News
Delay in renal unit is unacceptable, says AM
THE LATEST DELAY in the opening of the much needed new Renal Unit at Withybush Hospital has been met with fierce criticism from AM, Paul Davies.
Building work for the new £7.8 million unit was completed earlier this year, and since then the brand new building has been lying empty. The Welsh Renal Network that led this project has blamed changes to the original legal contract for the tender, and now it is understood that the earliest the unit could be operational is mid-September. Commenting on the matter, Paul Davies said: “I am angry at these continuing delays in the opening of this facility. My office has been in contact with the Welsh Renal Network over a period of months and I have been advised of one delay after another. “To have the building lying empty for at least six months and possibly more is totally unacceptable. I have had a number of constituents contact me to express their anger that they have to continue travelling to Carmarthen for their dialysis, sometimes leaving Pembrokeshire very early in the morning, literally passing the door of the empty building.” Mr Davies added “The Minister for Health and Social Services said in the Senedd in May that he was confident that the facility would open in July. Sadly, his confidence has been unfounded and these on-going delays have continued. “I have now written to the Minister to highlight this continuing shambles and to ask him to take the necessary action to allow this unit to finally open. I have also asked the Minister to carry out a thorough review into what has gone so badly wrong with this tendering process so that lessons can be learnt for future projects.”
Community
Locals’ concern as St Davids scout hut threatened with demolition
THERE is widespread concern over the future of St David’s Scout Hut in Ffynnon Wen, which faces potential closure and demolition.
Built in 1992 through public donations and local craftsmanship, the hut has served as a vital community hub. Despite being a cherished venue for numerous groups and events, its future is now uncertain as the Scouts can no longer manage the facility.
The hut, situated on land owned by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), was offered to St David’s City Council by the Scouts in an effort to save it from demolition.
A generous offer of a 125-year rent-free land lease from PCC accompanies this proposal. The Scout association expressed hope that, should scouting resume in St Davids, the group would be welcomed back under the same terms currently extended to other community groups.
The urgency of the situation brought together over 70 locals for a fundraising coffee morning at the hut, raising £312. The event underscored the community’s strong desire to preserve this facility, with attendees expressing enthusiastic support for its continued use.
The city council is expected to meet soon to decide whether to accept the building and lease the land. Vicky Swales, representing the Scout Hut Supporters Group, highlighted the importance of the hut for activities involving adults with learning disabilities, praising its accessibility and the benefits it provides to participants.
County Councillor Bethan Price reflected on the gathering, noting the community’s strong connection to the hut and their collective determination to save it. Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, also voiced support, stressing the importance of such community spaces in tourist-heavy areas like St Davids.
Residents are encouraged to show their support by signing a petition, joining a dedicated Facebook group, and contributing to a crowdfunding initiative aimed at securing the hut’s future.
You can view/sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/SaveOurScoutHut and join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327075857010593/. There is also a crowdfunding page to support the campaign here: https://gofund.me/bea77036
Community
Water supply disruption in Hakin, Milford Haven due to burst pipe
RESIDENTS of Hakin in Milford Haven may be facing water supply issues after a burst water main was discovered in the area. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed the incident, which has occurred on their network, and is likely to affect the water pressure or result in a complete cut-off.
The company issued a notification at 11:53 AM today (May 2), detailing the problem and advising local residents of possible low water pressure or a lack of water supply until the issue is resolved. The affected post code is SA73 3AB, where the burst pipe was located.
The status of the repair work is currently at ‘Stage 1 – Investigation’, with both the estimated start and completion of the repair set for today, May 2nd, 2024. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident and urges residents to check their website for updates.
Local authorities and emergency services are coordinating to minimise the disruption and ensure that residents have access to alternative water supplies if necessary.
Residents can stay informed by visiting the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water digital service portal or by subscribing to updates from the utility provider. The company has also provided a link for those wishing to unsubscribe from notifications, ensuring that only those directly affected or interested receive the latest updates.
Crime
Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.
The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.
The victim did not sustain any injuries.
The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by:
| https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
| Direct message us on social media
| 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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