Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

New applicants are being sought to join Carmarthenshire’s Supported Lodgings Scheme. Carmarthenshire County Council is seeking people who have a spare room and could offer supported lodgings to young people who have left, or are about to leave, local authority care. The authority wants to attract people from all walks of life and from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Supported lodgings providers offer support, encouragement and guidance to young people within their own homes. Whilst the level of support needed by each young person varies, the general level of assistance needed includes help with everyday tasks such as keeping appointments, completing forms, budgeting, cooking and laundry. Sharon James, senior practitioner, said: “Becoming a supported lodgings provider is an excellent way of helping young people prepare for independence. In return, the provider receives payment and support from officers within the leaving care service, and the satisfaction of having helped someone de

New plans for Halfway School, Llanelli

Carmarthenshire County Council has applied to make alterations to its plans for improved access as part of a scheme to extend Halfway CP School in Llanelli. The local education authority already has detailed planning permission, granted in February 2009, for the remodelling and extension of the school buildings together with improvements to the access and parking arrangements and the creation of additional play areas. A new full planning application will be considered by this Thursday’s meeting of the county planning committee. The LEA wants to relocate the vehicular access to the school from Havard Road to the side access lane that runs along the north eastern boundary of its grounds. The lane itself would be widened and improved as part of the scheme. The new application also covers the temporary siting of a double mobile classroom and two portable cabins for the Special Needs room and headteacher’s office during building work. Planning officers have recommended approving the applica

Megan joines Millennium study

The granddaughter of a Carmarthenshire councillor is taking part in a study of children born at the millennium. Megan Davies is one of the participants in The Big Personality Test: A Child of Our Time, being screened in two parts on BBC1 this Sunday and Monday. Megan, the granddaughter of county councillor Haydn Jones, is one of 25 children born around the millennium whose lives are being tracked by the BBC as part of the project to study child development, in partnership with the Open University. The project, which will end when the children are 20, looks at how their personalities develop, how they learn and interact with the world. Megan has been described by her mother Gaynor as a “free-range” child who loves to roam the fields of the family farm. “She’s a bit of a one-off, a bit of a ragamuffin, who’s always been very confident and knows her own mind,” she said. Megan and her family went to London to film the programme, being fronted by Professor Robert Winston. Cllr Jones said: “

Cigarette butt woman fined

A woman has been fined for throwing a cigarette butt out of a car window at Llanelli’s Parc Trostre. The incident happened in the B&Q car park on Saturday morning. The 50-year-old was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 by the council’s environmental enforcement officers who were on patrol in the area. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £2,500. It follows the launch of a council campaign to raise awareness of smoking-related litter and its consequences. Research shows that discarded cigarette ends make up the largest proportion of litter in Carmarthenshire with 83 per cent of litter found on the county’s streets smoking-related. Litter from smoking not only looks unpleasant but it is difficult to clean up - the ends fall into grates and cracks in the pavement which makes them almost impossible to remove by normal cleaning. They also take up to 12 years to break down, can be eaten by children and animals and can contam

Well done - now meet the constituents from hell

Well done - now meet the constituents from hell: ePolitix.com Loved this from ePolitix!

Simon Buckley's Carmarthen Journal column

Simon Buckley, chief executive of Evan-Evans brewery, has a new monthly column in the Carmarthen Journal (see the Out and About section this week). Iechyd Da! A new (monthly) column by Simon Buckley, chief executive of Llandeilo’s Evan-Evans Brewery, brewers of the award winning Cwrw ale . . . Who was it that said there is no such thing as bad beer, merely bad landlords? There is bad beer, and you will know which ones to avoid! With increasing pressure on our industry, it is time for us all to focus on quality, and produce beers of the very highest quality. It is time for a Welsh Beer Quality marque that brewers have to earn to receive the grants from the Welsh Assembly Government. This marque will be the marque that sets the good brewers apart from the others. The small brewers of Wales should be a group of specialist craft brewers, brewing the very finest beers in the UK. Doing what the big brewers can not do, just like our farmers who produce the very best cheese. This month, I thou

Seminars try to give election answers

What happened in the 2010 Election? Why? These are two questions which will be answered in two breakfast seminars held this week - in Cardiff on Wednesday morning 26th May 2010, and in Aberystwyth on Friday morning 28th May 2010. In these seminars, Dr Richard Wyn Jones of Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre (WGC), and Professor Roger Scully from Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Welsh Politics (IWP) will disseminate some of the data collected from the 2010 Welsh Election Survey. The seminars will be held in Cardiff at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, and in Aberystwyth at the Welsh Assembly Buildings, Rhodfa Padarn, and are organised by the WGC and the IWP. The 2010 Welsh Election Survey was conducted by the IWP and WGC with the leading polling company YouGov. A representative sample of the Welsh electorate, comprising 1475 respondents, were surveyed immediately after the UK general election on 6th May. As well as providing valuable insights into the 2010 election, fin

Free story and craft session in Llanelli

A free story and craft session is taking place at Llanelli Library next week. The activity will be held on Thursday, June 3, between 10.30am and 11.30am, and is suitable for children aged between three and 10 years old. Places are limited so tickets must be bought in advance, and children under eight must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Contact the library on 01554 773538 for more information.

Change to Pwll Trap plan's community benefits

Carmarthenshire councillors are being recommended to reduce the community benefits required to allow a St Clears housing development to go ahead. Thursday’s meeting of the county council planning committee will discuss altering the Section 106 agreement that must be signed before the plans for housing on land alongside Tegfan, Pwll Trap, can be taken forward. An officers’ report says that the original outline application was agreed in December 2007 subject to community benefits including a financial contribution towards the provision of off-site public open space/recreation facilities, at a rate of £1,000 per dwelling plus a one-off administrative fee of £10,000; a financial contribution towards the provision of education facilities within the local catchment area; and that 25 per cent of the homes built should be affordable housing. The report adds: “Since that original decision the applicant has changed as well as the Agent involved in the proposed development. During the course of t

Plan for Old Forge in Ammanford

Plans to change a former Ammanford CAB base into a sandwich bar will be discussed by Carmarthenshire councillors on Thursday. The county council planning committee will consider a full planning application for a change of use of the Old Forge in School Lane, Ammanford. The local authority is the landowner. The building, opposite the Co-operative Store, is known locally as The Old Forge but more recently it has been used as a medical assessment centre for coal miners. Before that it was a Citizen’s Advice Bureau centre. The plan is for a sandwich/baguette bar with the provision of some hot food. Planning officers have recommended approval of the application.

Major academic coup for university

The new University of Wales Trinity St David will have a major academic coup to its name virtually from Day One. For it has been chosen to host a major international conference by the Foundation of Endangered Languages. The new university, which takes shape in the autumn as a marriage of Trinity University and Lampeter, will welcome up to 100 academics from all over the world to its Carmarthen campus. “It really is something of a coup for the university. It is a major annual international conference and we are looking forward to being the host university,” said Dr Hywel Lewis, who is the MA Bilingual Studies Programme Coordinator at the university. “The conference will be held here from September 13-15 and has a very topical theme - Reversing Language Shift: How to Re-awaken a Language Tradition. “The conference was originally due to be held in Ecuador, but when they requested a postponement we were able to step into the breach and offer our facilities here at Carmarthen.” Dr Lewis att

Amman Valley project helps job-hunters

A major project is underway in the Amman Valley to help people back to work. Residents are being given help and support on employment and training needs, preparing CVs and apprenticeships. Communities First Pantyffynnon is behind the Debt and Benefit Back to Work scheme. Officers are providing residents with advice on job searches, childcare, debts and benefits. They have just launched a new weekly outreach service in a bid to engage with more people from across the area, and make the team more accessible. Drop-in centres have been set up in Pantyffynnon, Glanaman and Brynaman. Development Worker Kathryn Newman said: “The project is proceeding well and the team has sey up bases in community centres for community members who may need help dealing with their debts or tackling the benefits maze. “Staff and volunteers will also be on hand to offer support on employment issues and training needs, including basic skills, CV workshops and apprenticeships.” The drop-in services are held at the

Carmarthenshire junior tycoons in Wales final

Young Carmarthenshire tycoons are among the best in Wales in the world of business. Students from the county have made it to the finals of the prestigious Young Enterprise contest. Pupils from Ysgol Tregib and Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn have beat off competition from across West Wales to secure a place in the Welsh finals. The students have set up their own companies and spent 13 weeks actively trading. They were given advice from business development officers at the County Council before going head-to-head to be named the best in the area. Company reports, trade stands, team programmes and presentations were all taken into account. The schools won the Carmarthenshire and West Wales regional finals, and will now go on to represent Wales in Cardiff next month. The work is part of a series of schemes by the county council to support young people. Council Business Development Officer Angharad Harding said: “The standard of entries was extremely high and we were very impressed by the quality of wor

Reds Under-19s final date

The Llanelli Reds Under-19s will complete their season at Bryntirion Athetic's ground in Bridgend tomorrow night when they play Taffs Well in the Final of the MacWhirter Youth Cup. The Kick Off is at 7pm and a bus will leave Stebo at 4.30pm for anyone interested in going to the game to support the boys. For those supporters wishing to make their own way the address of the ground is. Bryntirion Athletic, Bryntirion Park, Llangewydd Road, Bridgend CF31 4JU (Tel: 01656 652702)

Craig Jones leaves Reds

Craig Jones has left Llanelli Reds to join Port Talbot Town. During his time with the Reds, Craig gained International honours by winning his Welsh Semi Pro Under 23 Cap.

Fire chief gives advice on barbecues

As temperatures continue to soar, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to take care when using their barbecues. Group Manager Rob Quinn, Head of Carmarthenshire Command, said:"This lovely weather is without doubt a brilliant opportunity to get out the barbecue and enjoy the summer sun. "However, I would urge anyone intending to use their barbecue to ensure they thoroughly check the equipment before lighting. "Very often the condition of the equipment will have deteriorated since the last time it was used, with rubber hoses and seals perishing, and connections loosening, particularly if the barbecue has been left outside". To enjoy a safe BBQ this summer, follow these few simple rules: •Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies; •Never leave the barbecue unattended; •Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 5cm (two inches); •Keep children, garden games and

Reds to play Bristol Rovers

The Llanelli Reds will play Bristol Rovers at Stebonheath once again this season in a pre-season game. The game will take place on Friday 30th July, which is the day before the pre-season game with AFC Telford United at Stebo. Reds manager Andy Legg will look to utilise his squad in both games in the build up to the start of the Super 12 Season on Saturday 14th August. After experiencing two tough encounters in their previous visit's to Stebo, Rovers intend bringing a full strength side this year!

Carmarthenshire food producers on show

Carmarthenshire food producers have been showcasing their delights to the nation. The county’s tastiest treats have been dished up at the high profile 2010 Food and Drink Expo. Many generated strong business leads with projected sales contracts of £130,000. Food development officers say the exhibition has brought another boost to Carmarthenshire – which is building a reputation as a first class food producing region. The show, which was held at the NEC in Birmingham, is one of the largest UK food and drink trade exhibitions. Visitors from across the country were able to sample some of Carmarthenshire’s acclaimed food and drink. Food and drink producers displayed their wares at a prime position stand under the banner of Carmarthenshire Food and Drink supported by Wales The True Taste. The County Council’s Food Development Officer Barry Davies works closely with the companies on show. He said: “It was the perfect event for buyers and suppliers to negotiate face to face and develop long t

Lawnmower breaks speed record twice in Pendine

BBC News - Lawnmower breaks speed record twice in Carmarthenshire A British lawnmower has cut the world land speed record twice in a weekend, with a new top speed of almost 88 mph. Rider Don Wales took the petrol-driven mower into the record books at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire. The previous lawnmower land speed record was 80.792mph (130.022km/h), set in the United States in 2006. See earlier post on Donald Campbell's Sunbeam Bluebird - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunbeam-bluebird-at-pembrey.html

Ammanford dealer's dangerous cars offences

A former Ammanford used car dealer has admitted selling dangerous vehicles. John Cecil Holton appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday when he pleaded guilty to two offences of exposing and supplying unsafe and dangerous vehicles - a Mazda 323 and a Mitsubishi Space Cruiser - and three offences of exposing unsafe and dangerous vehicles for sale. The offences under the General Product Safety Regulations were committed at Holton’s then business Cymru Car Auctions, in Tirydail, Ammanford. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards. The case against Holton was adjourned for three weeks until Thursday June 10 at Carmarthen Crown Court for the probation service to prepare a report. Holton, who now lives in St Leonards, Dorset, was remanded on bail.

Advice for Carmarthenshire gardeners

Green-fingered Carmarthenshire people are being asked to garden in a wildlife-friendly way. The county’s biodiversity partnership is encouraging gardeners to make a pledge to help wildlife this summer. The council’s biodiversity officer Isabel Macho said: “Gardens can support a wealth of wildlife. Over recent years gardens have become increasingly important habitats for wildlife, including for many species now rare in the wider countryside. “Gardens can also be important wildlife corridors. In our towns, a large proportion of available wildlife habitat is provided by gardens, which are the 'green lungs' of our urban environment. “Some species found in our gardens can help us out - hedgehogs are natural slug control, ladybirds prey on aphids, worms improve our soil and bees and flies help pollinate our fruit, vegetables and flowers. “Some gardening practices however may be harmful for wildlife. Over use of pesticides and fertilisers, over-tidying of gardens, drainage of ponds an

Sunbeam Bluebird at Pembrey

Once the fastest car in the world, the world famous Sunbeam Bluebird car is at Pendine’s Museum of Speed for the next few weeks. Malcolm Campbell broke the World Land Speed record driving this Sunbeam Bluebird on Pendine sands on September 25, 1924, with a speed of 146.16mph. All Campbells’ racing cars were named Bluebird by him, and each one was painted in a distinctive blue. He bought the Sunbeam in 1923 and made several attempts at the land speed record in it before breaking the record in 1924. Campbell also raced in the Sunbeam Bluebird at Pendine in July 1925 but this was the car’s final appearance on the beach. Campbell’s next and last record record-creaking attempt at Pendine in January 1927 was in the next Bluebird. This car also broke the land speed record at 174.2mph. The Sunbeam Bluebird belongs to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and will be on show at Pendine from now until June 21. Pendine is one of Carmarthenshire County Council’s museums. Museums officer Ann Dorset

'Aber' switch off shows cost benefits

A two-hour switch off of unused electrical items organised by Aberystwyth University has shown that university could save up to £40,000 a year on its electricity bill. The Great Switch Off was organised by the University as part of Wales Sustainability Week. All the staff and students were invited to turn off non essential equipment for a two hour period on Monday 17 May. Electricity consumption was monitored and compared with the average consumption for a similar period on the same day since 1st March this year. The building which showed the greatest improvement was International Politics which showed a reduction of 24.8%. This was closely followed by the Carwyn James building with 24.7%, Print and Design with 21.5%, the Old College with 18.3% and two halls of residence – Pantycelyn and Rosser with 17% and 16% respectively. According to Nigel Owen, Deputy Director of Estates, if this exercise was to be repeated for all working hours over a year, the Carbon Dioxide emissions from the D

New vision for four Carmarthenshire towns

A vision for the future of four Carmarthenshire towns is about to be unveiled. Exciting plans have been drawn up to regenerate the rural communities of Laugharne, St Clears, Newcastle Emlyn and Pendine. It follows consultation with residents over what improvements they would most like to see. Public meetings have been held by Carmarthenshire County Council’s physical regeneration team to assess local priorities. Among the proposals identified were riverside access schemes in St Clears and Newcastle Emlyn, a town environmental enhancement scheme in Laugharne and promenade improvements in Pendine. The plans have been put forward as part of a bid for £2 million funding under the Rural Development Plan for Wales, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Officers are planning to showcase the proposals to the communities in a series of public exhibitions over the coming weeks. The council’s Project Development Officer Michael Morgan said

Funding fair for Carmarthenshire