News

AM petitions council over Avenue Centre

Published

9 years ago

February 2, 2016

Future uncertain: The Avenue Centre (Pic M Hillen)

LABOUR’s Joyce Watson AM has intervened in the campaign to save Tenby’s Avenue Social Activity Centre.

Pembrokeshire Council is consulting the public on the future of the centre, which is currently used by 38 adults with learning disabilities.

An online petition opposing the threatened closure has more than 1,100 signatures.

Pembrokeshire Council has now said it will take more time to consider the future of the facility, according to a letter from Pembrokeshire Council’s director of adult services, Pam Marsden to the AM.

On January 15, Joyce Watson wrote: “I was very pleased today to hear that Pembrokeshire County Council is taking more time to consider the future of this important facility.

“This extra time will allow proper assessments to be carried out for the users of the SAC to ensure that any future reports to Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet contains up to date and relevant information.

“I can see that the current building is in need of repair, but was disappointed that the report that went to the cabinet in November did not contain options for alternative accommodation for the facility. Relatives and users of the centre are keen to protect the model of care currently provided. They consider this model to be excellent. I’ve also been told that the November report has had a demoralising impact on the centre’s staff.

“I look forward to reading the new report when it is available.”

Announcing the consultation last November, Ms Marsden said the proposed move is set against the background of a shift in care away from dependency to ensure that people are supported to live as independently as possible:

“The Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) details a vision which is about maximising independence and connecting people to their communities,” she said.

“This coupled with a rise in expectations and demand sits alongside the need for the Council to deliver significant efficiency savings over the next few years.”

Mrs Watson is urging people to have their say before the consultation closes at midday on Friday, February 26.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.