News

£4.8m hospital funding signed off

Published

10 years ago

February 2, 2016

Elin Jones: ‘We’ve waited a long time for these investments’

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’s Helath Minister Mark Drakeford announced this week that the long-awaited £4.8m of funding for hospital buildings in Cardigan and Tregaron has been signed off.

The funding for the projects follows the submissions of business proposals by Hywel Dda Health Board and other partners. £1.8m will be spent on an integrated centre at Tregaron, to be operated jointly by Ceredigion Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and third-sector partners, including residential care, intermediate care beds and other services. £3m will be spent to begin construction of the replacement for Cardigan Hospital.

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, said: “We’ve waited a long time for these investments. I remember the campaigns in 2006, when both Cardigan and Tregaron hospitals were under threat. The journey since then has been long and, at times, tortuous, but this announcement means that construction work should begin on both sites in 2016.

“In Cardigan, I’m still of the view that provision needs to be made for in-patient beds at the new building, but the investment will still bring together a wide range of services in a modern, purpose-built centre. At Tregaron, there’s a real chance to pioneer the delivery of integrated services in a rural context with the Cylch Caron partnership between the Health Board, Ceredigion Council and the third sector.

“Healthcare close to people’s communities is crucial to how I see the NHS developing for the future. People in both Cardigan and Tregaron have had to fight hard for their areas, but I look forward to 2016 being the year where we see the plans come off the drawing board and begin to take shape on site.”

Ceredigion Lib Dem councillor Mark Cole commented on the news by saying: “It is very pleasing news that the assembly has signed off on the funding for the new Cardigan Hospital after many many years of waiting and delays from the assembly. My only concern remains that the detail of services to be provided does not include any beds and that is a campaign that will continue to be fought for.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.