The closure of Kilgetty and Saundersfoot Dispensary Service was the main topic of County Councillor Alistair Cameron’s report to Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council on March 13.

The Dispensary Service, part of Kilgetty and Saundersfoot Health Centres, will now close permanently. This means that local patients need to get their medication from Kilgetty Pharmacy.

Cllr Cameron said he has corresponded with the Surgery’s Business Manager: “I am strongly reassured that there is no intention to close Kilgetty Surgery. Indeed, the decision to discontinue the Dispensary Service was one of a number of measures to help ensure the viability of Kilgetty Surgery.

“With regards to staffing, I understand the Practice tries to provide HCA / nursing cover at Kilgetty every day (bearing in mind they have to cope with staff sickness like everyone else). They are obliged to offer GP service for 20 hours per week which I am told is exceeded (generally there is no GP on a Friday).

“I also understand the intention is to provide better GP access for appointments which I strongly welcome,” he added.

The councillor also mentioned that he had organised a meeting with residents to discuss flooding issues in Parsonage Lane, Begelly Meeting on 1 April at 7pm in St Marys Church Parish Hall.

Regarding the proposed closure of the public toilets in Kilgetty, Cllr Cameron reported that he has spoken to the Pembrokeshire County Council officer and is requesting a site meeting to resolve issues. Whereas it is the intention of Kilgetty Begelly Community Council to take responsibility for the Toilet block, the lease between PCC and the Co-Op will need to be terminated and promised works to the toilet block will need to be completed.

Councillor Long reported that a request has been received from Kilgetty Football Club to use the Common area for car parking when they hold the Junior Football tournaments. Cllr Davies proposed permission be granted on the condition marshals are in place, with Cllr Adams seconding the proposal. All councillors agreed.

The Rural Futures Group had met via Zoom the previous day. With the frustration felt by the group on further delays in electric connection work, there was discussion about the installation of solar panels and being self-sufficient. It was decided that this would be a supportive feature in the future but not suitable at this time due to the size of installation needed to be ‘off grid’ and related costs.

The first water connection proposal by Dŵr Cymru would have been acceptable, but the site plans they sent were wrong. The revised quote has quadrupled the price. After a great deal of discussion, it was felt by the group that a site meeting should be requested so that the group can better understand the reason for the difference and also how much work the group is expected to do at yet further cost.

The group also mentioned that members of the Men’s Shed have been helping the Garden Club who care for the Community Garden, to clear fallen trees and branches.