Hywel Dda Health Board are to appeal against the decision of Carmarthenshire County Council ‘Planning Committee’ refusal to relocate Llanelli Drug & Alcohol Service (DDAS) to the former WRW Anchor Point Unit at North Dock. An Inspector has now been appointed by Welsh Government ministers to decide if this will go ahead.
Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, Independent County Councillors for the Glanymor Ward have expressed concerns at the way the situation continues to be handled and have urged Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and the Welsh Government to explore all of the options available to them before a decision is reached on the relocation of the service.
The councillors say that where they fully recognise the need for the service to leave the town centre, it has been highlighted how the beach area which is a residential, recreational, tourist and business area in nature is not suitable given there is a children playground and a dock itself which presents a number of health & safety concerns which must be addressed under a duty of care for both clients who would use the service and members of the community.
A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Councillors has also revealed that the total funding to be granted for the move to North Dock and the Beach area is £860,000 from the Welsh Government ‘Substance Misuse Action Fund (SMAF) Capital Programme. It has further been revealed that an alternative location put forward that of the Ty’r Nant building in Trostre is structurally sound and can be brought back into use should it be considered as an option by the Health Board.
The County Council is currently looking at alternative options for the Ty’r Nant property after it rejected proposals by supermarket Lidl to build a new store on the site, along with a drive-through Tim Hortons coffee outlet.
The Planning Hearing Appeal is taking place on Wednesday 30th April starting at 9.30am in the Selwyn Samuel Centre. A protest has been organised outside the venue from 8.45am on the day.
Councillors Rees and Roberts said: “We feel strongly that not all options have been considered. The Ty’r Nant building ticks all the boxes in terms of meeting requirements needed for this service and should be considered. Despite requests being made, no Risk Assessment nor that of a Community Impact Assessment have been undertaken. All of us have a duty of care to our residents and to visitors to the area. The health & safety of everyone has to come first.
“Following a review undertaken just earlier this year, evidence has been presented showing an increase in reported crime within the locality. This led to the North Dock area now being covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This is also enforced by Dyfed-Powys Police. A very clear message has been sent to the ‘Area Planning Board’. They do not have public confidence on side and their proposal has already been overwhelmingly rejected by both our community and by members of the Planning Committee.
“We will continue to challenge this appeal and are prepared to explore all options available to us. We are now urging all the powers that be to look at the alternative suggestions in the interests of everyone.”
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Following consideration with our partners, we have come to the conclusion that there is a need for a Health and Well-being Centre in Carmarthenshire and that the Anchor Point building in North Dock is the best place for this.
“A new health improvement and well-being centre in Llanelli is essential to the health board’s strategy of shifting services from treating illness, to promoting and supporting wellness, working with partners, communities, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.
“Smoking, alcohol and drug misuse are among the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death and tackling these issues are strategic priorities for the health board and members of the Area Planning Board.
“We engaged with the local community at the time of the original application and although some concerns were raised, there was also support shown for the plans by the local community during the consultation events and at the planning committee.
“The health board will continue to engage with the local community regarding this proposed development.”
