A £365,000 LOAN to Pembrokeshire disability support group FRAME was backed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting last Monday, November 28.

Pembrokeshire FRAME supports local people from any disability group, including those with mental ill health or learning difficulties and those who are socially excluded.

The group achieves this by offering free training and employment opportunities. Last year the charity delivered more than 75 training courses.

The charity has furniture stores in Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Goodwick.

At last Monday’s Cabinet meeting at County Hall, Council Leader Jamie Adams described FRAME as “a valued partner” of the council when it came to recycling.

“There is the opportunity for the recently constructed building at Merlin’s Bridge at the old Western Telegraph offices, they have the opportunity – moving forward - to use that as a source of income through the provision of smaller units,” adding: “They are seeking to provide mostly spin-off business from with their current staff cohort to provide them with an opportunity to develop businesses under the watchful eye of FRAME itself.”

He added: “There are a number of questions we will have to satisfy ourselves; we recognise within the report that FRAME already have current liabilities of £315,000, and provide a further £50,000 to provide working capital.”

Members heard the asset value of FRAME buildings would exceed that loan.

Deputy Leader Keith Lewis said: “This partnership seems to tick all the boxes, the financial support in terms of a loan seems a very prudent way of safeguarding this partnership.”

Members agreed to grant the loan, which would pay the existing liabilities, secured over three properties, over a 20 year period.