News

Welsh Lib Dems announce community ambulance stations plan

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2024

THE Liberal Democrats have pledged a £50 million-a-year emergency fund, to allow ambulance trusts to reverse closures of community ambulance stations and cancel planned closures. The pledge, at a Westminster level, would result in at least £2.5 million extra a year for Wales.

The announcement comes as last month’s ambulance waiting time data shows that 2,724 red calls (54%) and 9,845 yellow calls (64%) missed their 8-minute and 60-minute target response times respectively.

Red calls include the most life-threatening situation while yellow calls include strokes and heart attacks.

The data shows that Powys and Cwm Taf Morgannwg are the worst affected regions with red calls in both health boards failing to meet the target response time in 59% of callouts.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated the additional £2.5 million a year could allow the Welsh Labour Government to open new community ambulance stations, particularly in rural parts of Wales where response times remain particularly poor.

This funding is in addition to the Liberal Democrats’ plan to invest in A&E to help end ambulance handover delays, with an upfront capital investment of £280m to expand urgent treatment centres and A&E wards and an additional £400m per year to add an extra 1,000 staffed beds in hospitals. Both of these plans would trigger consequential funding in Wales of £14 million and £20 million respectively.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Everyone should be confident that when they ring 999 in a life or death emergency, an ambulance will arrive in good time.

However, I am acutely aware that in many parts of Wales, especially in rural parts of Wales like where I live, this is simply not happening.

The evidence we have shows that this is costing lives and people are genuinely frightened that an ambulance won’t turn up if they fall sick or are seriously injured. We urgently need to change course.

The plans outlined by the Liberal Democrats would give extra funding to restore and open new ambulance stations and to train and hire paramedics and first responders.

This is in addition to our plans to fix social care and provide more GPs and primary healthcare appointments which would reduce the pressure on A&E departments and end the sight of ambulances queuing for hours outside of hospitals because they are unable to drop patients off.

A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal on health, ensuring everyone can get the high-quality healthcare they need, when they need it and where they need it, whether they live in a city centre or a rural valley.”

News

Cleddau Bridge closed to all traffic over concerns for man’s welfare

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE was closed to traffic on Saturday (Jun 29) after police were called over concerns for an individual.

An RNLI lifeboat from Angle Lifeboat Station as well as a local coastguard rescue team were also called out to standby.

The bridge remained closed between around 6.30pm and 8.30pm whilst crews dealt with the incident.

The emergency services have been asked for a comment.

News

Labour rallies support in Mid and South Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

LABOUR PARTY activists gathered at Pennar Hall, Pembroke Dock, to rally behind their candidate, Henry Tufnell, for the upcoming general election. The event, marked by cheering and the waving of red placards, highlighted what the party says is Labour’s commitment to change.

A notable attendee was the controversial First Minister, Vaughan Gething, who has recently faced backlash for accepting donations totalling £200,000 from a convicted criminal.

Tufnell has called the persistence of noxious odours from a landfill site owned by the convicted polluter who donated £200,000 to Vaughan Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership campaign “completely unacceptable” and deeply worrying for residents.

Further controversy erupted when he was accused of lying to the UK Covid Inquiry and deleting messages to avoid disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the donor, David Neal, is under scrutiny for potential environmental law violations and tax evasion related to waste disposal at the Withyhedge landfill near Haverfordwest, stirring local discontent due to noxious odours affecting the community.

Vaughan Gething’s presence, especially given the landfill’s proximity, raises questions about whether his involvement will help or hinder Tufnell’s campaign.

Later today (Sunday, Jun 30) Welsh Labour’s Deputy Leader, Carolyn Harris, will bring the Labour Battle Bus to Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

This visit aims to further energise the local base and attract undecided voters, underscoring Labour’s dedication to securing a win in this key constituency.

As the campaign heads into its final days, Tufnell and his team are hopeful, emphasising the need for fresh leadership in the region. However, the controversies surrounding Gething may influence local perceptions, and the overall impact on the election remains to be seen.

Although Labour are leading in the polls in Wales, they are not taking any chances here in Pembrokeshire. The arrival of the battle bus later today shows that the fight is still on between Tufnell and Crabb.

Community

Council issues Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme reminder

Published

8 hours ago

June 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have issued a reminder today that the Tenby summer pedestrianisation scheme starts on Monday, July 1st to Friday, September 13th.
The Walled Town is pedestrianised and traffic movements restricted between 11am and 5.30pm each day.
The council said: “Drivers are kindly requested to plan their journeys in advance to keep the Walled Town a traffic free zone during these times.”