SOUTH WALES ARGUS ADVISE US THAT ADERYN HAVE VERBAL APPROVAL TO OPEN FROM 23RD OCTOBER 2006

To Helen Nethercott H I W
Helen,

I have been informed that Partnerships in Care Ltd have been given verbal confirmation that their application for a variation in the registration will be approved very shortly, and that they are free to 'Open' as from next Monday 23rd Oct 2006. If this is in fact correct, then this is very disappointing, and disturbing.

Can you please confirm exactly what the outcome of the 'Determination' is, and what conditions (if any) have been attached to the determination?

How have HIW decided that the location is appropriate despite it being adjacent to a primary school, and with a private residence in the grounds - how were these obvious 'Risks' discounted in your review.

PIC have recognised that the location is wholly unsuitable to house any type of sex offender, and have promised that they never will house such patients - although I don't know if this will be policed by any independent party. In approving this facility, presumably you feel that patients convicted of murder and the like will present no risk to the school/neighbourhood.

As you know there is a similar application going through the system in Rhymney, and Caerphilly CBC & WAG are currently reviewing the options available to ensure that this type of development follows a planning process that is normally required for such a radical 'change of use'. What will happen to Aderyn, if CCBC is successful in its bid to see that this happens.

In previous correspondence HIW have confirmed that WAG are always mindful of convention of Human Rights in making any decisions - presumably the feelings of our family @ Goytre House Lodge, and those local residents who feel that this will restrict their enjoyment of the neighbourhood - count for nothing.

Can you please advise if access will be available to all the Risk Assessments (patient by patient, case by case) that PIC will be preparing, and what formal notifications PIC will be required to make following an abscond incident.

Also, what processes are in place for any appeal/objection to this determination.

Regards,

David Owen
Glanbaiden, Penperlleni, Goytre, Nr Pontypool, NP4 0AH