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Showing posts from August 18, 2013

Survey on rural transport in the TywiValley

Carmarthenshire County Council is undertaking a study into the transport needs of he key settlements of Llandeilo, Llandovery and surrounding areas. The Survey, which is funded by the Rural Development Plan is designed to give bus passengers and the residents of rural Carmarthenshire an opportunity to express their views on issues such reliability, cleanliness and accessibility. This online review will also give respondents the opportunity to give their opinions on whether the buses meet their needs and suggest ways in which they feel the service could be improved. All responses will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Responses will be complied and used to develop the emerging Rural Transport Strategy. Executive board member for rural affairs Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would urge local residents to take part in this survey which will help us plan for the future.” As a thank you for taking part a prize draw will take place on Friday 13th September. One

Interactive screen is a hit at Llanelli Day Opportunities Centre

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New interactive technology has given adults with learning disabilities at a Llanelli Day Opportunities Centre the tools to communicate and get creative. An interactive IT screen installed at Maes Lliedi, Felinfoel, has become a massive hit with service users, many of whom have profound disabilities. Now, they are able to paint, write, watch videos and listen to music, all at the touch of their fingertips on a specially adapted screen. Senior Specialist Support Worker, Tanya Haddock, said it has given them a new lease of life. “This new technology has empowered them to use and develop their individual skills, whilst giving them a new way to communicate with each other,” she said. “Now, just by touching the screen, they can create and store their own work, or they can put on a video or some music that they enjoy – they wouldn’t usually be able to do these things without help. Now, they can make their own choices. “Our ultimate goal is for them to create a disk of their own work, whi

Pals organise gigs in memory of cancer victim Steffan

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A group of Carway youngsters have got together to organise a series of gigs to commemorate their friend Steffan Rees who tragically died of cancer last year aged just 17. The Carway Youth Committee aim to host three concerts in Carway Hall and hope to use the proceeds from these events toward funding a memorial skate park in the area as Steffan was a very keen skater. One of the organisers, Kelisha Jones, said: “After Steffan passed away, we all thought we needed to do something in his memory as he was a big part of our lives, and it affected a lot of people. He was a good friend to everybody he knew and he is sadly missed. We are now organising these concerts in order to raise money for the memorial skate park.” Local supporters include Councillor Tyssul Evans and Menter Bro Dinefwr’s Owain Glenister. Cryfhau Cymunedau, part of RDP Sir Gâr’s Innovative Hubs project, has supported and encouraged the group with the planning of the events. Cryfhau Cymunedau is funded through the Rur

Heritage project to be launched in Llanfallteg

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Saturday, August 24, will see the official opening of the Henllanfallteg Community Association and Llanfallteg History Society’s new project at the Millennium Hall in Llanfallteg. The project began in 2011 when the groups commissioned a replica of the Vortipore Stone, an ancient inscribed stone memorial to Vortipore, an early ruler of the area. This is now sited in front of the Millennium Hall in the village, with the original monument displayed in Carmarthen Museum. The Vortipore Project will unveil an interpretive board detailing the history of the stone and includes three new trails with marker posts that explore the heritage, flora and fauna of the local area. Both the board and marker posts contain QR Codes that can be scanned with a smart phone for interactive access to additional information and the community website: www.llanfallteg.org Bilingual leaflets with maps, illustrations, photographs and information have also been produced and it is hoped that more trails m

Latest 'Shop Elli' column from the Llanelli Star

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The latest 'Shop Elli' column from the Llanelli Star -  The popular Gilded Lili craft fair is continuing all this month at the St Elli Shopping Centre. Gilded Lili partner Maria Val Loureda said: “We always aim to put a wide variety of different stalls on display at the centre and the feedback from the public is great.” On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Trostre Camera Club will be exhibiting at the centre. Centre manager Andrew Stephens said: “There are some very fine photographers in the club, many of whom are regularly featured in newspapers, magazines, websites and other publications. “The camera club display is always popular with shoppers. It all adds to the variety of the shopping experience at the St Elli Shopping Centre.” ------------------------------------------- Events All of August, Gilded Lili Craft Fair, Pyramid area. Until Saturday 24th, Ross Aldridge Solicitors, Cone area Wilkinson pillar. Thu 22nd - Sat 24th, Trostre Camera Club, Pyramid area. Mon 26th – Sat 3

Carmarthen Gala Concert to launch Poppy Appeal in South West Wales

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  A special concert will help launch the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in South West Wales. The Royal British Legion Charity Gala Concert will be staged at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen on Saturday, October 19. It will feature Cantorion Colin Jones (the Colin Jones singers), The Siren Sisters and The 215 City of Swansea Squadron Corps of Drums. The driving force behind the concert is Cerith Owens, the director of Loud Applause Productions, a firm which devotes a lot of energy to charitable causes. “This annual gala event is always one of the highlights of the year and was a sell-out at the Lyric last year, helping to give the poppy appeal a big boost. “The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is a cause very dear to all our hearts and I hope the people of Carmarthenshire and beyond lend their support to such a worthy charity.” The evening will close with a poignant ‘Tribute to the Fallen’ with poppies falling into the auditorium. Mr Owens added: “The gala concert is descri

Leo the dog helps patients in South Pembrokeshire

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A dog who visits people in hospital has been recognised for his service by Hywel Dda Health Board. Leo and his owner Colin Bond volunteer two days a week visiting patients at South Pembrokeshire Hospital. Colin came up with the idea after being in hospital himself for two months after suffering a stroke. He said: “When I had my stroke six years ago I noticed a lot of people in hospital didn’t have any visitors. My daughter bought Leo in to see me and everyone seemed calmer, so when I got out of hospital I contacted Pets as Therapy. “It’s amazing when I visit the hospital you can hear people say here comes Leo and yet they may not be able to remember other things. They all talk to Leo not me, I am just the person who comes with him!” Leo and Colin were presented with a certificate in recognition of their volunteering by David Fretwell, Head of Volunteering services and Tilly Morrissey, resource centre manager. David said: “We have been presenting all the Volunteering for Health volunt

Cut grass smell is key to healthier dairy products!

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Cut grass smell is key to healthier dairy products! Dairy products could contain a higher proportion of healthy omega-3 fats all year round, thanks to a discovery reported in the Society for Applied Microbiology’s Journal of Applied Microbiology. Scientists at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University have discovered that the chemicals that give cut grass its distinctive ‘green odour’ kill off bacteria that convert healthy omega-3 fats into saturated fats in a cow’s gut. IBERS receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Dr Sharon Huws, Coleg Cymraeg lecturer in Animal Science at IBERS led the research, she said “We’ve known for a while that milk contains a greater proportion of the healthy omega-3 fats in the summer, than in the winter, and now we know it’s probably down to the antimicrobial effects of the green odour products from grass. “Obviously cows can’t be outside all

Your chance to nominate a local healthcare hero

People are being given the chance to nominate a local healthcare hero. Hywel Dda Health Board’s The Best of Health Staff Awards 2013 are now open for nominations. The awards scheme is organised by the Health Board in order to recognise and reward staff who go beyond the call of duty in their day-to-day work. Categories include Improving Health and Wellbeing, Improving the Patient Experience (including safety, dignity and respect), Unsung Hero, and Volunteer of the Year. Last year's winners and nominees came from a range of disciplines, representing the huge field of careers available in the NHS and the contribution they all make to delivering patient care and saving lives. Director of Workforce and Organisational Development Janet Wilkinson said: “This is an opportunity for members of the public, as well as our own staff, to nominate people who have made a real difference in healthcare.” The entries will be judged by a panel which will include Executive Directors, Independent Board

West Wales concert promoter is backing young talent

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South West Wales concert promoter Cerith Owens is launching an ambitious plan to develop young talent. The director of Loud Applause Productions has set up a ‘Rising Stars’ platform as part of his concert and theatre company. “Working in theatres and concert halls throughout South West Wales, I have been amazed at the amount of young talent there is in the area,” Mr Owens said. “If we are not careful, a lot of this young talent escapes the net here in South West Wales. “It’s my ambition to use my experiences of concerts and theatre projects to help nurture, encourage and mentor up-and-coming youngsters to make sure they get the exposure they deserve on the concert stage.” Mr Owens added: “There is so much talk nowadays about celebrity-style programmes like the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, but I want to focus on the proper development of young talent in our area. “There is a need for some careful and sensible mentoring of the young talent which shines through in South West Wales

The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star

The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star -  Côr Meibion Llanelli members are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, with rehearsals at Furnace Hall not due to start back until Monday, September 2. It will then be ‘all systems go’ for the choir as they perform for the Devynock Agricultural Society in Sennybridge on Sunday, September 8. The following Thursday (September 12), the choir travel to perform at Paderborn and Sennelager in Germany for a special Britfest for the Queen’s Dragoon Guards. On Saturday, September 21, Côr Meibion Llanelli will travel to perform in Brailes in The Cotswolds, paying a return visit to old friends in the community near Banbury. On Sunday, October 12, a concert is scheduled for Llanelli Hospice. The following weekend, Saturday, October 19, will see the choir perform at the first Gethin Hughes Memorial Bursary Concert at Greenfield Chapel in Llanelli. Friday, November 15, sees the choir perform at their ‘annual fixture’ for the Llanelli Hos

Newcastle Emlyn class has the kettle out for keep fit!

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A new exercise class in Newcastle Emlyn will get the kettle out to get more women and girls moving. Carmarthenshire Council is offering a new session at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre in a bid to get more females into regular exercise. The class will focus on gym circuits, kettle bells and weight training for women – particularly those who have not been in the fitness habit or starting out for the first time. A mixture of the training methods will be used educate women on the importance of strength training for women and the overall benefits, and to show that it doesn’t have to boring or dominated by males. The female-only session will be held at the centre on Tuesdays between 4pm and 5pm. Newcastle Emlyn Fusion Gym fitness instructor Chrissie Appleby said: “It can be very daunting going into a gym or fitness class for the first time without the knowledge of how to use weights or what aspects will help the individual the most. “Everyone is different and it’s often about getting

Prizefighter Chris Jenkins congratulated by county council

Garnant prizefighter Chris Jenkins has been congratulated by Carmarthenshire’s Executive Board on his recent win. Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge has written to Chris on behalf of the board after his achievement was praised at the last Executive Board meeting. Cllr Madge said he was delighted to see Chris win the Prizefighter Light-Welterweights III title. “I was surprised to note it was his first fight outside of Wales and the biggest in his career so far,” he said. “It truly is a remarkable achievement which shows the hard work he has put in, and the commitment shown to the sport.” Amman Valley hitman Chris announced himself to the boxing world with a stunning second round stoppage to claim the Prizefighter Light-Welterweights III live on Sky TV. Chrisfloored Danny Connor in the opening round at York Hall in Bethnal Green with a superb right hand that sent shockwaves through the fight world. Cllr Madge said in the letter to the fighter: “Please rest assured that Garnant residents ar

‘Exercise in disguise’ at Carmarthen Leisure Centre

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New ‘exercise in disguise’ opportunities are being run at Carmarthen Leisure Centre as part of a campaign to get women and girls back into fitness. Two new weekly classes are being put on, aimed at females new to exercise or wanting to get back into the fitness habit. A new fun-based class incorporating trampolines, hula-hoops, skipping ropes, punch bags, bikes and weights will be held on Mondays between 4pm and 4.45pm. The session will be run at a lower intensity in an attempt to get over the psychological fitness hurdle that usually stops people giving classes a try. On Wednesdays between 4pm and 4.45pm, an additional introductory Zumba class will be held at the centre’s fusion gym to take advantage of the popular exercise craze. Carmarthen Fusion Gym fitness instructor Gaynor Jones said: “It’s important that we have sessions at appropriate levels for as many people as possible. When someone hasn’t exercised for a while you can’t be thrown into high intensity training because your bo

Remember to 'Choose Well' on Healthy Wednesday

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The latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday, and before the August Bank Holiday, people are being reminded that A&E does not stand for ‘anything and everything’. Evidence shows a significant number of people still go to hospital emergency departments or dial 999 when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs. Hywel Dda Health Board uses the Choose Well campaign, with its colour-coded thermometer, to help people link symptoms to the services and support that is right for their needs. This ensures people get the right treatment in the right place, busy emergency services can help those who need them most, and essential treatment is given in the shortest possible time. The board’s clinical lead for unscheduled care, Consultant Jeremy Williams, pictured, said: “Unfortunately, the doctors and nurses in our emergency departments frequently see people who would be more appropriately treated els

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery

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This week's special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING 19/08/13 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 CHICKEN & MUSHROOM PASTIES £2.20 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.90 2 FRESH CREAM ECLAIRS £1.70 2 CUSTARD SLICES (85p each) £1.60 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN TIKKA £2.25 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – HAM & CHEESE £2.25 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – 6 WHITE FINGERS £1.25 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL FARMHOUSE £1.05 SPECIALITY LOAF – SOUR DOUGH BREAD (available Thur, Fri, Sat) introductory price £1.20 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Plea for fuel discounts plan to be extended to Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire’s Executive Board Member for Rural Affairs has welcomed plans for fuel discounts for people in remote areas – but says they don’t go far enough. Cllr Jim Jones said the Government proposals only currently extended to Gwynedd, Anglesey, Monmouthshire and Powys. It means that, if successful, motorists in those rural areas will pay less at the pump than they do now. The rebate scheme already applies in the Scottish islands and the Scilly Isles, and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has now said it could be broadened out to other remote UK locations. The move aims to help those people living in remote locations where the cost of transporting fuel leads to a higher price at the pump. For the proposal to be successful it will have to have permission from the European Commission. Cllr Jones said: “This is something I very much welcome, and I hope that the Government is successful in getting this scheme extended to these remote areas. “However, here in Carmarthens

New running sessions at Amman Valley Leisure Centre

Women and girls are getting more support to pull on their running trainers at new sessions being run at Amman Valley Leisure Centre. Carmarthenshire Council is offering ‘introduction to running’ sessions at the centre in a bid to get more people into running and exercise. Sessions on Monday and Wednesday morning, from 7am to 8am, will focus on technique, foot wear and training techniques. Every participant will receive a beginners 5k training programme – ‘Run your 1st 5K’ – with the help of Fusion gym staff. There will also be opportunities to run in recreational groups Amman Valley Fusion Gym fitness instructor Kevin Rees said:“We know that many people struggle to start up running because it is quite daunting starting up alone and they are unsure about things like footwear and how much training they should be doing. “With a little support and encouragement we can get them into a positive routine by doing the right exercise at the right time.” With the county one of four areas of Wale

Hywel Dda Health Board publishes annual plan

Hywel Dda Health Board has published its annual plan for 2013/14. The core aim is the provision of 80 per cent of NHS services locally. This plan will support the production of the three-year plan to be published later this year. The annual plan sets out progress made in the last year, high level objectives for the year ahead and how the health board will respond to the key challenges ahead. It is an integrated plan – meaning it sets out service plans in terms of workforce, finance, capital and other service plans. Executive Director for Planning, Strategic Integration/ Therapies and Health Science Kathryn Davies and Director of Clinical Services Dr Philip Kloer presented the plan, which is available on the health board’s website ( http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/862/AQSFinal201213sdm1.pdf ), in the latest health board meeting. Dr Kloer said: “Our vision is quite simple – to provide 80 per cent of NHS services locally, through primary, community and social care teams wor

Principality has market-leading 95% Mortgage to boost the Welsh housing market

Principality, Wales’s largest building society, has announced the launch of a brand new 95% LTV mortgage product that will lend up to 95% Loan To Value, to help Welsh First Time Buyers and those with limited deposits in Wales to get onto the property ladder. The product has been designed to meet the needs of those with lower deposits and less funds available, so there are no product fees and there will be no tightening of the lending criteria. The product also has a five year fixed rate, which gives buyers the security of a fixed payment for the significant future, allowing them to realistically budget. The Principality has a branch at the St Elli Shopping Centre in Llanelli. Christopher Johnson, Head of Mortgages at Principality said: “As a leading Welsh mutual that serves a community of members, we are committed to coming up with practical solutions to benefit Welsh people. The shortage of mortgage products realistically available to those with a low deposit has been a major stumb

Carmarthenshire volunteers needed to support families

Do you fancy being a Pregnancy Pal or helping to support a new family? The Sure Start Health Development Team are recruiting Pregnancy Pals/ Mentoring/ Behaviour Support volunteers for the next training course, due to start on Thursday 3rd October 2013 This is an ideal opportunity for people in Carmarthenshire to gain experience and a qualification to work with families. You would be provided with training to gain an OCN accreditation in Mentoring. In return the Hywel Dda health Board will ask you to support families in the community for up to two hours per week for a minimum of one year. If you are interested or would like to find out more please contact the team on 01554 779505.

Triathletes find a warm welcome in Carmarthenshire

Triathletes are targeting Carmarthenshire for their training sessions and regular events. There is rarely a weekend passing without a major triathlon taking place somewhere in the county with athletes from all over the country taking part. Llandovery’s recent Triathlon provided a stern challenge for 100 athletes deep in rural Carmarthenshire and was a great spectacle for many hundreds of spectators. Healthy Life Activities, working with the council leisure Department and Fusion gyms, is helping to build a new structure of triathlons across county making use of the county’s cycle tracks, swimming pools, footpaths and running routes. Carmarthenshire council executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “It is planned to develop a three-tier approach with mini, junior, novice and competitive triathlons at various county locations using the expertise and facilities within Llanelli’s Millennium Coastal Park. “Fusion will offer membership and specific classes geared a

Carmarthenshire sports teams get into the Commonwealth Games spirit

The countdown is on to Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games looms and Carmarthenshire’s Sports Development teams are getting into gear, building up to a year of sport to get even more people sports active. Plans include a Queen’s baton relay replicating the Olympic torch relay of 2012 and all county secondary school teacher head teachers are being approached to help for this event from March 10 - April 10 2014. Sports development unit manager Allison Rees said: “We are keen to use the Commonwealth Games to attract even more people into physical activity and promote opportunities in Carmarthenshire." She said: “We are keen to promote the 17 sports that will feature in the games and will focus on a couple of sports each month in the countdown to the games starting in September.” They have allocated the sports and months as follows this year September: Gymnastics. October: Shooting and weightlifting. November: Hockey and December judo, boxing and wrestling. Then next year - January: Table

Survey on rural Carmarthenshire's transport needs

Carmarthenshire County Council is undertaking a study into the transport needs of rural Carmarthenshire, focussing specifically on the key settlements of Llandeilo, Llandovery and surrounding areas. The survey, which is funded by the Rural Development Plan is designed to give bus passengers and the residents of rural Carmarthenshire an opportunity to express their views on issues such reliability, cleanliness and accessibility. This online review will also give respondents the opportunity to give their opinions on whether the buses meet their needs and suggest ways in which they feel the service could be improved. All responses will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Responses will be complied and used to develop the emerging Rural Transport Strategy. Executive board member for rural affairs Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would urge people to take part in this survey which will help us plan for the future.” As a thank you for taking part a prize draw wil

Carmarthenshire A level pupils top of the class!

Carmarthenshire pupils are top of the class with their A level exam results compared to the Welsh average. Some 98.6% of students gained an A* to E grade compared with the Welsh average of 97.6%. The results show a continuation of the high standards set in previous years, with 100% pass rates in many subjects. In the combined top grades of A* and A, Carmarthenshire pupils again beat the national average with 23.5% gaining the grades, compared to 22.9% nationally. Carmarthenshire had a pass rate of 100% for Welsh, both first and second language, higher again than the national average. They also scored 100% in English language and literature, history, art and design, and business studies – again an achievement above the all-Wales results. Education executive board member Cllr Keith Davies said: “Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to congratulate the large number of students who have achieved exceptional standards in this year’s WJEC “A” & "AS" Level GCE results after two

New heritage trails opened around Llansteffan

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Locals and holidaymakers are busy exploring the Llanybri Heritage Trails, three new circular trails that link with Llansteffan on the Wales Coast Path. The trails bring to life the cultural distinctiveness of the Tâf/Tywi peninsula, a relatively undiscovered part of the county. The accompanying trail booklet features the built heritage, stories and artefacts associated with pilgrims passing by, local characters making a living on coast, river and marsh and farming life in days gone by. Users can find out about the local pastime known as 'fflwca,' why Dylan Thomas appears on the back of Jack Roberts the ferryman and the legend surrounding the 'Pilgrims' graves' at Llandeilo Abercywyn. On the coastal trail, three singing ladies in the form of a bespoke crafted steel seat provide a welcome and attractive resting place. Sited in the Sticks woods near Llansteffan, the seat commemorates the mock-mayor making, concerts and social gatherings that took place in th

Free help to tackle energy bills for community halls

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RDP Sir Gâr’s Zero Carbon Future (ZCF) project is carrying out free energy efficiency surveys on community halls in rural Carmarthenshire a bid to save them money and energy. An essential facility for many rural villages and towns, community halls host social, fitness and learning activities for all ages throughout the county and act as a meeting place for many local groups. Most are run by dedicated groups of volunteers, but running costs can be expensive. With energy prices soaring, old inefficient heating systems and expensive lighting are pushing these costs up and putting these Halls at risk. ZCF officer Paul Thomas said “With the wave of new green technologies we can tackle this issue and future proof our facilities. Following an assessment we provide a report including details of recommended improvements and potential funding to implement them through schemes such as the Green Deal.” Zero Carbon Future, part of the RDP Sir Gâr Innovative Hubs project, is funded through

Wales hosting major women's football tournament

Tournament success in its Women's football legacy - WalesOnline Magazine Sport Blog Over the course of the next fortnight, Wales will host its first UEFA tournament as the finals of the Women's Under-19 Championship take place in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Llanelli. Wales qualified for the tournament as hosts and have been placed in Group A alongside Denmark, England and France. Group A - Wales, Denmark, England, France. Group B - Sweden, Finland, Germany, Norway. Match Day 1 - Monday 19th August 2013. Wales v Denmark (Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli) at 14.00hrs. England v France (Richmond Park, Carmarthen) at 19.00hrs. Sweden v Finland (Stebonheath Park, Llanelli) at 14.00hrs. Germany v Norway (Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli) at 19.00hrs. Story link to Wales Online.

Two fined for littering in Llanybydder

Two people have been fined for littering in Llanybydder after being caught on camera. Council environmental enforcement officers installed CCTV cameras at the recycling site in Station Road following complaints from residents of fly-tipping. All types of rubbish was being dumped around the recycling banks. A man was seen getting out of his car and dropping a cigarette end onto the ground. Officers used the vehicle registration number to identify him. In another incident, a woman was seen leaving a cardboard box on the ground. Both were issued with fixed penalty notices for £75. If they fail to pay, they could be taken to court where the maximum fine is £2,500. Further offences are also being investigated, which could result in further fines being issued. There are signs in the car park warning people that surveillance cameras may be in operation. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “These sites are important facilities for communities but

Battle on for Carmarthenshire Community Challenge Green Award

Three inspiring projects are in the running to scoop the Carmarthenshire Community Challenge Green Award 2013. Llys Caradog Children’s Centre, Banc Organics and Pontnewydd Living River Group are among those shortlisted for this year’s prestigious award. The award is part of the Llanelli Star Newspaper Community Awards and the winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Diplomat Hotel on Friday, September 6. The council’s assistant chief executive, Chris Burns said: “The standard of entries received this year has been exceptional. “Fantastic work is being carried out by many community groups across Carmarthen and beyond, and the quality of entries received this year reflects that.” Banc Organics Banc Organics is a not-for-profit community food scheme which grows organic vegetables and fruit in Bancffosfelen and distributes them in the Gwendraeth Valley. A wide range of organic vegetables is grown from two sites and sold as weekly boxes. The idea is that members choose what

Water quality is excellent at Carmarthenshire beaches

Residents and tourists are being encouraged to take advantage of the excellent water quality at Carmarthenshire’s beaches. Testing has shown that the quality of bathing water at the county’s beaches including Cefn Sidan and Pendine is excellent. Carmarthenshire Council's head of public protection Philip Davies said: “I would encourage people to make the most of Carmarthenshire’s fine beaches this summer. "The bathing water is of excellent quality this year so people should take advantage of that. “Swimmers should keep a look out for jellyfish as the hot weather has resulted in large numbers of them off the UK coastline. Anyone noticing jellyfish should swim away from them. If people see them stranded on the beach they should not touch them as some species can give you an irritating sting.”

Work starts on brain injury rehabilitation centre in Llanelli

Work has started on a centre of excellence in Llanelli to help people who have sustained a brain injury. The residential centre is being developed by the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT), a national charity that helps people regain the skills lost as a result of a road accident, stroke, assault or illness. The Trust specialises in helping people who have a problem with understanding, socialising and behaviour as well as physical problems. The Llanelli project, which will be the first of its kind in Wales, is designed to enable service users to live closer to their families and local community while they are undergoing rehabilitation. BIRT helps people with a range of programmes that are aimed at the needs of people at different stages after their injury from initial assessment and rehabilitation, to community-based or long term residential support. BIRT’s rehabilitation process involves a multi-disciplinary team of neuropsychologists, occupational, physio and speech and langua