News
Ongoing support planned as Day Opportunities provision changes
ONGOING support for people who attend the Anchorage, Bro Preseli and Lee Davies Day Centres and their families remains the highest priority during required changes to Day Opportunities provision in Pembrokeshire, Council Cabinet Members have heard.
Meeting on Monday, Cabinet Members backed a proposal that ensured additional time has been built-in to ensure a smooth transition for service users to continue to access Day Opportunities as close to their homes as possible.
There was a strong emphasis that nobody who attends Anchorage, Bro Preseli or Lee Davies would be left without provision following the changes and there will be continued work with service users and their families going forward.
Consultation in 2019 with service users, stakeholders and partners had looked to develop a new model for Day Opportunities in Pembrokeshire and since Covid there has been a substantial fall in the number of people attending Day Centres.
A more sustainable means of supporting day opportunities for older people and people with disabilities were set out in the Council’s 24/25 budget setting process.
The Council has proposed to exit service level agreements with the Bro Preseli Day Centre in Crymych and the Lee Davies Day Centre in Narberth in favour of a social enterprise model.
These social enterprise models have followed a lengthy period of working with partners and will allow flexibility of service provision and further strengthen links between PCC and the Third Sector.
The reconfiguration of Day Opportunities will, however, result in the closure of the Anchorage Day Centre, Pembroke Dock.
All people attending the Anchorage and their families have been involved in discussions relating to future Day Opportunities and chosen future options.
Meadow Park Day Centre has capacity to support all of the current service users from the Anchorage and direct transport will be provided to Meadow Park for those who wish to take up the opportunity,
Officers have also identified community based opportunities in Pembroke Dock.
Members backed the recommendation to close the Anchorage Day Centre with effect from 1st November 2024 and establish social enterprise models in Bro Preseli and Lee Davies Day Centres from 1st April 2025.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “In Pembrokeshire, we want older people and people with disabilities to have a range of meaningful things to do, in their local communities that provides purpose, connection and where appropriate, progression.
“We have at every step tried to balance the needs of the service users and their families with the requirement for change and we will continue to support all service users as we go through this process.
“We have worked hard to identify alternative and suitable provision for all service users and put the direct bus in place from the Anchorage to Meadow Park after listening to feedback.
“I wish to emphasise that no service users will be left without provision following the decision here today and we will continue to work closely with everyone to ensure a positive outcome for all day opportunities users.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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