It has been confirmed that the Blind Veterans Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno is closed permanently.
Whilst there has been considerable speculation locally, and a farewell convoy through Llandudno, no formal confirmation had been issued by Blind Veterans UK. Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has now received notification in writing that a decision has been made to close the centre.
This comes following a strategic review of the charity’s operations and financial sustainability.
Blind Veterans UK has explained that:
- they are spending more than they can raise;
- there isn’t sufficient demand from beneficiaries to justify maintaining two centres;
- an increase in demand from beneficiaries could be met from a single centre;
- the venue in Rustington offers greater versatility, is more modern, and has been purpose-built;
- the individual consultation process will conclude on the evening of Thursday 3 April;
- the Llandudno Centre will cease to operate from Friday 4 April.
Commenting on the decision, Janet said:
“My thoughts are with the members of staff and beneficiaries for whom this decision will be very distressing.
“The Llandudno centre was central for the whole of the United Kingdom, so the decision to close a venue, especially ours, is extremely frustrating.
“The way in which this has been handled has been terrible too. For example, blind veterans have had their bookings cancelled with only a few days’ notice.
“There is no doubt that the charity has made an invaluable contribution to our community and veterans. However, this closure will leave a big void.
“My sincere thanks goes to all who have campaigned to try and stop the closure, all who have raised money over the years, and local staff who provided a truly exceptional service that saw veterans come back for support and relaxation year after year”.
ENDS
Daeth cadarnhad bod Canolfan Lles i Gyn-filwyr Dall yn Llandudno wedi cau’n barhaol.
Er bod cryn dipyn o ddyfalu wedi bod yn lleol, a chonfoi ffarwelio wedi bod trwy Landudno, nid oes unrhyw gadarnhad ffurfiol wedi'i gyhoeddi gan Blind Veterans UK. Mae Janet Finch-Saunders, Aelod o Senedd Cymru dros Aberconwy, bellach wedi derbyn hysbysiad ysgrifenedig bod penderfyniad wedi'i wneud i gau'r ganolfan.
Daw hyn yn dilyn adolygiad strategol o weithrediadau a chynaliadwyedd ariannol yr elusen.
Mae Blind Veterans UK wedi esbonio’r canlynol:
- mae’r elusen yn gwario mwy nag y mae modd iddi godi;
- nid oes digon o alw gan fuddiolwyr i gyfiawnhau cynnal dwy ganolfan;
- gall un canolfan fodloni cynnydd yn y galw gan fuddiolwyr;
- mae'r lleoliad yn Rustington yn fwy hyblyg, mae'n fwy modern, ac mae wedi'i adeiladu'n bwrpasol;
- bydd y broses ymgynghori unigol yn dod i ben nos Iau 3 Ebrill;
- bydd Canolfan Llandudno yn rhoi'r gorau i weithredu o ddydd Gwener 4 Ebrill.
Wrth sôn am y penderfyniad, dywedodd Janet:
"Rwy’n meddwl am yr aelodau staff a’r rhai a oedd yn cael budd o’r ganolfan – rwy’n siŵr y bydd y penderfyniad hwn yn peri gofid mawr iddyn nhw.
"Roedd canolfan Llandudno mewn lle canolog ar gyfer y Deyrnas Unedig gyfan, felly mae'r penderfyniad i gau lleoliad, yn enwedig ein lleoliad ni, yn hynod rhwystredig.
"Mae'r ffordd y mae hyn wedi cael ei drin wedi bod yn ofnadwy hefyd. Er enghraifft, mae archebion a threfniadau cyn-filwyr dall wedi cael eu canslo gyda dim ond ychydig ddyddiau o rybudd.
"Does dim amheuaeth bod yr elusen wedi gwneud cyfraniad amhrisiadwy i'n cymuned ac i'n cyn-filwyr. Fodd bynnag, bydd y cau hwn yn gadael gwagle mawr.
"Diolch yn ddiffuant i bawb sydd wedi ymgyrchu i geisio atal y ganolfan rhag cau, i bawb sydd wedi codi arian dros y blynyddoedd, ac i staff lleol sydd wedi darparu gwasanaeth gwirioneddol eithriadol yr oedd cyn-filwyr yn ei ddefnyddio i gael cefnogaeth ac i ymlacio flwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn".
DIWEDD
