News
Protestors: ‘Health meeting is a load of bull’
WITHYBUSH Hospital’s Conference Centre was the scene of protests on Thursday as the Local Health Board held its first executive board meeting in the county since confirming its intention to proceed with the imminent transfer of vital services from Haverfordwest to Carmarthen. Ahead of the meeting, the Herald spoke to some of those gathered outside: Heather Scammell from Haverfordwest told us: “It’s vitally important that we retain core services at Withybush. Carmarthen is just too far to get to in an emergency and I know from my own experience how vitally important it is to get there quickly when push comes to shove. “When he was 13, my son collapsed into a diabetic coma. He was rushed to A&E at Withybush and I was told he wouldn’t have made it in time to get to Carmarthen. He was in a paediatric ward for a week, in a high dependency unit and then on to an ordinary ward. He had open access to that ward as a child. “I could get there in five minutes, if there were subsequent problems. It was a safe environment for him to be treated in. If A&E had been reduced to a 12 hour service, my son would be dead. “My husband died in the intensive care unit five years ago; they are talking about reducing critical care. The three weeks he was there I could stay there and get there quickly. It was such an important part of his being ready to die and me coming to terms with what was happening. If he had died on the way to Glangwili I would probably still be in pieces. “We were also able to donate his organs which I regarded as so important, it helped me so much. We and the recipients of the organs would have been denied that. Just because they have decided to apply an urban model into a rural area where we don’t have the infrastructure. We do not trust the Health Board or the Welsh Assembly Government. “I think it’s partly a money saving issue and they have this model – everything is ‘sucked’ to Carmarthen. The roads deteriorate as you cross the border (into Pembrokeshire). Carmarthen voted them (the Assembly) in – we didn’t. “A hospital contributes so much to the economy. People, staff, will have to move away. The knock on effect will be massive. Already I know of one couple who have chosen not to retire down here because they don’t trust the Health Board to provide the health care they need. My mother was ill recently and I felt I couldn’t bring her down here. I no longer have the confidence it would have been safe to bring her down from Stafford.” Moira Lewis of Goodwick was even more trenchant in her criticism: “This is the slippery slope of downgrading Withybush Hospital”. Discussing whether the Board would address protestors’ concerns she said: “I walked out in disgust as I could see it was a whitewash and they were only here to put over only what they were going to do. They hadn’t taken any notice of the letters they had received, or the demonstrations. “I walked out when they started saying they were going to give evidence of a patient experience in Withybush, that had nothing to do with the cuts, it was about a woman with diabetes, how she arrived in hospital etc etc. “I said this has got nothing to do with what is going on in Withybush, this is a load of bull, it’s disgraceful – you haven’t listened to anybody and taken no notice of demonstrations. They (the Health Board) are determined to put through whatever changes they have suggested no matter what, to the detriment of people in the county and people will suffer as a result and there could be deaths. “It’s like we are becoming a third world country here. I don’t know what we can do – the Court of Human Rights maybe – we must discuss that with the SWAT committee.” The Pembrokeshire Herald can reveal that a key element of the muchvaunted “safety net” announced by Welsh Health Minister Mark Drakeford is still not finalised. The Special Care Baby Unit is due to close on August 4. An advertisement to crew the 24/7 single ambulance that will replace emergency maternity admissions in Withybush has a closing date 24 hours afterwards. That advertisement indicates that the Board is seeking 12 paramedic staff to replace inpatient consultant-led services for emergency mother and baby admissions, offering salaries of between £21,424 and £27,901 for a twelve month secondment. The fact that the secondment is only of one year’s duration adds fuel to concerns that the Board, which has not yet even begun to build the midwifeled unit scheduled for Withybush, and might seek to renege on its pledge to retain maternity services at the hospital. The Herald has been told by hospital staff that they have been told that if there are problems in delivering a midwife-led service at Haverfordwest, the Maternity Unit will close. The Herald also understands from hospital staff members that the Board has told them that they must transfer to Glangwili without compensation when their duties are redeployed or they will be deemed to have “voluntarily” left the Board’s employment. In a separate story the Herald asked the Health Board to comment on the rumoured withdrawal of the Out of Hours Doctors Service at South Pembs. The Board responded to our request and a spokesperson told us: “The rumour is not true. The service at South Pembrokeshire Hospital has not been withdrawn. We do regularly have an Out of Hours GP based there on a Saturday and Sunday mornings. Recently, due to ongoing shortages of GPs, there have been occasions when this has been unable to happen. On these occasions, the out of hours service is still available at Withybush Hospital.”
Community
Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire
Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts
A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.
In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.
The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.
The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.
In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.
The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.
While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.
He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Crime
Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed
Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service
A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.
Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.
The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.
During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.
Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.
The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.
As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.
A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”
The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.
On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.
The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.
An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.
Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.
A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.
Business
Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales
Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast
A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.
Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.
Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort
Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.
The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.
Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.
Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire
The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.
Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.
To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.
That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.
A growing wellness trend
Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.
Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.
At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.
Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.
Making the most of the coast
By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.
For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.
Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.
With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.
For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.
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