Sir,

Transparent is not a word that goes hand in hand with the consultation over Sunnybank home in Narberth.

The Sunnybank refurbishment plans, to justify the 2.6 million, should have been on display from the start.

They were only put up in the consultation room after a request was made under the Freedom of Information Act.

These plans are eight years old. It could be said that either they are irrelevant or the consultation should have taken place eight years ago.

Now the plans have been revised by a council architect. The purpose of this was to show more en-suite rooms could easily be accommodated and therefore, more residents also.

It was stated in the summary of the consultation that the refurbishment would create en-suites for 14 residents and would not therefore be viable.

The new plans show 22 en-suite rooms.

Costed at a high end spec 3.2 million, we are advised actual cost would be much less than this. We all know it is not going to happen in the near future, but if we are given a chance to raise funds, we could tackle it in order of importance, boilers, double glazing, roof etc. All this due to lack of investment over years.

We are prepared to ask for a Judicial Review if the decision is to close Sunnybank. More important to keep it open. When it's gone, it's gone for good. People don't seem to understand the consequences.

Private care homes' fees will increase, and council will be unable to fund. What happens to people who can't afford to top-up themselves? Will the criteria defining people who need residential care change? Respite care, especially in an emergency, might be impossible to find. The staff at Sunnybank have created an inspirational, clean, warm, calm, genuinely friendly haven. They truly care.

As one new resident said. "If all these smiling faces aren't good therapy, I don't know what bloody is"!

Sunnybank has an intangible heart, almost spiritual, nothing to do with its physical state. The staff at Sunnybank deserve some recognition and respect for what they do, day in day out, always with compassion, patience and dedication.

How lucky are we to have this valuable resource in Narberth, and so well placed for all in the county.

There's not much we can be sure of in life, but it's a fact, if you don't die, you will get older! Think on...

Have your say: email [email protected]">[email protected], 'phone 01437 776000.

Polly Raymond,

Llanteg.