News
Haverfordwest: Perrots Lodge care home to close in Council cost cutting move
NINE council employees will be made redundant following a decision made by Pembrokeshire County Council today (Apr 25) to shut a local authority run care home in Haverfordwest.
At a meeting of the Cabinet this morning, members unanimously agreed that Perrots Lodge, which only opened in 2007, is too costly to run. The council heard that the facility houses up to eight persons and is focused on dementia care. Perrots Lodge, say the Council, is not a home for life and does not offer long term placements.
Cllr Simon Hancock told Cabinet: “Our other homes, Havenhurst in Milford Haven and Hillside Home in Goodwick; and where appropriate independent sector; will be able to take in the persons currently at Perrots lodge.”
He added “The nine people who are being made redundant will be given help to find alternative employment where possible.”
The cost of running Perrots lodge is £340,000 per year, with the cost of the lease of the building being £60,000.
On March 24, The Older Person Health and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Committee gave their support to the closure of the centre.
The money saved will go towards the £4 million on savings the Council needs to make in Adult Social Care.
In May, The Herald was contacted by a member of staff at Perrots Lodge, on Avallenau Drive, Merlin’s Bridge, to say that workers had been told in an emergency meeting that the centre was shutting, and staff were being transferred to Havenhurst in Milford Haven.
The staff member, who did not want to be identified at the time, said: “We were told that there was no redundancy if we left, we just have to accept that we are moving to the home in Milford Haven. We were told to lie to anyone making enquiries and say that beds at Perrots Lodge were double-booked and that clients would be cared for in Havenhurst.”
The source added: “We at the centre have got the impression that the place was being run down over the last few months, and our fears have been proved right.”
The centre had a good report from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales in 2014, which noted in a report that the service is welcoming and relaxed, and that people are appreciative of the peaceful environment.
A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald at the time: “Due to problems with staffing, the home is to close temporarily from Wednesday, May 20.”The spokesman added: “From that date all bookings are being diverted to Havenhurst in Milford Haven or other appropriate settings. Staff will also be relocated to Havenhurst to support the clients.”
They also said back then: “There will be no staff redundancies as a result of this temporary closure.”
Crime
Police issue warning following protests over baby abuse case
POLICE have issued a warning after two nights of protests outside a property in Burton, where demonstrators gathered in response to a court decision granting bail to a man accused of serious child abuse offences.
Officers were called to the address at around 7:00pm on Tuesday (Jan 28) following reports of a crowd forming outside the property. A second gathering took place the following night (Jan 29), prompting further police presence.
During the second protest, officers arrested two men—one aged 47 on suspicion of affray and another aged 58 on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Both have since been released on bail with conditions while investigations continue.
Police confirmed that body-worn footage from both incidents is being reviewed, warning that any individuals found to have committed offences will face further action.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder.
“We encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are conducted safely and with respect for the wider community.”
The demonstrations follow public outrage over the case of Christopher Phillips, 33, who has been charged with the sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, as well as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment causing serious physical harm. His co-accused, Bryony O’Rourke, faces related charges of allowing a child to suffer serious harm.
On Friday (Jan 25), Phillips was re-granted bail, sparking fury among locals, with around 40 people gathering outside the Burton property on Tuesday to voice their anger. The Herald understands that police at the scene informed protesters that Phillips was not present at the address.
One demonstrator told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’re here for the baby. It’s not right that people accused of such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free in the community.”
While initial reports described the protest as peaceful, police have now intervened following the second night of demonstrations, urging the public to express their concerns through legal means and avoid any actions that could lead to criminal charges.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
News
Fewer road casualties recorded in first year of Wales’ 20mph speed limit
THE FIRST year of Wales’ controversial 20mph speed limit saw around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on roads previously subject to 30mph restrictions, according to government figures.
New data on road casualties was cautiously welcomed by the Welsh Government, while former transport minister Lee Waters, who led the policy, described it as “the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”
Statistics indicate that road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads fell by 26% compared to the previous year, with ten fewer fatalities recorded. The period from July to September 2024 saw the lowest number of casualties on these roads since records began in 1979.
Policy controversy and review
The default speed limit on most urban roads was lowered from 30mph to 20mph on 17 September 2023, with certain exemptions in place. Introduced under former First Minister Mark Drakeford, the policy has been one of the most divisive initiatives since Welsh devolution, with nearly half a million people signing a petition demanding its repeal.
Public backlash prompted a review, and councils are now considering whether some roads should revert to 30mph. The Welsh Government has also commissioned a five-year study assessing the economic costs and benefits of the scheme, with findings expected in 2029.
Cautious optimism over casualty reduction
Government officials have urged caution in directly linking casualty reductions to the 20mph limit, noting that road collisions have been steadily declining over the past decade. The Welsh Government’s chief statistician has stated that at least three years of data are needed for a meaningful analysis of the policy’s long-term impact.
Figures released on Wednesday show that between July and September 2024, 410 road casualties were recorded on 20mph and 30mph roads. These included three fatalities, 90 serious injuries, and 317 minor injuries—a 35% reduction compared to the same period in 2023 and the lowest figures on record.
Over the full 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024, road casualties on these roads were 28% lower than the previous year.
Political reaction
Current Transport Secretary Ken Skates said the trend was “encouraging” and reiterated that the full effects of the policy would take time to assess.
“We know there is a way to go, and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy,” he said. “But to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.”
Former minister Lee Waters, now a Labour backbencher, told Herald.Wales: “We can now say with confidence that in its first year, the speed limit reduction represents the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”
However, the policy has divided opinion both within the Labour Party and among the wider public. First Minister Eluned Morgan has acknowledged that there were issues with its implementation.
The Welsh Conservatives remain critical of the rollout. Shadow Transport Secretary Peter Fox said: “While we welcome any decrease in road casualties, these figures don’t tell the whole story. Our concern remains the way the 20mph speed limit has been implemented.
“The Welsh Labour Government’s default approach has created confusion and frustration for drivers. Their current review must address these implementation issues and ensure a more sensible and effective approach.”
News
Carmarthenshire man found guilty of murder of Sophie Evans, 30,
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been convicted of murdering his son’s partner after falsely claiming she was scamming him out of his mother’s house deeds.
Richard Jones, 50, of Burry Port, was found guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 30) after a jury took less than three hours to reject his defence of diminished responsibility. He will be sentenced on Monday (Mar 3), when the court will determine the minimum term he must serve before being eligible for parole.
Harrowing details revealed
The court heard that Sophie Evans, 30, a mother of two, was found dead in her home on Bigyn Road, Llanelli, on Friday (Jul 5 2024). She had been strangled and left lying face down on the kitchen floor, covered only by a bath towel. A post-mortem confirmed she died from compression to the neck, with defensive wounds indicating she had fought for her life.
Jones, a regular visitor to Ms Evans’ home, was arrested later that day after making multiple calls and messages to family and friends. During police interviews, he admitted to killing her but claimed he had “lost his head” when she failed to acknowledge an alleged scam.
The jury was shown messages exchanged between Jones and his ex-partner, Tracey Thompson, in which he called his son, Jamie Davies, and Ms Evans “scamming thieves” and stated he had “taken care of the problem.”
Prosecution: ‘Callous indifference’
During the trial, consultant psychiatrist Dr Dilum Jayawickrama told the court that Jones was “100% certain in his beliefs” that he had been tricked into signing over his mother’s property. However, prosecutor Mike Jones argued that Jones “was not experiencing significant emotional distress” at the time of the killing and had shown “callous indifference” to his actions.
He highlighted Jones’ behaviour in the aftermath of the murder, including CCTV footage capturing him leaving the crime scene in a hurry before stopping at a bakery to buy food. Later, he returned home to Burry Port, where he was arrested.
‘Scumbag’ shouts in court
As Jones was led to the cells following the verdict, shouts of “scumbag” erupted from the public gallery. Jurors received applause from members of the public as they exited the courtroom.
Judge Geraint Walters told the court that the only sentence available for murder is life imprisonment. He will decide on Monday (Mar 3) the minimum number of years Jones must serve before being considered for release.
Until then, Jones remains in custody.
Speaking to The Herald after the case, Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, said: “The guilty verdict of the court is welcomed. Our thoughts at this time are with Sophie and the family and friends who loved her. Sophie was a young mother, beloved family member and friend. Richard Jones has been found guilty of what was a senseless, cowardly act triggered by anger and temper. Sophie was within her own home and not in a position to defend herself from Richard Jones’ cruel act of violence. The family will take some comfort that he’s now removed from society and cannot harm any others.”
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Anonymous
April 25, 2016 at 12:12 pm
This is so sad. A purpose built building for Dementia, Alzheimers, Younger onset dementia, is going to close. As good as Havenhurst is, it is not suitable for confused, elderly people, the place is in desperate need of up-grading, clients are just left to sit and watch tv, with no stimulation, as staff are too busy seeing to clients, who really need to be in nursing care. The staff ratio is not adequate to care properly for these clients. As usual, with the Council, it is money-minded. As for the poor staff, who face redundancy, there has been no support at all with finding alternative jobs, as there are none with the Council. Such a sad day for pembrokeshire.
Anonymous
April 26, 2016 at 8:49 am
Just when Mental Health is prominent in the media and discussions of why more money should be invested in this problem, Pembrokeshire Council in their infinite wisdom decides that Perrott Lodge should close! My Dad who has vascular dementia was a regular at Perrott Lodge to give my Mum a well deserved rest and since they have rehouse Hillside Residents there My Dad hasn’t been able to get respite care here for over a year! We were told it was reopening soon and I cannot belive that this much needed facility is now being closed! It’s not as if it is free for respite patients and where on earth is the companion for Mental Health patients who have worked hard, paid into the system all their lives and now when they need care are tossed aside! Really really disgusting!!!