News

Reluctant councillors close Sunnybank

Published

11 years ago

March 28, 2014

COUNCILLORS were very reluctant to accept the closure of Sunnybank Residential Care Home at the Cabinet meeting on Monday, March 10.

A number of staff from the care home also attended the meeting to hear the decision. On November 4, 2013, Cabinet agreed to consult on the future of the care home in Narberth.

After a thorough consultation period it was agreed that while there was a strong desire to keep Sunnybank open there were a number of other factors that would mean the home would have to be closed. Sunnybank is valued by the current residents and their families but only a small number of people choose to go there.

The building was built in the 1960’s and was originally home for 52 people but that was reduced to 26 in 2002. The council continued to maintain the premises but as of November 2013 there were only 11 people living in the home.

One of the key factors in the closure of the home was: ‘The condition of the building and the facilities at Sunnybank do not meet modern standards’.

The report also states that the council cannot meet the £3m that would be required to refurbish the home. Councillors also recognised that staff at the care home have done an excellent job but said that the decision had to be made while Cllr Simon Hancock added: “The quality of care of the staff is not in question”.

Councillor David Simpson said: “I’ve had many conversations with the local member (Cllr Wynne Evans) over the last few years. He has had to deal with the school closure, the pool closure but this is by far the worst for him and it is terribly sad that there will not be a satisfactory outcome for all”.

Cllr Elwyn Morse added: “My sympathy does go out to the staff. They have worked very hard and have worked tirelessly with those in the community”. One of the recommendations added that the closure would be sensitively and carefully managed with residents being supported to move to alternative accommodation of their choice as soon as practicable, something which councillors agreed was very important.

Cllr David Pugh said: “It is being carefully managed, not only for the residents but for the staff as well. We have reached a stage where the building is not fit for purpose and we have to make this decision”.

Cllr Jamie Adams said: “The fact that the number of units in accommodation in use is around a third of the capacity, there is obviously a reason why people aren’t choosing Sunnybank and there are other alternatives. We will do all we can to support staff throughout this process”.

After the meeting, Narberth councillor Wynne Evans told the Herald: “I am disappointed by the decision of cabinet to close Sunnybank after 51 years of serving the people of the county. I have been given assurances that all will be done to support the staff in the coming difficult months as well as the relocation of the current residents. I wish to add that I thought the council consultation process was very fair and comprehensive; this is a sad day not just for Narberth but the entire county”.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.