News
Haverfordwest: Perrots Lodge care home to close in Council cost cutting move
NINE council employees will be made redundant following a decision made by Pembrokeshire County Council today (Apr 25) to shut a local authority run care home in Haverfordwest.
At a meeting of the Cabinet this morning, members unanimously agreed that Perrots Lodge, which only opened in 2007, is too costly to run. The council heard that the facility houses up to eight persons and is focused on dementia care. Perrots Lodge, say the Council, is not a home for life and does not offer long term placements.
Cllr Simon Hancock told Cabinet: “Our other homes, Havenhurst in Milford Haven and Hillside Home in Goodwick; and where appropriate independent sector; will be able to take in the persons currently at Perrots lodge.”
He added “The nine people who are being made redundant will be given help to find alternative employment where possible.”
The cost of running Perrots lodge is £340,000 per year, with the cost of the lease of the building being £60,000.
On March 24, The Older Person Health and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Committee gave their support to the closure of the centre.
The money saved will go towards the £4 million on savings the Council needs to make in Adult Social Care.
In May, The Herald was contacted by a member of staff at Perrots Lodge, on Avallenau Drive, Merlin’s Bridge, to say that workers had been told in an emergency meeting that the centre was shutting, and staff were being transferred to Havenhurst in Milford Haven.
The staff member, who did not want to be identified at the time, said: “We were told that there was no redundancy if we left, we just have to accept that we are moving to the home in Milford Haven. We were told to lie to anyone making enquiries and say that beds at Perrots Lodge were double-booked and that clients would be cared for in Havenhurst.”
The source added: “We at the centre have got the impression that the place was being run down over the last few months, and our fears have been proved right.”
The centre had a good report from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales in 2014, which noted in a report that the service is welcoming and relaxed, and that people are appreciative of the peaceful environment.
A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald at the time: “Due to problems with staffing, the home is to close temporarily from Wednesday, May 20.”The spokesman added: “From that date all bookings are being diverted to Havenhurst in Milford Haven or other appropriate settings. Staff will also be relocated to Havenhurst to support the clients.”
They also said back then: “There will be no staff redundancies as a result of this temporary closure.”
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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