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

Appointment of new Assistant Chief Constable | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police Authority and Force have announced the appointment of Mr Carl Langley as their new Assistant Chief Constable. Mr Langley will replace Mr Nick Ingram, who is retiring in May 2012.

My interview with the Rev Eldon Phillips on his return from India. The interview was recorded for the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind, February 2012.

Splendid lunch with Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel today. Guest speaker: Gareth Price, Careers Wales.

Members of the public are being reminded that they are not currently permitted to film meetings held by Carmarthenshire County Council. It follows misinformation being circulated on blog sites that the procedure has changed to allow filming. The council’s position on the practice of taking photographs, or making audio or video recordings of meetings, will remain the same until a cross-party Task and Finish Group completes its investigations surrounding the use of social media and ‘e-Government’. However, in order to reduce the burden of administration, members of the public who wish to view proceedings from the public gallery in the council chamber will no longer be asked to sign an undertaking not to film, only to read and agree to it. In accordance with fire regulations, every visitor must be issued with a visitor’s card, and provide details of their name, address, and nature of their business.

Police welcome guilty verdict in Gill court case | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Officers who investigated claims of fraud and sexual assaults committed by a husband and wife against women concerned they had cancer have today welcomed the guilty verdicts returned by a jury. Reginald Gill was found guilty of three sexual assaults, six assaults by penetration and two counts of fraud. His wife Leila Gill was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and one of fraud.

Police investigate damage to community noticeboard | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The community notice board in the village of Meifod has been damaged.

30 jobs to go at Tinopolis in Llanelli | This is South Wales Llanelli TV production company Tinopolis has been hit with more than 30 redundancies. The company has announced it is to shut its studio in Caernarfon, North Wales, and is also being forced to make staff redundant at its Llanelli headquarters following an S4C programme budget cut.

My interview with John Hywel Williams (Hywel Girls Choir, Hywel Boy Singers, Llanelli Choral Society) for the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind, January, 2012.

The CIME project has new events and workshops planned for 2012.  The CIME (Creativity and Innovation in Micro-Enterprises) project aims to attract small enterprises that are looking for new methods to address business issues and stimulate creativity and innovation. In Wales, the project operates in the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Latest events include - Creative Master Classes Brought to you by Swansea Metropolitan University Creative Masters workshops are designed to help micro-enterprise experience the use of creativity techniques to develop approaches to specific challenges and opportunities. Innovation Networks Brought to you by University of Wales: Trinity Saint David A chance for lateral thinking, problem solving with like minded people and an exchange of ideas. The CIME programme is fully subsidised and therefore completely free to qualifying businesses: Micro Enterprises & SME's based in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire & Ceredigio

Taxpayers to fund Carmarthenshire council chief Mark James libel case against blogger Jacqui Thompson - Wales News - News - WalesOnline : Council tax payers will be funding a libel action being brought by a local authority chief executive against a blogger, it has been confirmed. Carmarthenshire council chief executive Mark James will benefit from a change to the authority’s constitution made four years ago that allows council funds to be used in defamation cases. Mr James is suing blogger Jacqui Thompson, a community councillor from Llanwrda, near Llandovery.

BBC News - Jeffrey Gravell guilty in 400,000 indecent child images case A school IT manager has been found guilty of possessing and making nearly 400,000 indecent images of children. Jeffrey Gravell, 54, had denied the charges after the images were found on computers at his home belonging to his employers Coedcae School in Llanelli. Gravell, of Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, was told by the judge he faces an inevitable custodial term.

BBC News - Swansea-Cork ferry: Fastnet Line to close service with loss of 78 jobs The Swansea-Cork ferry service is to close with the loss of 78 jobs. Sailings were suspended in November due to rising fuel costs but backers hoped to resume services in March.

Computer courses for complete beginners are already proving a hit at Ammanford Library. The first one of the New Year was very successful, and a second one is now being run starting this Friday, February 3, at 10am. The First Click course runs at the library for three Fridays between 10am and 12.30pm, ending on February 17. The course is tailored towards beginners, and anyone who has never used a computer before and may be nervous about doing so. Places should be booked in advance, call Ammanford Library on 01269 598150 or call in to leave a name and contact number.

Improvements carried out at Carmarthenshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres has already seen a 7% increase in the recycling rate. The council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee set up a Task and Finish Group to carry out a review of the HWRCs (formerly known as civic amenity sites). There are five in Carmarthenshire for residents to dispose of and recycle their rubbish – from garden waste to electricals to carpets and mattresses. Four of the sites at Trostre (Llanelli), Wernddu (Ammanford), Nantycaws (Carmarthen) and Whitland are operated on behalf of the council by CWM Environmental Ltd and the fifth site at Llangadog is operated by AWS Ltd. One of the main aims of the review was to look at the recycling rates being achieved at the sites and how they could be improved. The group, which was being chaired by Cllr Jim Jones and also included Cllr Keith Davies, Cllr Mari Davies, Cllr David Jenkins and Cllr Huw Morgan, visited each of the sites as well as two out-of-county sites

Splendid meeting this morning at my favourite bakery, the Jenkins Bakery in Llanelli. Aaa! the smell of fresh bread!

Safe stolen from community shop in Llanfechain | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Welshpool police are currently investigating a burglary at Llanfechain Community shop.

Scarlets training clothes stolen from garage | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A large amount of Llanelli Scarlets rugby training clothes have been stolen from a garage in Pant Bryn Isaf, Llwynhendy. Items include shorts, t-shirts, training tops, socks, most of which have the Scarlets logo on them.

Satnav stolen from insecure car in Presteigne. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A satellite navigation system was stolen from a car which had been left insecure on Broad Street in Presteigne.

Aberystwyth University academic Dr Sarah Prescott has been awarded a Research Project Grant worth £248,395 by the Leverhulme Trust for a study of ‘Women’s Poetry 1400-1800 in English, Irish, Scots, Scots Gaelic and Welsh’. Dr Prescott is a Reader at the Department of English and Creative Writing, and Director of the Centre for Women’s Writing and Literary Culture. She will be working with fellow scholars at the University of Edinburgh, National University of Ireland, Galway and the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, Aberystwyth on the three year project. The study will provide a major new literary history of women's poetry in Ireland, Scotland and Wales from 1400 to 1800, covering poetry in Welsh, Gaelic, Scots, Scots Gaelic and English through a fully edited anthology with translations and a critical study jointly written by the specialists engaged on the project. “The last twenty years has seen an explosion of interest in pre-1800 British women's writing,

The Chamber for Business and Social Action (Wales) Limited has organised a series of events in February - 8th Spotlight Your Business Networking Breakfast 9th Maximising Sell 2 Wales Workshop 14th Environmental Management System Training 15th How to Tender (Construction) 16th How to Tender 20th ISO 9001 (Construction) 20th ISO 14001 & 18001 (Construction) 23rd Regional Business Day – Trade Exhibition which includes: 23rd ‘SQiUD’ Seminar - 10.15am-11.30am 23rd Networking Lunch - 12.00pm-2.00pm 23rd Guest Speaker – Sarah Dickins from 1.30pm 28th ISO 9001 (Construction) 28th ISO 14001 & 18001 (Construction) For more information on any of the events please visit: www.cbsa.org.uk To book your place, email: levans@cbsa.org.uk   The CBSA is based at the Stenbonheath Centre in Llanelli. All of our events are funded by the Welsh Government through the Supplier Development Service and all events are free to attend.

Motorist dies following road traffic collision on A470 near Llangurig | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A young woman has died following a road traffic collision on the A470 between Rhyader and Llangurig.

Excellent business breakfast meeting this morning with the Business Network International BNI group at The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

Ghosts, sport cheats, online piracy and the difference between real and virtuals worlds. These were among the topics debated in the annual Llanelli Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition held at Llanelli Town Hall. “The quality of the arguments presented was outstanding and the children taking part reflected great credit on their schools and families,” said the chairman of the judging panel Lt Colonel David Mathias. The competition saw the teams from St John Lloyd take the junior and senior prizes to progress to the next round of the Rotary competition – a zone area final to be held at Llanelli Town Hall on February 14. Lt Col Mathias said: “The standard in the competition was exceptionally high and the competitors made the judging task a very difficult one.” Llanelli Rotary Club president Graham Williams explained that the Youth Speaks event offered an opportunity for Llanelli pupils to gain experience of speaking on a public platform. He said: “It allows young people to form ideas on s

Organisations within the Third Sector (charitable and voluntary) are being given a unique opportunity to get their voices heard about their current and future skills needs across the region. A survey, in the form of a questionnaire, has been jointly developed by the Regional Learning Partnership (RLP) and partners within the county’s five voluntary councils (CVC’s). This is part of a wider profiling exercise, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), through the RLP, which seeks to define the regional picture of the third sector and demonstrate its contribution to education, skills and regeneration. The CVC’s include Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service and Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations. Looking at key themes including the role of each organisation within the community, the questionnaire also addresses the current

Carmarthenshire Council environmental enforcement officers are investigating a serious fly-tipping incident in the Gwendraeth Valley. A large number of black and blue bags, a fridge-freezer, cardboard boxes and other rubbish was dumped in a lay-by at Heol Mansant, near Meinciau. Officers are appealing to the public for any information which may help them to catch those responsible. It is believed the persons involved may have used a Ford Transit type pick-up lorry with a blue cab and a white back. Officers also want to speak to a man named ‘Tom’ who is thought to live in a caravan in the Pontyates area and may be able to assist in identifying the persons responsible. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “This is totally unacceptable and unfair to local residents who have to put up with this appalling mess on their doorstep. “Not only does fly-tipping spoil our quality of life and enjoyment of the environment, but it can cause serious

Crime pays for Skate Park initiative! | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys It’s not everyday that you can say crime pays – but thanks to the Dyfed-Powys Police Incentivisation Fund, a local youth programme has received £1,000. The cash, which paid towards a design and construction project at Cardigan Skate Park, was obtained as a result of Police successfully seizing and confiscating criminal assets. Small World Theatre put together the initiative, which will work with skate park users and young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETS).

Break in at creamery investigated | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Officers in Welshpool are investigating a break in at the Old Creamery in the Four Crosses area of Welshpool.

Pub targeted by metal theives | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A public house in Llanelli has been targeted by thieves who’ve taken copper piping and a tank from inside the premises. The theft at the Royal Oak on Bryn happened some time between 5pm on Friday 20th January and 9.30am on Monday 23rd January.

Feedback sought on police equality priorities. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is currently consulting about its priorities for equality and diversity in preparation for its Strategic Equality Plan 2012 – 2016.

Burglary in Four Crosses investigated | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police are making inquiries following a burglary at a shed at the rear of a home in Criggion Close, Four Crosses near Welshpool.

Llandeilo wildlife artist David Cowdry is getting ready for another major exhibition at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley.  The 41-year-old has been steadily building up a ‘fan club’ of followers at Aberglasney with exhibitions at the mansion house over each of the last five years. “It’s become a bit of a base camp and it’s a place I really enjoy visiting to show off my latest works,” said David. Aberglasney is a long way from David’s native Kent, but it’s very much a home from home for the artist. “I first moved down to Wales from Kent more than 20 years ago to study wildlife illustration at the old Carmarthen College of Art. “Believe it or not, but I was a failure,” chuckled David. “I did some, but not all of the course as there was too much attention paid to bookwork and classroom activity. “I couldn’t believe that we could be stuck indoors in an area which boasts some of the finest countryside around. I couldn’t wait to get out into the light and the air.” Today,

Police launch inquiries into two burglaries in Welshpool area | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Two burglaries, one of which was an unsuccessful attempt, are under investigation by officers in Welshpool.

Here is the latest Clay Shaw Butler 'Looking after business' column from the pages of the Carmarthen Journal - By Ann Thomas, leading Consultant at West Wales Chartered Accountants and Business Consultants Clay Shaw Butler Those who know me well will often tell you that I talk a lot, particularly when I stray onto a favourite topic. The fortunes of the Welsh rugby team and the subject of food and drink are two cases in point. But, there again, I think we’ve all got a lot to say about those! A popular third topic concerns the Sage accounting software package. For those who haven’t enjoyed one of my monologues on the topic, here are some key points about Sage – Sage is the brainchild of a printer, a Nasa scientist and a computer student. It is now a global business valued at £3.5bn and has 6.3 million customers worldwide. The company – originally called Sage Systems, then Sagesoft before becoming known simply as Sage – was set up by printer and entrepreneur David

Appeal for information on damaged taxi | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police are appealing for information on a taxi which was damaged while it was parked up in the vicinity of Dylan in Llwynhendy.

Pictures from Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley today -

Witnesses and information appeal following criminal damage in Welshpool | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys : Welshpool police are investigating criminal damage. An unknown person has scratched a dark blue Volkswagen Golf VRM dv60 KXL along the entire offside length with unknown object.

Criminal damage under investigation in Newtown | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Two separate instances of criminal damage are the focus for police investigations in Newtown.

Car damaged in Brecon | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A black Ford Focus has been damaged by paint while it was parked up outside a house on Brecon Road in Brecon.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal  newspaper - There was a great welcome for the new Welsh football team manager Chris Coleman at the Richmond Park clubhouse and community centre last week. Fans were able to meet and question Coleman and women’s team manager Jarmo Matikainen. The event was one of a series of FAW roadshows travelling around Wales. This Carmarthen roadshow focussed on the UEFA Under 19 Women’s Finals that will be hosted in Wales in August 2013. Some of those matches will be played at Richmond Park Carmarthen. It will be the first time that Wales has ever hosted such a tournament and seven other sides will join us for a festival of female football. Other matches will be held in Swansea and Llanelli. Visitors will come to South West Wales from all over Europe for the two weeks, so it will be a considerable boost to the tourist numbers for the area. Carmarthen AFC club chairman Gareth Jones said he

Nice story about the Llanelli Rotary Club Ball (March 23 Stradey Park Hotel) in the Llanelli Star today. Nice story about The Ashburnham Golf Club helping a PGA medals revival in the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star newspapers. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. The latest Clay Shaw Butler (accountants) 'Looking After Business' column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice picture story about Llanelli-based Melin Consultants in the Business section of the Western Mail today.

Chief Constable’s ‘stark’ warning to Councils over funding crisis | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police could lose its most experienced officers, make police staff redundant, scrap its helicopter, close more police stations and cut down on cold case reviews - if it does not receive a minimum 5% rise in the Council Tax precept, according to the Force’s Chief Constable Ian Arundale.

It's minus three degrees at Aberglasney Gardens this morning. But the sun is shining and the place looks glorious.

Côr Meibion Llanelli members are well accustomed to chalking up firsts, but their next concert will be a little out of the ordinary for even the hardened veterans of the choir. The venue will be the car showroom at the Gravells dealership in Kidwelly. “We’ve performed all over the world and at some astonishing concert venues, but I think this will be the first time we have performed in a car showroom,” said choir secretary Fred Elias. “Having said that, Gravells in Kidwelly is no ordinary car showroom. It’s a swish venue and I am sure the surroundings will lend themselves to it being a hugely successful concert.” The concert, on Saturday, February 18, will be in aid of TS Echo Llanelli, the Llanelli Sea Cadets Training Ship. Llanelli Sea Cadets are celebrating their 70 th anniversary this year. The event starts at 7pm start and the guest soloist is soprano Joy Cornock. The showroom has been set aside for the concert by kind permission of the choir’s president, Mr Davi

Further update to Capel Isaf investigaton. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police at Llanelli continue to investigate a serious sexual assault which occurred at Capel Isaf Road, Llanelli. “Detectives are keen to speak to a man captured on CCTV walking along Glyncoed Terrace, Llanelli at about 4.20am on Saturday 21st January 2012,” said Detective Inspector Gary Phillips. “If you recognise this person, or if this person is you, then please contact officers at Llanelli CID on 101.” You can see the CCTV image on the link.

Serious RTC involving quad bike B4130 between Brechfa and Horeb 30/1/12 | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police report: At around 3pm Monday 30th January the police attended to the scene of a collision involving a red quad bike on the B4130 between Brechfa and Horeb. One local male aged 28 years old was taken from the scene by paramedics having suffered serious injuries.

The Llanelli man behind the success story of one of the UK's leading delivery firms is retiring on a high. APC Managing Director Ivor Skinner is leaving the hot-seat, safe in the knowledge that the firm is on track for continuing success. The last three years have witnessed remarkable changes at APC Overnight resulting in terrific growth in pre-tax profits from £307,000 to £3.4 million in 2011 and with a turnover of £58 million. Each month the company delivers 1.4 million parcels nationwide – and the company is on course for another record year in 2012. The chief architect behind the change in APC’s fortunes was Mr Skinner, who became the company’s Managing Director in 2008. When he took over as MD, it was a critical time for the economy with the worldwide recession looming.  Mr Skinner’s strong leadership has helped APC weather the storm and guided the company into record growth and success. His enthusiasm, drive, people skills and passion for success have all hel

A unique initiative is being introduced in Carmarthenshire to help people save money on their fuel bills. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing Services division is working with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to develop a series of fuel clubs. They are encouraging communities to create a syndicate which will be used to bulk buy oil – therefore enabling residents to negotiate a better deal from their supplier. They are now looking for ‘fuel champions’ who will help run syndicates and co-ordinate deliveries in their area. In return for helping their communities to secure discounted oil rates, the champions will be offered a financial incentive. Robin Staines, the council’s Head of Housing, said: “Fuel clubs are essentially a syndicate of people who live in the same area who come together to co-ordinate the ordering of fuel with a supplier – the larger the syndicate, the better the reduction will be. “In order to co-ordinate the syndicates we are looking for fuel champions whose role will be

BBC News - Beach Break Live: Extra security for Pembrey festival Organisers of a student music festival in Carmarthenshire have agreed to improve security for this year's event after concerns from police. There will be better CCTV coverage, fencing and extra patrols at Beach Break Live at Pembrey Country Park. Police asked the council to review the licence for June after a rise in arrests and drug seizures last year among 20,000 festival-goers.

The 'boys' of Cor Meibion Llanelli were on song at their rehearsal last night. Very impressive work on Bywyd y Bugail.

All Reds supporters can bring a friend to the home game with The New Saints on Saturday 18th February (KO 3pm) for just a pound. The friend must be a new visitor to Stebonheath Park and must be accompanied by a regular supporter. This club imitative is an attempt to have an increased attendance for this game which is being shown live on S4C. Meanwhile, Reds supporters can buy a Super Six Ticket for just £25 (Adults) and £15 (OAP’s) from Wednesday 1st February. This will mean a saving of £10 on admission prices for the five home fixtures in The Championship Conference. The Super Six Ticket can be bought up to 2pm on Saturday 11th February at the home game with Bangor City and will also include admission to the league games with The New Saints (18 Feb), Neath (9 March), Bala Town (17 March) and Prestatyn Town (14 April). The ticket will not qualify for admission to the home leg of the League Cup Quarter Final against Neath on Wednesday 15th February. An advance ticket for this

Angry people in local newspapers. Celebrating excellence in the field of local newspaper photography. See -  http://apiln.blogspot.com/ If you've ever worked in newspapers, you'll get it straight away.

The kind-hearted choristers of Cor Meibion Llanelli have presented a cheque for £100 to the St Paul's Family Centre in Llanelli. The money came from the choir's Christmas charity fund and was presented to Debbie James, family centre manager at the St Paul's Family Centre. She said the centre users were very grateful and had made a special 'thank-you' card for choir members. Pictured, left to right, are choir musical director Eifion Thomas, choir chairman Mel Harries, Debbie James and choir member Graham Williams. Choir members will be performing at the new Brynteg School in Llwynhendy at 10.30am on Thursday.

Off to rehearsals with Cor Meibion Llanelli at Furnace Community Hall. Visitors and new members welcome.

The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course in Pembrey is playing its part in a revival of the South Wales PGA, Professional Golfers' Association. Adam Constable, twice winner of the Young Welsh Professional Championship, is behind the project. The Cardiff assistant is organising a series of medals events for the early part of this year. "We are delighted to be playing our part in this revival," said Ashburnham club manager Huw Morgan. "It's great to see the professionals from different clubs in Wales getting together and playing quality courses." The first event is at Ashburnham Golf Club on February 6 (tee-off from 10.30-11.30am), followed by a visit to Tenby on February 20 (10.48am-noon) and Cardiff on March 7 (10-11am). Constable, who is seeking entries from Welsh PGA members, said: “I am waiting for conformation of venues for two other fixtures. The last strokeplay event is likely to be the championship in early April and there will also be a qualifie

Damaged car leads to appeal for information | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A damaged car in Carmarthen has sparked an appeal for information. On 17th of January at 9pm a man was disturbed searching through a vehicle which was parked on a driveway in Bronwydd Road, Carmarthen. He was disturbed by a member of the public. Nothing was taken from the vehicle which had been left unlocked. The man was in the company of a second man and both made off in the direction of Bronwydd.

Hundreds of people may have reduced their risk of falling after attending a Camu ‘Mlaen, Step Forward, event. More than 500 people aged over 75, were invited to attend through two GP practices that hosted the events alongside Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and voluntary sector organisations. Those who attended learned more about issues such as benefit entitlement and living independently, as well as simple measures they could undertake, such as having grab-rails installed at their home, or arranging for a foot care session. Camu 'Mlaen events have proven to help reduce the number of people being admitted to hospital accident and emergency units as a result of suffering a fall. Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for health and social care, said: “It is lovely to see so many people coming together to attend these events. Hopefully, they will have taken something valuable away with them, and will feel safer in their home and on their feet.”

Carmarthen Town AFC has answered a cry for help from the newly-formed Wales Football-Tennis Association. Club Shop administrator Celia Kirkby explained: "The request for help arrived by email at Carmarthen Town’s online shop. "Futnet ( www.futnet.eu ) is played with a football over a tennis net by teams of one to eight players. "They are running a tournament for unemployed adults and underprivileged youngsters in February - but they have no kit. "We were asked if we could we help with any surplus old kit. Our storeroom contains a collection of kits from previous seasons, examples of which are being displayed in the clubhouse, but a quantity has been parcelled up and sent to the Futnet organisers, who are going to name one of their teams after Carmarthen Town AFC. Jeff Thomas, Carmarthen Town AFC President, said: “Carmarthen Town is delighted to be able to help another Welsh sports group as part of our community programme and wishes Wales Futnet every s

Jon Slattery: 'Scrap local tv news and leave it to newspapers and online coverage': says Janet Street Porter Janet Street Porter has called for local television news to be scrapped and for local coverage to be left to newspapers and online. Writing in the Independent on Sunday, the former BBC television executive argues: "Local television current affairs should be culled. Leave it to newspapers and online coverage. As for local radio – just because bands of people complain, it doesn't mean these stations have a meaningful audience."

The A4069 between Brynamman and Llangadog is closed due to drifting snow. Snow has fallen on high ground in the northern part of Carmarthenshire. The A483 at Sugarloaf is passable and is currently being treated, as is the A482 at Tafarn Jem.

The Welshman who puts the ‘Cwtsh’ into comedy has sparked an internet debate on the use of the word. Should the favourite Welsh word for a hug be a ‘Cwtsh’ or a ‘Cwtch?’ – that is the question. According to Phil Evans, the resident ‘Hug-meister’ of Wales, the correct spelling of the word is Cwtsh. “I am sure there will be plenty of Welsh scholars out there willing to say different, but in my book it should always end in ‘sh’ rather than ‘ch’,” said Evans. The debate started when Evans billed his St Dwynwen’s Day gig at the Pontardawe Arts Centre as ‘Comedy and Cwtshes’. “I’ve always been adamant that the correct version is ‘Cwtsh’, so it has been interesting to follow the debate on social media sites. “In particular, I’ve been interested to see that Huw Irranca-Davies, MP for Ogmore, has been having his say on the debate. “I think it would be better if we stopped short of a Parliamentary debate or a Prime Minister’s Question on the matter, but it is very interesting to hear people’s

'Forget about PR, catch criminals' | This is South Wales Dyfed-Powys Police have been accused of "playing down crime" after an appeal for information about a rape was made seven weeks after the incident. Dyfed-Powys Police launched a nationwide manhunt last week for 25-year-old Abdulsamda Ahmed Raza who is wanted in connection with a sexual assault involving two teenage girls in Llanelli.

A public meeting has been arranged in Llanelli to discuss health board proposals for changes at Prince Philip Hospital. The Committee for the Improvement of Hospital Services hopes to see as many people as possible on Thursday, February 16, at the Selwyn Samuel Centre from 7pm. The meeting has been arranged to follow Hywel Dda's engagement session, which will take place between 11.30am and 6.30pm on Tuesday, February 14, at the same venue.

The committee responsible for the work of Aberystwyth University’s Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol met for the first time last week. Chaired by Dr Anwen Jones, this is an important development in the process of planning the University’s Welsh medium academic provision. Dr Anwen Jones is the Director of Learning and Teaching at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth and she was appointed as Chair of the Aberystwyth branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in December 2011. Dr Jones has been involved in a number of projects which originate from the early days of establishing the College which include the establishment of the web-journal Gwreddon and establishing the cooperative modules in scripting. She is the author of the the National Theatres in Context Series (GPC 2007) and editor of Wil Sam, Dyn y Theatr (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, 2009). Dr Jones commented “It is a privilege and an opportunity to lead the branch during an exciting time in

Starting today (30th January) staff at Aberystwyth University will be seeing how far they can walk in 60 days. The Walk the World scheme, organised by the Health, Safety and Environment Department of the University, aims to encourage staff to take regular breaks and make positive lifestyle choices by increasing the amount of exercise they participate in. Building on the 2011 initiative, this year’s scheme not only encourages staff to clock up their steps and log on to a website but also enables staff to log how far they swim or cycle. Helen Williams, Assistant Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor at Aberystwyth University and coordinator the Walk the World scheme explains: “Last year, collectively, the staff of the University walked 46,334 miles in 80 days, enough to circumnavigate the world twice! This year, in response to feedback from staff we’re also including the distance cycled and swum by participants. Also, rather than taking a direct route we’re hoping to travel, a

You can make this Valentine's Day one to remember at the Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa in Pembrokeshire. Enjoy a five course dinner in the award-winning Georgian Room Restaurant for £32.50. Add an overnight stay in one of the beautifully-appointed period bedrooms for just £50 per person. As a special Valentine's Day gift, receive 20% off any spa treatment when pre-booked. Check out the website - http://www.lampheycourt.co.uk/

Carmarthen Town AFC have a tough draw away to Airbus UK Broughton for the quarter-final of the Welsh Cup. The draw was made by former Wales Internationals Dai Davies and John Hartson. Holders Llanelli have another away draw in the north, with a visit to Bala Town. The Reds have already had to win at Bangor City and Rhyl to reach Round 5, but the draw doesn't get any easier for Andy Legg's team, against a Bala Town team who are seeking a second semi-final in three seasons, under manager Colin Caton. TNS host Neath in a battle of the two full-time clubs, which is sure to be a thrilling encounter, while Carmarthen Town will not relish their trip to Airbus UK Broughton, which has not been a successful stadium for the Old Gold. Aberystwyth Town will be delighted to once again have a home draw against lower-League opposition as they entertain Huw Griffiths' Cefn Druids, the only non Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League side left in the Competition. Welsh Cup Quarter-Final

Smashing 'My school days' feature in the South Wales Evening Post on Ammanford comedian Phil Evans - and a smashing childhood pic! Nice piece in the South Wales Evening Post today about the Healing The Wounds charity thanking Carmarthen Town Sheriff Alun Lenny.

Latest special offers (inc 2 Chelsea Buns £1.10) from the Jenkins Bakery in Llanelli are now on the website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

The Llanelli Choral Society will be holding a Noson Gwyl Dewi on Friday 24th of February at the Catholic Church Hall, Llanelli. The traditional evening of cawl, welsh cakes and bara brith will enjoy entertainment by Halfway Primary School and the youth of Llanelli. The event is one of many activities and performances as the Llanelli Choral Society celebrate their 15th year anniversary. The Society’s next performance will be on Friday 9th March when the Society presents a grand performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Tickets for the Noson Gwyl Dewi are £5 and available from 01554 754022.

Lewis Printers, the Carmarthen commercial printers, has just taken delivery of the Ricoh Pro C 901 Graphic Arts Edition press supplied by Heidelberg. This replaces a Konica Minolta which will be moved across to sister company Gomer Press. The new Pro C 901 digital press will run at Lewis Printers alongside a litho line up which includes a Speedmaster SM 52-4+L, SM 52-2-P, a GTO 52-2 and a TOK. "We wanted a digital press that would offer us consistent and accurate colour and increase our output," said Jonathan Lewis, managing director. "We saw litho and digital output compared at a Heidelberg open house and we were convinced by it. Few customers would be able to detect the difference in output. The Heidelberg brand was convincing." The digital press will be used to handle a range of short run and personalised products including posters, leaflets, flyers and business cards. Most of this company's work is from local businesses and the public, clients who require ad

Are you looking for Work? Thinking of Further Education? Looking for work experience or volunteering opportunities? Want to know how to search for jobs online? Then, pop along to a Communities First 'Your Way To Work' careers event on Wednesday 8th February 2012, from 10.00 am – 1.30 pm, in the Antioch Centre, Copperworks Road, Llanelli. This event is all about helping you to get your foot through the door, whether you’re searching for your first job, looking to get back to employment, or creating your CV. Free transport is available. To book, or for more information, contact your Communities First Team below: Bigyn4 01554 785958 Felinfoel 01554 784847 Glanymor & Tyisha 01554 777850 Llwynhendy 01554 780288 Pantyffynnon 01269 596821

There is a Seedy Saturday Spring Fayre at St. Peter's Civic Hall, Carmarthen on Saturday 11th February, 10 am – 3 pm. You can swap seeds, information and ideas for a sustainable future with tools for self reliance, stalls, speakers, crafts, food, kids space etc. Email seedysaturdayllanelli@hotmail.com C/o 8 Sgwar Randall, Penbre, SA16 0TY Phone 07884 346373

BBC News - Welsh anthem beats God Save the Queen in sing-along study The Welsh national anthem hits just the right notes in an academic study which looks to measure "sing-ability" of patriotic songs. A musicologist found people more willing to join in with a chorus from Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau than the UK's official anthem, God Save the Queen, and USA's Star-Spangled Banner.

Llandeilo Market Hall Planning Application - Gwalia Gwalia has submitted a planning application to Carmarthenshire County Council to restore and repair the Grade II listed Market Hall building in Llandeilo and to redevelop the adjacent land for a low cost home ownership scheme. Gwalia’s proposals for the site have been informed by the detailed design brief outlined by Carmarthenshire County Council. Gwalia won the tender process based on their ability to meet the specifications for the listed building within the Council’s brief and for the resourceful use of the adjoining land for high quality affordable housing. Gwalia’s proposals for the Grade II listed Market Hall involve restoring the building to its former glory.