News

Reluctant councillors close Sunnybank

Published

12 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”.

News

Cadw invites families to step into West Wales history this half-term

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STRATA Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle will host family events as part of Cadw’s May half-term programme.

FAMILIES in West Wales are being encouraged to explore historic sites on their doorstep this May half-term, with events planned at Strata Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle.

Cadw’s programme runs from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31, with activities across Wales aimed at bringing history to life for children and families.

At Strata Florida Abbey, near Pontrhydfendigaid, a craft fayre will take place on Sunday, May 24, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, featuring local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities and guided tours.

Laugharne Castle will host Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will perform giant bubble displays, bubble animals and frozen creations, with visitors able to join in and learn tricks.

Other West Wales events include a Children’s Activity Day at Strata Florida Abbey and HMS Wales Naval Living History at Laugharne Castle.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales.

“This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.”

Cadw said membership includes free event entry and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales, with children going free with any adult membership.

Business

Mayor opens new Sapphire showroom in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New Charles Street base brings windows and doors firm closer to Pembrokeshire customers

THE MAYOR OF MILFORD HAVEN has officially opened a new showroom for Sapphire Windows & Doors in the town centre.

The company welcomed visitors to its new base at 61 Charles Street on Monday (May 18), with Mayor Mark Woodward attending the opening.

Sapphire Windows & Doors, established in 1989, supplies and installs windows, doors and glazing products across South and West Wales.

The new Milford Haven showroom has been opened following growing demand from customers in Pembrokeshire, many of whom had previously travelled to the company’s Ammanford showroom.

The Charles Street premises will allow customers to view products in person, compare colours and finishes, try different styles, and speak directly with the Sapphire team.

Products on display include uPVC windows, composite and aluminium entrance doors, aluminium sliding and bifold systems, and internal and external Crittall-style aluminium and steel doors.

Shaun Matthews, Director of Sapphire Windows & Doors said: “We are incredibly excited to open our new Milford Haven showroom and welcome both returning and new customers through the doors.

“We have already received such a lovely welcome on Charles Street, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the local community.

“When people are investing in new windows and doors, it is important they feel confident in what they are choosing. The showroom gives customers the opportunity to properly see the products, explore the options available, try them for themselves and receive clear, honest advice from our team.”

The company manufactures its own uPVC products in-house at its factory in Ammanford, while installations are carried out by directly employed fitting teams.

Sapphire says it offers free, no-obligation quotes and takes a no-pressure approach to sales.

Every installation is backed by a ten-year guarantee and a FENSA insurance-backed warranty.

The new showroom is now open at 61 Charles Street, Milford Haven, SA73 1SA.

For more information visit sapphirewindows.info.

Community

Cardigan family’s urgent appeal after father suffers devastating stroke

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Former pilot left unable to speak or swallow after collapsing while mowing lawn

A CARDIGAN family has launched an urgent appeal for help after a 72-year-old father suffered a massive stroke while mowing his garden, leaving him unable to speak, swallow or move the right side of his body.

Les Bell collapsed on Monday, May 11, after suffering what doctors described as an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) – a serious form of haemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

His daughter, Jessica Grieve, said the bleed was extensive and that her father remains in a critical condition on an acute stroke ward.

The former pilot, who now works as a flight training consultant at Gatwick Airport, is currently being fed through a tube and can only communicate through eye contact, small nods and grunts.

Jessica said: “Dad has lost the right-hand side of his body, has to be tube fed as he’s not conscious enough to perform a swallow test, although it would seem the muscles on the right side of his throat aren’t working.

“He can’t talk. He can only communicate with brief eye contact, small nods and grunts.”

She added that doctors are still unable to predict her father’s long-term prognosis.

“We don’t know the prognosis, only time will tell, but he is in a critical condition and it’s likely to remain that way for some months,” she said.

The family is now facing a financial crisis after Les, who was the main income earner, became suddenly incapacitated.

Jessica said her father managed all household finances, while her mother is unable to work due to disabilities and her brother, Jake, is still suffering the effects of cancer treatment and cannot work full-time.

She is now applying for lasting power of attorney in order to access her father’s bank accounts, but said the process could take up to ten weeks.

In the meantime, the family say they are struggling to pay rent, bills and other essential costs.