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A further two Pembrokeshire day care centres may close if petitions fail

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TWO PETITIONS, calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to keep day care centres in the county open have been launched, with the creator of one calling on all affected to unite together.

Earlier this year, senior councillors backed plans to close two of the county’s centres for older adults and those with learning disabilities, Portfield SAC, Haverfordwest, and Avenue SAC, Tenby; service users moving to other centres in the county.

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.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “One young woman who attends ran out of the first meeting sobbing when she was told it was going to close.

“Another, at the second meeting, tried to address the meeting, but was so choked up at the thought of not seeing her friends any more she could hardly speak.”

It now is feared Narberth’s Lee Davies Day Care Centre and Crymych’s Bro Preseli Day Centre could also close, with concerns it is due solely to budgetary reasons.

An e-petition on the council’s own website, by John Llewellyn of Living Memory Group, entitled against the closure of the Lee Davies and Bro Preseli day care centres, has attracted some 254 signatures to date.

It states: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to Review the closure of the Lee Davies Day Care Centre at Bloomfield’s and the Bro Preseli Day Centre at Crymych.

“Staff at both day care centres were informed in mid-March that both facilities would be closing due to PCC budget cuts. Both centres are an essential outlet for the wellbeing of the attendees and their families.”

Change.org petition, called Save the Lee Davies Day Centre Narberth, has also been started by Kate Schofield, the twin sister of one of the centre users, which has attracted 186 signatures.

She says her sister has already seen “her beloved Avenue Centre close,” and could “lose her old and new friends at the Lee Davies Centre”.

That petition reads: “Pembrokeshire County Council are currently reviewing the day centre provision in Pembrokeshire.  They have posted some petitions where you can merely sign your name, but this is not proper consultation, and in reality decisions about services provided for older people and vulnerable adults many with complex learning disabilities are being made by councillors who are driven purely by budget savings.

“If we lose the Lee Davies Centre there will be little or no provision in south Pembrokeshire, The Avenue in Tenby has closed, The Anchorage will close very shortly and in Haverfordwest, Portfield has also been closed.

“Please sign, comment and share let’s show PCC that we care even if they clearly don’t.  We have until early June to make our feelings known, so please sign today.”

Kate added: “My sister has Down’s Syndrome and because of our age has always only had the option of day care services.

“Over the last few years she has, like the rest of us, come through Covid. The day, whilst out for a walk, she started laughing while hugging a tree because she couldn’t hug me will stay with me forever.

“She’s seen her beloved Avenue Centre close and now will possibly lose her old and new friends at the Lee Davies Centre, this is one of the many reasons I have raised this petition.”

Kate, who said she was moved to tears by the plight of Anchorage centre users, finished by saying: “I don’t believe PCC, and indeed the Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding, have any regard for older people with learning disabilities, profoundly disabled adults and indeed older people in general.

“They talk about stress and mental health but have no regard to what they are doing to carers and attendees across these centres.”

She finished: “We need to all join forces, Lee Davies, Bro Preseli and The Anchorage to fight PCC.”

Kate may be contacted on 01646 651049.

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is working with trustees at both Lee Davies and Bro Preseli in order to maintain current service provision wherever possible.

“The services remain committed to develop a hybrid social enterprise model during 2024/25.”

Anchorage plea: A plea by a concerned parent to keep the “safe and happy place” Anchorage centre open – which had also attracted a council e-petition – was recently heard at a full council meeting.

Responding at that meeting, Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “All service users of the Anchorage will be offered alternative day centre arrangements in order to preserve their independence and also to support the caring needs of their families, these assessments are still taking place and are likely to continue to do so at least until the end of May.”

The anchorage petition, which closed today, May 24, attracted 402 signatures.

Community

Community comes together for Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick

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HAVERFORDWEST residents joined forces to clean up the town in a community-driven litter pick organised by Haverfordwest Town Council, HaverHub, and Haverfordwest Heritage.

The event, which saw volunteers collecting rubbish to improve the town’s appearance, was attended by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to participate in and help with the Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick. I’d like to thank everyone who attended today—this will be the first of many similar initiatives for Haverfordwest, the County Town of Pembrokeshire.”

The initiative is expected to become a regular event to maintain cleanliness and encourage civic pride.

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Community

Cawl competition celebrates International Women’s Day in Pembroke

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PEMBROKE marked International Women’s Day on Saturday (Mar 8) with a successful cawl competition, bringing the community together to celebrate and support local women.

The event, organised by Pembroke Town Team, saw participants enjoy a variety of cawl, including vegetarian and vegan options, from Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporanea, Watermans Arms, Buddy’s Baked, and Will’s of Pembroke.

A key highlight was the inspiring speeches from local women who play a vital role in the community. Information stalls were also present, with groups such as New Pembrokeshire Pride, Pembroke Street Pastors, and Lamphey WI sharing resources and support.

Local businesswomen showcased their products, offering visitors the chance to browse and buy from a range of stalls.

The event was made possible thanks to a donation from Pembrokeshire Women, which organisers said played a crucial role in ensuring the day’s success. Volunteers, including Lisa Boswell, Angela Marston Halifax, Rhian Cowen, Ness Moseley, Ann Mortenson, and Tegan, worked tirelessly to keep things running smoothly, with Lewis George stepping up as compere.

Organisers thanked all those who attended, saying the support from the community made the event truly special.

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Community

Festival of the Sea makes a splash at Milford Waterfront this weekend

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MILFORD HAVEN is buzzing with excitement as the Festival of the Sea kicks off this weekend, bringing a wave of marine-themed activities, exhibitions, and workshops to the waterfront.

Organised by Y Môr a Ni, the two-day festival is a celebration of Pembrokeshire’s rich coastal heritage, with events running across Saturday and Sunday (March 9-10) at Milford Waterfront and the Torch Theatre.

Day One: Milford Waterfront comes alive

Today, the festival is in full swing at Milford Waterfront, with activities taking place from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Waterfront Gallery is hosting hands-on art workshops, where visitors can create marine-inspired fabric bowls and inked tiles under the guidance of local artists.

In the Link Building, festival-goers can explore a range of marine conservation exhibits. The Darwin Centre has microscopes set up for visitors to examine plankton, while the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is showcasing renewable energy projects linked to the local area. Câr y Môr is offering an insight into sustainable seaweed products, and the Field Studies Council has interactive touch tanks featuring local marine species.

Outside on Mackerel Quay, visitors can meet representatives from the Royal Navy, Natural Resources Wales, and the RNLI, who are offering insights into maritime safety, naval life, and conservation efforts. Merched y Môr is also on hand to showcase their 11-metre rowing boat, used for endurance challenges and charity events.

Day Two: Marine talks and workshops at the Torch Theatre

On Sunday, the festival moves to the Torch Theatre, where visitors can enjoy talks, exhibitions, and workshops focused on marine life and environmental conservation. Organisations including Sea Trust, the National Trust, and the Cleddau Project will be hosting stands, while artist Fran Evans will be running creative sessions exploring people’s personal connections to the sea.

Workshops on the impact of marine plastic pollution, led by Sea Trust and Willow and Waves, will highlight the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s coastline.

A festival with a purpose

The Festival of the Sea is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to learn about and protect Pembrokeshire’s incredible marine environment. With something for all ages, the event aims to inspire local people to engage with the sea, support conservation efforts, and appreciate the beauty of the coast.

Day one is already proving popular, with plenty to see and do for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike. If you’re in Milford Haven this weekend, be sure to stop by and immerse yourself in this fantastic coastal festival.

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