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News

Desperate plea to save Anchorage Day Centre, Pembroke Dock

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AN impassioned plea to give Pembroke Dock’s closure-threatened Anchorage day centre a breathing space, a potential victim of the need for cash-strapped Pembrokeshire County Council to balance its books, was made at County Hall this week.

The county council is currently changing care provision for older adults and those with learning disabilities, and fears have been raised recently that Pembroke Dock’s Anchorage day care centre is to close.

A series of engagement events have taken place at The Anchorage recently, outlining the reasons and the options in continued service.

The Anchorage Day Care Centre in Pembroke Dock has been a “safe and happy place” for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs for decades.

In more recent years it has expanded to support elderly dementia sufferers.

At the July 18 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members received two petitions calling for the council to reverse a decision to close day centres in Pembroke Dock, Crymych and Narberth.

Speaking at the meeting, Anchorage petition creator Peter Welsh  – who said there had been no real consultation on the proposals – was joined by many of the service users in the public gallery at County Hall, Haverfordwest.

He launched an impassioned plea for the centre to remain open, saying of the service users: “They are a family, a happy group of individuals that enjoy being together in safety at their home, the Anchorage.

“They are effectively voiceless, we will be their voice.

“It’s an injustice; inexcusable targeting of the vulnerable. Please don’t use these vulnerable individuals as pawns for a money-saving gain.

“We may lose this battle today, but I hope not; they need your support. Just imagine if it was your son or daughter or grandchild being put through this uncertainty that is affecting their lives; you would feel the same sense of anger as us.”

To thunderous applause from the gallery, he finished: “July 18, 2024; for those in the gallery, today it is their day, their lives; yet it could be today that is also your day. Today we appeal to you on their behalf, today you have an opportunity to right a wrong.”

Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson said the service was moving away from being building-based and the council was facing immense financial pressures.

Cllr Hodgson said that was exacerbated by a last-minute cut in the 2024 council tax rise, from an expected 16 to 12.5 per cent, which had contained warnings of dire service cuts.

Along with this were building repairs costs of well over £300,000 needed , as well as a decline in numbers attending the centre, especially post-Covid, members heard.

Chief Executive Will Bramble said the pressures on social services in the county were so high that the 12.5 per cent council tax increase did not even meet the demands of that department alone, adding: “The only reason we were able to have a balanced budget was by cutting services in order to have a balanced budget.”

Local Pembroke Dock councillor Tony Wilcox said a purpose-built facility, part of the nearby Pembroke South Quay development, expected to be completed in a few years, could provide a new home for the service users, asking they remain where they are until that was completed.

“I feel strongly that Cabinet should reconsider keeping the Anchorage open as it is, for a period of two or three years before the new facility opens.”

He was joined by fellow Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall, who had originally opened the Anchorage “many, many years ago”.

“The South Quay move would’ve been perfect, but they haven’t started building it yet; why can’t they just leave them where they are until the building is completed? It’s not a lot to ask and it would probably save money.”

He later said: “I think it is a sin to all the clients there; what harm is it keeping them there for three years? A lot of these clients are closer to Pembroke than Pembroke Dock; I hope the Cabinet will leave them stay there for three years; three years is all we ask, it’s the way forward to keep people happy that are there now.”

The factor of a lower council tax increase putting the centre in jeopardy was raised by Cllr Maureen Bowen, who said: “I’m so sorry for the stress this has caused everyone,” adding: “I voted for a low budget knowing these changes were going to happen; sometimes we know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.”

The final word went to Mr Welsh, who had disputed the building not being fit for purpose.

“For the time being keep the Anchorage going, as Cllrs Wilcox and Hall said, keep these guys where they’re comfortable and where they are happy.”

A report on the Anchorage Centre is expected to come before the September meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, ahead of any final decision.

Community

St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

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THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).

The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.

A legacy of faith and unity

St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.

Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:

“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”

These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.

A symbolic exchange

The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.

Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”

The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.

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Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

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EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police say they received a call reporting the incident at around 4:30pm.

Tragically, a 15-year-old girl has passed away, it has been confirmed.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.

Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.

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News

Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

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THREE people were taken to hospital following a collision on the A477 near Cleddau Bridge on Monday (Mar 17).

The crash, which involved three vehicles, happened shortly before 9:00am between Cleddau Bridge and Honeyborough roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene, and both lanes of the road were closed for nearly two hours.

One lane reopened at 10:45am, with the road fully cleared by 10:55am.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police attended a three-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 just before 9:00am. Three people were taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.”

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