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News

Allied Healthcare to ‘minimise disruption’ as it looks to sell and transfer services

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ALLIED HEALTHCARE, who provide care services across Pembrokeshire, is exploring a range of options which include ‘the sale or transition of care and support services’, the Herald can reveal.

An employee from the troubled firm, who wished to stay anonymous, has shown the Herald a letter which has been sent to all employees this afternoon (Nov 16).

In the letter, the company says that the firm is looking to ‘minimise disruption to continuity of care’.

They go on to add that ‘our absolute priority will be to maintain continuity of care for our service-users and minimise disruption to you, our employees’.

In a letter to the employees, Narinder Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said: “As you know, early last week, CQC Market Oversight – the Regulator that monitors large social care providers in England – issued what is known as a Stage 6 Notification to our Local Authority customers in England. This type of notification is intended to inform Commissioners that a Company is at risk and therefore Local Authorities or CCGs should consider making plans to ensure continuity of care.

“Unfortunately, I am writing to you today to inform you that, because of the impact of the Stage 6 notification on our business, and because the upcoming winter period is when ensuring continuity of care is most challenging, we have taken the decision to actively explore a range of options in order to minimise disruption to continuity of care.

“This will include the sale or transition of care and support services on a regional or contract-by-contract basis to alternative providers best placed to deliver care at a local level. This process will be conducted in close cooperation with all our customers.”

The letter goes on to reassure employees that they are ‘likely’ to be transferred to a new provider.

“It is our intention to transfer all of our Contracts to other providers.  This will mean that you are likely to transfer out to a new provider. When arranging the transition of our services to alternative providers, our absolute priority will be to maintain continuity of care for our service-users and minimise disruption to you, our employees.

“We will continue to trade safely while this transition process is underway and, during this period, there will be no changes to the terms of employment, salary or benefits of our employees. To reiterate, this means that you will continue to be employed by the Company and receive pay and benefits while the transition of our care services is arranged.

“I understand that this news will come as a surprise to you and may be unsettling. Please be assured that we will continue to do all we can to support you throughout this period and will respond to any concerns or questions you have throughout the process.

“On behalf of the Executive team and myself, I would like to offer our most sincere thanks for the continued support and efforts you have shown to the business during this very difficult time. We continue to remain committed to supporting you, our employees and Allied.”

A spokesperson for Allied Healthcare said: “The Stage 6 notification has negatively impacted Allied Healthcare, leading a number of customers to transfer care services to alternative providers, and disrupting staff retention and recruitment.

“These developments have intensified the impact of the challenging environment within which we operate and come immediately prior to the Christmas period, when pressures on care providers are at their highest. This has also meant that we have had to re-evaluate our long-term business plan.

“We are therefore actively exploring a range of options in order to minimise disruption to continuity of care, including the sale or transition of care and support services on a regional or contract-by-contract basis to alternative providers best placed to deliver care at a local level. Such sales or transitions will involve the transfer of staff. This process will be conducted in close cooperation with our customers.

“We continue to trade safely while this process is underway. RBS as our existing lender has agreed to extend our current credit line by up to three weeks beyond 30 November, enabling us to deliver safe continuity of care whilst we explore and implement these options.

“We will work closely with the CQC and all commissioners of care to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the care that we provide across the UK whilst this transition takes place. Continuity of care is our number one priority.”

Pembrokeshire County Council said it would like to reassure Allied Healthcare service users and their families that it has robust contingency plans in place ‘to ensure the continuity of care for customers of Allied Healthcare’

“Those plans will now be implemented”, a spokesman said.

In a statement, the Authority added: “County Council officers and staff at Allied Healthcare will continue to work closely with each other and with health colleagues and the Welsh Government to
ensure that continuity of care is maintained through this challenging time.

“We will continue to keep service users and their families briefed as the situation unfolds.
If customers do have any concerns over the weekend, they are advised to contact Allied Healthcare.”

Business

Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

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A BRAND-NEW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine Sands.

The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families, residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns—offering a light-hearted challenge for players of all ages.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”

Course now open daily

The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.

Visitor information

Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands
Opening hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm daily
Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4

For more information, visit www.cabanpendine.wales or follow @CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.

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Community

Western section of Tywi Valley Path opens to the public

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THE FIRST section of the Tywi Valley Path has officially opened to the public today (Friday, April 11), marking a significant milestone in one of Carmarthenshire’s most ambitious infrastructure and tourism projects.

Stretching approximately four miles from Abergwili to Nantgaredig, the newly completed western section is now accessible to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, offering a traffic-free route through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Wales.

A bird’s eye view of the route, between Nantgaredig and Whitemill, has also been released, showcasing the natural beauty and scenic value of the area.

Once fully completed, the Tywi Valley Path will run for 16.7 miles from Abergwili to Ffairfach, following the meandering route of the River Tywi as it flows from Llandeilo to Carmarthen. The route will pass through castles, country parks, historic estates, and tourist attractions such as Aberglasney Gardens.

The full path is expected to be open by autumn or winter 2025 and has been supported by £16.7 million in funding from the UK Government.

It is anticipated that the path will attract visitors from across Wales, the UK and beyond, with projections suggesting it could generate £4.4 million annually for the local economy. The council is working alongside existing and new leisure operators, accommodation providers, and event organisers to maximise the benefits of the new route.

Access to the western section is available from Abergwili Museum and the B4310 near Nantgaredig Rugby Club. Parking is provided at both the museum and the Railway Hotel in Nantgaredig, where refreshments are also available. Confident users can also access the path from Carmarthen town centre.

Bins have been installed at key points along the path, and users are reminded to dispose of litter and dog waste responsibly.

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said:

“We’re delighted to officially open this western section of the Tywi Valley Path in time for the Easter holidays. This first-class, traffic-free path offers families, day visitors, and tourists an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique and breathtaking beauty of the Tywi Valley.

“I am looking forward to opening the whole path, from Abergwili to Ffairfach later in the year. Once completed, the Tywi Valley Path will not only enhance the charm and access to our local towns and villages but also significantly boost tourism throughout the county, bringing significant economic benefits.”

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News

Milford Haven to receive £6m boost for new transport hub

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MILFORD HAVEN is set to benefit from a £6 million investment in a major new transport project aimed at transforming the town’s connectivity.

The Welsh Government has announced funding for the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of a wider £27 million investment in transport infrastructure across South West Wales.

The funding will kickstart construction on the long-anticipated project to redevelop Milford Haven train station, creating a modern transport hub that will include a dedicated bus interchange, taxi rank, improved public realm areas, and new active travel links for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme, led by Pembrokeshire County Council, received an additional £1.4 million in capital funding from the local authority earlier this year. It forms part of broader efforts to enhance access to and from the town, supporting both residents and visitors.

Deputy council leader Paul Miller said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now, and I’m delighted we’re in a position to move these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right, but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.”

The plans include relocating the existing rail platform to improve integration with other forms of transport, a formalised car park, and a new layout connecting the station directly with the nearby retail area.

Mr Miller added: “A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.”

He confirmed that the council is continuing discussions with both the Welsh and UK Governments, as well as Great Western Railways, to restore direct high-speed intercity services to the town.

The new interchange will also link with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, supporting tourism and future urban development.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity — not just for visitors but, more importantly, for our residents.

“The associated works will enhance safety, improve parking, and provide a much-needed focal point for public transport in the town.”

The project will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

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