident unfolded as Grant, accompanied by a 15-year-old family friend, was enjoying a serene carriage drive with Katie and Billy, a Welsh cob. The tranquillity of their outing was shattered when an impatient van driver’s actions spooked Katie, causing her to bolt into a cattle grid despite her 700 miles of road experience. The tragedy of the situation is compounded by the fact that Katie, a rescue pony lovingly nurtured by Grant for four years, could not be saved.
Grant, devastated by the loss, reflected on the moment, wishing the outcome could have been different. “How I wish I managed to stop her or pulled her into the wall, but it happened so quickly,” she lamented. The incident has not only left a void in her heart but has also paused her passion for carriage driving.
In the wake of this loss, Grant is channeling her grief into advocacy, organising a “Pass Wide and Slow” ride in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, to honour Katie’s memory and promote awareness about safe driving near horses. The event, scheduled for September 14, underscores the urgent need for change.
Furthering her campaign, Grant has initiated a petition for “Katie’s Law” on change.org. This proposed legislation calls for the Highway Code’s advice — to pass horses at no more than 10 mph and maintain a two-metre distance — to be legally binding. The necessity of such measures is underscored by British Horse Society data, revealing 100 traffic-related equine incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion in 2023 alone.
Grant’s advocacy extends to urging the Carmarthenshire County Council for greater consideration of equestrian needs, advocating for the restoration and shared use of old riding routes now converted into cycle paths. “Give us back all our old riding routes… We need equestrian access plans for Carmarthenshire, Wales, or better still, the whole UK,” she implores, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
Katie’s legacy, marked by a gold rosette from the British Driving Society for her carriage-driving achievements, continues to inspire a movement towards safer, more inclusive roads.
As the community mourns a “pocket rocket” who brought joy to many, the call for action echoes loud, driven by a hope that Katie’s loss will pave the way for meaningful change.
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