THE 'madness' of the Health Board's proposed closure of Withybush Hospital's A&E unit and the dire effect it will have on the people of Pembrokeshire, were condemned by the Guest of Honour at Haverfordwest Gild of Freemen's annual Banquet.

Hywel Dda University Health Board had ignored the lessons of history and the consequences, particularly on the more remote communities of the county, would be catastrophic, said Mr Bill Carne, sports journalist, broadcaster and former teacher, who also queried the value and effectiveness of a new hospital 20 miles away.

"During a recent experience as a cardiac patient at Withybush I received amazing treatment and have nothing but praise for the doctors, nurses and other staff there. The hospital proposals are utter madness," he said.

Mr Carne was responding to a toast to the Guests proposed by the Deputy Master, Col Martin Green, who referred to his long record as a sports writer and his former profession as English master at Milford Haven Central School.

The toast to the Gild was proposed by Pembrokeshire County chairman, Cllr Aden Brinn, and response made by Gild Master Charles Davies who said that more women than men had been admitted as Freemen this year, some of them travelling long distances to receive the hereditary honour. He expressed appreciation of the support given by the Town Council and the County Council and the hard work done by Gild Clerk Paul Lucas and his wife Eirwen. Entertainment during the Banquet was provided by two talented teenage singers, Rhiannon Barwick and Eleri Edwards.