A FOOTPATH overlooking Pembroke’s historic castle has been closed on health and safety grounds after a landslip, with residents warned to stay away from the closed area after a member of the public had to receive medical treatment.

A Pembrokeshire County Council statement on the footpath closure from the town’s Corn Store to Rocky Park, has been shared by Pembroke county councillor Jonathan Grimes after receiving concerns from residents about the landslide on the north bank of Castle Pond.

“Given the most recent slippage of land from areas directly above the footpath, including damage/failure of a street light column, we have unfortunately had to place a closure on the effected section of footpath on the grounds of health and safety concerns and increased risk(s) associated with the landslide event.

“Effected areas have been made safe (power isolated to the column), but given the popularity of the footpath and high levels of footfall no other decision could be made other than closure.

“Again, unfortunately, members of the public have removed temporary barriers and appropriate signage and continued to traverse the area of slippage, which in turn has led to an accident occurring with a member of the public falling over the street light column and having to receive medical treatment in A&E.

“Efforts have been made earlier today to provide a more robust set of measures to prevent access to the north bank of the Castle Pond, until further investigations can be commissioned in relation to the areas of slippage and potential solutions toward remediation of the bank.

“We will make every effort to keep you updated with progress.”

Local ward member, and council leader, Cllr Jon Harvey said: “The closure has been made again on the grounds of health and safety and increased risk to members of the public due to the landslip.

“Officers are continuing to work on a solution to remediate following the landslip, although I understand that this is being complicated by land ownership issues.”

Cllr Harvey later added the initial closure had taken place after recent heavy rains and storms, with barrier inplace until a bank adjoining the path is stabilised.

He said discussions had been taking place with nearby landowner Ateb which had had structural engineers looking at the situation.

Cllr Harvey also said the residents of nearby shelted accomodation Croft Court had raised their concerns, with a meeting due to take place with them.

He said that, while the closure was inconvenient for residents, “public safety is all important.”

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “At this location the Park Authority is responsible for providing directional signage to enable Coast Path walkers to follow the route of the Coast Path.  Following a landslip, we have provided temporary signage on site to guide Coast Path walkers along an alternative route.”

Pembrokeshire County Council added: “A recent landslip above the footpath has resulted in a damaged streetlight which then required the closure of the affected footpath. Power to the damaged streetlight column has been isolated and the area made safe.

“Despite the closure of the path, some members of the public have removed barriers and signage. Therefore, stronger measures have now been put in place to prevent access to the north bank of the Castle Pond while investigations and remediation options are pursued to address the landslide by the landowner.

“Further updates will be provided as work progresses and timelines are known.”

CARDIGAN’S Same Day Urgent Care (SDUC) service will open for longer over the next two weekends as Hywel Dda University Health Board responds to increased demand across the local health system.

The service, based at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre (SA43 1JX), brings together urgent GP-style care, minor injuries and some same-day urgent treatment in one place. It is aimed at people who need urgent help for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening, and offers an alternative to attending an emergency department.

The SDUC unit will be open from 9.00am to 5.00pm on:

Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25
Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1

Patients are asked to call 01239 807019 before attending wherever possible, to speak to a triage nurse who can offer advice and, if appropriate, arrange an appointment time.

Hywel Dda stressed that the extended weekend opening is a short-term, temporary measure. Outside the dates listed, the service will continue to operate during its usual weekday hours, Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm.

The health board also confirmed that X-ray facilities will not be available during the weekend openings. However, patients are still being encouraged to phone the triage line for guidance before travelling to the site.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are temporarily extending the opening of the Cardigan Same Day Urgent Care service over the next two weekends to help manage current pressures across our health system.

“If you feel that you, or a loved one, needs to attend, please phone us on 01239 807019 before coming. This helps ensure people receive the right care, in the right place, and at the right time.”

Anyone unsure which service they need can find advice via the health board’s “Help us help you” guidance online, covering services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

THANKS to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has funded a Sorrento tilt and recliner chair worth £2,694 for Ward 4, the Cardiology and Gastroenterology Ward at Prince Philip Hospital.

The Sorrento tilt and recliner chair is designed to maximise patient comfort when sitting out of bed, providing postural support and pressure redistribution. It is adaptable to the needs of each patient, with seat depth and width adjustability, a removable seat cushion, and a variable back angle and footplate.

Julia Hippsley, Senior Sister, said: “We’re incredibly grateful that generous donations to Angharad Ward have enabled us to purchase the new Sorrento tilt and recliner chair for Ward 4.

“This chair will be a great help in caring for the patients who are unable to sit in a normal chair. The tilt and recliner chair allows these patients to be transferred from bed, offering independence and promoting their wellbeing.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We are delighted to have been able to fund the new Sorrento chair for Ward 4. Thanks to the generosity of our local communities, we’re able to fund items and activities which go beyond what the NHS can normally offer. Every donation makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for each one.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to https://hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales/