Rumours surrounding the future of Sunnybank residential home at Narberth have been scotched this week. Narberth's representative on Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Wynne Evans, said yesterday (Thursday) that over the last few months he had been approached by both members of the public and the media regarding rumours about future proposals for the home. These included that plans were being discussed to establish a drugs rehabilitation centre or sex offenders unit at the home, with the elderly residential unit due to close. "I can totally deny all these rumours," he told the Observer. "These type of rumours cause concern to residents, members of the residents' families and, of course, the staff. "I also received information about the future of Sunnybank, from within County Hall, which was not correct, and have since met with the Director of Social Services to gauge a clear intention from the county council as to what the future really is. "I was unhappy that various bodies lacked dialogue with each other," he added. "A long-term commitment by Pembrokeshire County Council cannot be given, but the immediate future over the next few years is not in question, and the head of Housing Commissioning is to meet with staff shortly," explained Clr. Evans. "I also feel that lack of investment into the buildings by all the authorities, Pembrokeshire County Council, the past South Pembrokeshire District Council, and before them Dyfed County Council, has sadly made this building unacceptable for a 21st century care home, under tight new care standards, rules and conditions. " I have asked that all future plans or discussions be transparent, and open for wider consultation, but the immediate future is not in doubt," he concluded.
