50% jump from March as Health Board says charges must increase to maintain “high-quality care”

WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL staff with young children have raised concerns over a steep rise in crèche fees which they say could leave some parents questioning whether it is worth staying in work.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed the hourly rate at the Withybush Crèche will increase from £4.50 per hour to £6.50 per hour from March 2026.

Parents told The Herald the increase will hit families with children under three particularly hard, as they do not qualify for the same level of childcare support available to older children.

One parent of a two-year-old said the change could add around £450 a month for parents using the service five days a week, warning that once childcare is taken into account, their partner — who works in an administrative role at the hospital — would effectively be “working for £20 a day”.

In a statement, Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “From March 2026, we will need to increase the hourly rate for our childcare fees at Withybush Crèche from £4.50 per hour to £6.50 per hour, which is broadly in line with other local service providers. Our fees have remained the same for several years, but to continue to provide the high-quality care children attending our crèche deserve, we now need to make this adjustment.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and follows a rigorous review into how we could offer best value for money for parents using the service.

“We have sent letters to parents explaining the changes and are inviting parents who have any questions or would like to talk this through to get in touch with us.”

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Apple Pressing 2026’, a project made possible with support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund.

The funding has enabled the Trust to purchase a mains-powered Speidel 2.2kW apple press, replacing the manual equipment previously used by National Park Rangers in their popular community apple-pressing workshops.

The upgraded press improves safety, efficiency, and accessibility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to take part in apple pressing while learning about traditional orchards, Welsh heritage apple varieties, and sustainable food production. Workshops will take place across Pembrokeshire, including Carew Castle and other community venues. There’s even a hint of something special with Bluestone this coming year, so get collecting your apples!

Apple pressing sessions engage schools, families, and community groups, promoting hands-on learning, intergenerational participation, and a deeper connection to the natural environment. By making the workshops safer, faster, and more productive, the project will expand opportunities for communities to engage with local food traditions and biodiversity.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re so glad to see the project coming to life. We’re proud to support a project that’s hands-on, educational, and great for communities across Pembrokeshire!”

This project is part of the Trust’s ongoing mission to conserve and enhance the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, support biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and connect communities with the outdoors. The new press will be branded with Bluestone’s logo, highlighting their commitment to community wellbeing and environmental engagement.

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Support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund has enabled the launch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust’s ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ project.

Owner banned from keeping animals for ten years after RSPCA prosecution

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after failing to seek veterinary treatment for her dog’s facial injury.

Candice Mottram, of Milton Crescent, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of a dog under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 15).

The court heard that her black labrador, Andy, was found with a large piece of skin hanging from the left side of his face and a strong smell of infection coming from the wound. The dog was also underweight when he was examined, but has since made a good recovery in RSPCA care.

As well as the disqualification order, Mottram was given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to complete 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and agreed to be fitted with an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days. She was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

The RSPCA became involved after Dyfed-Powys Police contacted the charity on April 5 last year, reporting a dog in distress at the property.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton attended and found Andy with the facial injury. In a statement to the court, she said: “Andy had a huge flap of skin hanging from the left side of his face. There was a very strong smell of infection and where the skin had come off his mouth was bright red.

“The defendant told me the last time the dog had seen a vet was two weeks previously.”

However, checks later carried out by RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben with local veterinary records found that Andy had not been seen by a vet since 2021.

A vet who examined Andy described him as being in poor body condition, with ribs and pelvic bone visible, and scored him two/three out of nine on the Body Condition Score scale, where five is considered ideal. The injury was described as extended, with a purulent discharge and foul smell, and was believed to be either an old wound or a burst abscess.

Andy underwent surgery to remove the hanging skin flap and the wound was treated.

In mitigation, the court was told Mottram has severe problems with alcohol abuse and suffers from mental health issues.

The district judge described Mottram’s behaviour as “inexcusable and shocking”.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Hogben said: “It was a shock to see how bad Andy’s facial wound was. We don’t know how the injury was sustained. He may have caught his mouth on some wire and it became very badly infected. But the wound was obvious and the defendant had plenty of time to get the poor dog to a vets.

“Thankfully, Andy’s wound healed up nicely and he has been doing really well in the care of one of our foster carers. We are hoping he will be rehomed as soon as possible as he is a lovely dog.”

Andy spent time at one of the RSPCA’s animal centres before being placed with a foster carer. The charity said he has gained weight, his wound has healed, and he is expected to be ready for rehoming soon.