FIONA and Vince Malone, owners of Tenby Stores, in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), met with Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro and Pembrokeshire County Councillor in the upcoming Senedd elections on May 7.

The meeting on Saturday, February 28, focused on the critical challenges facing independent retailers and followed the publication of the Fed’s manifesto for the Welsh election.

Key issues addressed during the meeting included the impact of rising business rates bills on small shops, as well as the significant social and economic value that post offices and convenience stores offer to their neighbourhoods. The Malones highlighted the rising costs resulting from above-inflation increases in the national minimum wage and higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) that have placed further financial strain on independent businesses such as theirs, and others across Wales and the rest of the UK.

The importance of post offices in providing essential banking facilities was emphasised, underscoring their role in sustaining local economies through their range of services including postal and banking as well as government services such as vehicle tax renewal and passport applications.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the pressing issue of retail crime. The Malones showed how they had taken steps to reduce this problem, including the implementation of extensive CCTV coverage and the utilisation of AI technology, but that the threat remained.

With the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in Wales on the horizon, the Malones expressed their support for initiatives aimed at improving recycling rates. However, they raised concerns regarding the inclusion of glass in the scheme in Wales, highlighting that it would be difficult for small shops to implement because of the dangers associated with broken glass and weight involved in moving it.

Vince Malone said: “I want to thank Marc again for his visit and discussing these important issues and for his clear interest. Fiona and I remain committed to advocating for the interests of small shops – as members of the Federation of Independent Retailers – working with all parties at the Senedd ahead of May’s election and beyond.”

Marc Tierney said: “Vince and Fiona are active retailers, who go the extra mile for their community and are well known for their advocacy for the independent retail sector, not just in Wales but across the UK. My visit highlighted the importance of their postal service, banking hub and convenience shop. Providing these services under one roof is exactly the type of model that can sustain services in our rural, coastal communities. I look forward to working with them in the run-up to the election and beyond.”

£2m upgrade aims to ease pressure on emergency department and improve care for patients

THE REFURBISHED Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Glangwili Hospital has reopened to patients and staff this week following a major £2 million upgrade.

On Monday (March 30), Hywel Dda University Health Board chief executive Dr Phil Kloer visited the unit to tour the new facilities and meet staff and patients.

The refurbishment was made possible by £2.096 million in Welsh Government funding and has delivered more consultation rooms, an improved reception area, and a brighter, more welcoming environment for both patients and staff.

Health board bosses say the upgraded SDEC is expected to reduce pressure on Glangwili’s emergency department and forms part of wider efforts to improve patient experience across acute hospital sites, as well as the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Dr Kloer said: “Thank you to everyone who has worked on this project. One of our biggest challenges as a health board is the unscheduled care system and how services in the community and hospitals connect, and SDEC plays a key role in that.

“I am delighted that we are opening the refurbished SDEC building. I’m really impressed with all the work that has been done, but really it is the people and the team that are most important.”

During his visit, Dr Kloer also paid tribute to Dr George Eltom, who played a central role in establishing the SDEC at Glangwili and who died around two years ago.

His memory has been woven into the unit through maple leaf artwork on the walls and windows, reflecting his dream of moving to Canada with his family. One of the consultation rooms has also been decorated with a blue butterfly in tribute to his love of Chelsea Football Club.

Dr Kloer said: “The fact that George’s memory has been embedded in the work is extremely important to everyone working here. I know that will mean a lot to all of us who knew him so well because he worked here for a long time. He was the heart and soul of it for so many years.”

One of the first patients to be treated in the refurbished unit was Anita Harmes, from Peniel, Carmarthen.

She said: “It’s my first time to visit the refurbished SDEC building and it’s absolutely fabulous. Hospital can be a scary place but this isn’t scary at all. How could you not be happy in here?”

Keith Jones, Hywel Dda’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance, said the investment would make a real difference.

He said: “We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the £2.096 million funding that has enabled us to increase the capacity of the SDEC at Glangwili.

“We anticipate that the refurbishments at SDEC will now help to reduce capacity pressures on the Emergency Department and enable our staff to provide a much smoother and swifter experience for patients in our care.”

Services temporarily moved to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward, have now returned to the SDEC building. These include the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit, previously based at the Priory Day Hospital, and the Primary Care Out of Hours Service.

Access routes for services that remained at the Priory Day Hospital during the work, including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy, have also returned to normal.

Patients and visitors are being advised to follow the permanent signage or ask staff if they need help finding their clinic.

Mr Jones added: “Patients will be informed of changes and the return of services to SDEC in their appointment letters. We would still ask patients attending any of the clinics affected to double-check their appointment letters for information about the location of their treatment. If unsure, patients can also call the department on the number in their appointment letter.”

Support announced for Pembrokeshire households using heating oil or LPG as fuel prices remain high

LOW-income households in Pembrokeshire that rely on heating oil or liquid petroleum gas could receive a one-off £200 payment to help with rising energy costs.

The support, funded by the Welsh Government, is aimed at households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme who use heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.

The announcement comes as fuel prices remain high amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Eligible households will be contacted directly by Pembrokeshire County Council and invited to apply. Those who receive a letter will need to confirm the type of fuel they use, with payments then made directly into their bank accounts.

Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the support, saying many people were continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures.

She said: “Many of my constituents are managing cost-of-living pressures and the conflict in the Middle East is driving up prices and exacerbating their anxieties.

“Alongside my Welsh Labour colleagues, I am dedicated to easing financial pressures for those in need. This £200 payment will provide immediate extra help, building on a package of support already in place for households and families who need it.

“I would urge everyone who is contacted by the local authority about this payment to claim the support they are entitled to. You will have six months to claim.”

The UK Government has allocated £3.8 million to Wales to help deliver the payment.

People in Mid and West Wales who are struggling financially but do not qualify for the one-off payment may still be able to get help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750, and applicants can apply twice in a 12-month period.

Since 2022, more than 230,000 people across Wales have received energy top-ups and fuel deliveries through the Fuel Bank Foundation’s fuel voucher and emergency heat fund schemes.

Support can also be accessed through local authorities and third sector organisations, including Citizens Advice.

Eluned Morgan added: “If you are struggling to heat your home, you can also contact Nest on 0808 808 2244. Their Warm Homes scheme provides free energy efficiency advice and improvements to Welsh households that qualify.”