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

Help is available for Carmarthenshire people who struggle to put their rubbish out. Those who are elderly, infirm or disabled can get help to place their refuse at the kerbside for collection. The county council can arrange to either collect the waste from the doorstep, or from a mutually convenient location. Technical Services Executive Board Member Cllr Colin Evans said: “Anyone who finds it difficult due to ill health or disability to put their rubbish out for collection can ask us for help. “We are happy to make alternative arrangements in these circumstances.” People who would like to take advantage of this service will need to fill in an application form which will have to be signed by a doctor or other health professional. The forms are available online or from Carmarthenshire Direct call 01267 234567 or email direct@carmarthenshire.gov.uk Would you like more information on waste and recycling? Visit www.recycleforcarmarthenshire.com

Felinfoel’s Senior Citizens Group, based at Carmarthenshire County Council’s Tirynys Sheltered Scheme , have been celebrating a lottery windfall. They didn’t get six numbers and the bonus ball, but they did scoop £3,335 of Big Lottery funding  to spend on a variety of outings. They’ve already visited Cae Hir Gardens , Dolaucothi Mines and stopped for a meal at the Plough in Rhosmaen, Llandeilo , and they’ve got trips to Abergavenny Food Festival and others in the pipeline. Sheltered Scheme Officer Andrea Goodall said: “The group are thrilled to have secured this funding and have been busy planning their trips. We’re very grateful to the Big Lottery Fund.” Tirynys is one of around 20 Carmarthenshire County Council Sheltered Housing Schemes. They provide secure homes for older people who want to keep their own independence, with their own front door, whilst having the added benefit of companionship and support close by. For further information, including vacancies and to view flats,

RDP Sir Gâr’s Zero Carbon Future project has been busy helping rural Carmarthenshire groups to reduce their communities’ carbon footprints by looking at greener ways of living. Llandeilo Town Council used a grant from ZCF to install a bicycle rack in the town centre car park. Commuters and tourists converge at this point at Llandeilo. The provision of a cycle rack will encourage people to cycle to and from Llandeilo reducing, car journeys, congestion, costs and improving health and wellbeing for users. ZCF Officer Paul Thomas said: “This an example of ways in which communities can become more environmentally friendly and encouraging integrated transport provision. Having a safe and secure place to park your bicycle helps to encourage greater cycle use in Llandeilo." Zero Carbon Future, part of the RDP Sir Gâr Innovative Hubs project, is funded through the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund

Pupils in Carmarthenshire sit firmly at the top of the class with GCSE results higher than the national average. Figures show that 70% of pupils achieved grades A* to C, an increase of 1.9% on last year and higher than the Welsh average of 66.3%. Some 7.3% gained A* compared to 5.3% nationally, with 21.4% of pupils awarded A* and A, compared to the Welsh average of 18.4%. A* - G grades demonstrate an increase of 0.4% with a resounding 99.4% of Carmarthenshire pupils successful at these levels. Carmarthenshire County Council Chief Executive Mark James said: “We are delighted and encouraged by these WJEC figures. “They represent the considerable effort and achievement of our young people, all of whom deserve our warmest congratulations. “We have worked hard with schools and with the Regional Improvement Service, to drive forward improvements and to support learners within Carmarthenshire to reach their full potential.” Education executive board member Cllr Keith Davies added his congr

Carmarthenshire's Trading Standards are testing batches of loom bands they believe may contain harmful levels of toxic chemicals. Whilst awaiting the results, they are warning parents to be careful when purchasing the bright coloured elastic bands and charms that have become popular with children all over the world. Thousands of children have become hooked on the loom band craze, making bracelets, necklaces and trinkets out of small coloured elastic bands, either using their fingers or a plastic loom to twist and link them together. Trading Standards have found that a number of bands and charms, particularly of cheap or low quality, that have been bought locally do not comply with the Toy Safety Regulations 2011, in terms of labelling and warnings. A number have been sent for chemical analysis, with particular concern that they may contain toxic levels of phthalates – a substance which is used to make plastic safer and pliable, but is strictly controlled as they can migrate from

Would you like to nominate a local healthcare hero? Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Best of Health Staff Awards 2014 are now open for nominations. The awards scheme is organised by the University Health Board to recognise and reward the extraordinary achievements of our staff and volunteers, many of whom often go beyond the call of duty in their work for the benefit of our patients. 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. Health Shield, a UK leading provider of health cash plans and a non-profit making friendly society, are the major sponsor for the Best of Health Staff Awards for a second time. Jonathan Burton, Health Shield Chief Executive said: “H

Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating the sudden death of a 63-year-old man, following an incident on a dinghy in the water at Newport beach, Pembrokeshire. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 18:50 on Wednesday evening. Three men were on board the dinghy, and all three ended up in the water and in difficulty. Maritime and Coastguard Agency rescued the man from the water, but attempts to save him were unsuccessful. Next of kin have been informed. HM Coroner has also been informed. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police by calling 101.

Carmarthenshire swept the board at the recent Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards . Four local projects were honoured at the prestigious event at Cardiff’s City Hall, with one winning the coveted Chairman’s Special Award. The Kachumbala Widows Cooperative Mill and Grain Store project captured the imagination of the chairman Richard Wilson, who said it provided an ‘exceptional opportunity’ for Carmarthenshire apprentices. The project has seen a number of local men and women travel to Uganda to design and build a mill and grain store for a widows’ co-operative whilst passing on construction skills to local tradesmen. It has been run by Constructing Carmarthenshire Together – a partnership of Carmarthenshire County Council , Coleg Sir Gâr and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL) – as part of the Engineers for Overseas Development Carmarthenshire project to support the Salt Peter Trust . More than £40,000 was raised by local construction companies to fun

An unique event coming up in the Gwendraeth Valley will give local people their time to shine! It is hoped that ‘Nantyglo Has Talent Meets X Factor’ will unearth some hidden talent in the Cwm, with a special panel of judges ready to gives their thumbs up – or down – to singers, dancers, magicians and even talented pets. The event has been organised by tenants of Pontyberem’s Nantyglo Sheltered Scheme, who are looking forward to throwing open their doors to their neighbours on Saturday, September 6. Six Nantyglo tenants will also make up the judging panel, with Enid Osborn, Hywel Walsh, Irene Holden, Ann Shirtslinger and Jim Cowell, alongside host Andrew O’Leary. Anyone of any age can enter, and there’s some cash prizes up for grabs. Sheltered Scheme Officer Amanda Wheelhouse said: “We’re all very excited and looking forward to welcoming new faces to Nantyglo. Someone sparked the idea a few weeks ago, and all the tenants have really got behind it. “We’re all for thinking outside the

Calling all GCSE students in Carmarthenshire – have fun celebrating your exam results – but don’t get carried away! Enjoy safe, alcohol-free and trouble-free enjoyment without getting carried away to A&E or the cells! The Community Safety Partnership wants to ensure students enjoy a safe and trouble-free post-results celebration. Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We want you to enjoy yourselves celebrating your exam results after all that hard work – but please do so safely and without causing trouble.”

The latest Phil Evans column from the South Wales Evening Post - Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy . There’s an old man, 95, lying in his bed, dying. His family surround him, all of them hushed, respectful and tearful. Suddenly, the old man opens his eyes, sniffs the air and says, in a dry, croaking voice, “Is that a baked ham I can smell?“ His wife, who is sat by the bed holding his hand, says, “Yes, darling. I put it in the oven a little while ago.” He gently squeezes her hand, looks into her moistened eyes and says “I’m not long for this world, but that ham smells so delicious that my last wish is to enjoy a slice of it between two pieces of warm, crusty bread.” His wife replies, “I’m sorry, ‘cariad’, that’s just not possible. It’s for the funeral!” That’s an amusing story. But perhaps some of you think it’s in bad taste. Which raises the question: Should D.E.A.T.H. be a taboo subject in comedy? It would seem not, bec

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star - Many of our choirs are taking a well-deserved summer break after a busy schedule of summer concert and eisteddfod engagements. Côr Meibion Llanelli will be having a holiday from rehearsals after a busy concert programme which included the big choir competition at the Carmarthenshire National Eisteddfod held in Llanelli. The choir were ‘outgunned’ by the bigger Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir but can take consolation from the fact they performed with distinction. Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas said: “Eisteddfod competitions are always a huge test for any choir, but I thought the ‘boys’ of the choir did their very best. We didn’t win, but there was great honour in putting up a great fight in the competition.” The choir will have a busy programme when they return to action in September. The autumn programme includes a gala concert (with a special star guest to b

A Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards officer has won a UK-wide award for commitment to her profession. Viv Jones was chosen by the Food Standards Agency as the prize winner for the 'The Institute Celebrates Success' at the Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards Conference and Exhibition 2014 for Food. This is a significant achievement and the second time she has been the highest scoring student in UK national exams. Viv has worked for the council’s Trading Standards team for nine years. Based at Llanelli's Ty Elwyn, her day-to-day job sees her tackle everything from consumer issues, to rogue traders to food sampling. She said: “I am extremely pleased to have received this award and am grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues and manager during my studies.” Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “We are very proud of Viv and all that she’s achieved. Viv is an integral part of our hard working and dedicated T

A Garnant garden is in full bloom, in special memory of a much-loved character who is sorely missed in the community. Bus driver Mark Withers sadly died in May 2013, after a brave fight against cancer. He was known and loved by many, and the whole community got behind him when he starred in the very first series of the popular TV programme The Great British Bake Off. So, when his wife Elaine and son Jethro decided to do something special in his memory, they were not short of helping hands. Their story features on the front cover of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Tenant 2 Tenant magazine , which is written by council tenants. Elaine wanted to talk about her garden project as part of the council’s Pride In Your Patch project, which is part of the council’s £220million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard investment. “My husband was quite a character locally, and people loved him wherever he went - to say it has been hard without him is an understatement, I miss him every day,” said Elain

People in Carmarthenshire are being reassured that they can put their rubbish out after 6pm the night before the collection day. The move follows misinformation being circulated that residents can only put out their refuse on the day of the collection. Recently, two people were fined for putting their rubbish out on the wrong days, but technical Services Executive Board Member Cllr Colin Evans said prosecution was always a last resort, and responsible people need not be concerned. “The council does of course take a common sense approach, prosecution is always a last resort”, Cllr Evans said. “We provide advice on recycling and refuse and our officers are happy to visit people at home to help if needed. If there are particular issues we work with residents to resolve them. “Unfortunately, misinformation has been issued regarding rubbish, but we want to reassure residents that it is perfectly acceptable to put rubbish out after 6pm the night before the collection day. “Most people are

Some random shots of Lleisiau Hardd performing at the Carmarthenshire National Eisteddfod in Llanelli, under the baton of Bridget Radford. The choir performed at the Principality Building Society Marquee on the 'Maes' and at the Heol Goffa stand. Photo slideshow -

Agencies in Carmarthenshire got together to discuss the opportunity they have to transform the lives of offenders in Carmarthenshire, with the launch of the Integrated Offender Management Scheme (IOM). IOM is all about the intensive management of priority offenders who represent the highest levels of risk, threat and harm to our community by recognising the factors that can lead to offending taking place. It aims to reduce crime, reduce levels of reoffending, improve public confidence in the criminal justice system and tackle the exclusion of offenders and their families. The event included presentations from Tony Kirk, the Welsh Government IOM Lead; Kate Thomas, Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership Manager; Ella Rabaiotti, Assistant Chief Executive of the Wales Community Rehabilitation Company, and Supt Robyn Mason, Territorial Police Commander for Carmarthenshire. The delegates took part in a speed dating style meet and great with the IOM experts and agencies to find out more

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday Look after your Liver! This Healthy Wednesday we are raising awareness of hepatitis. Anyone who has used drugs may be at risk of infection, as well as those who have had a blood transfusion before 1991 or had tattoos/piercings undertaken in non-hygenic surroundings. So what can you do to avoid becoming infected with hepatitis? These are simple steps that can be followed: Do not share any drug paraphernalia. This includes needles, filters, spoons, crack pipes, water, straws or notes for snorting  Never share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes  Always use a condom when having sex  If having tattoos or piercings, always use a reputable practitioner and ensure that the equipment used is sterile  Of those infected by hepatitis B, ten per cent will become lifelong carriers. These are the people at risk of serious liver damage without treatment to suppress the viru

A gala concert to mark the centenary of the start of World War One is being held in Llanelli at the start of September. The concert is being staged by Llanelli Rotary Club in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and Loud Applause Productions. It takes place at 7pm on Saturday, September 6, at Greenfield Chapel in Llanelli town centre. The concert is in aid of the British Legion's Poppy Appeal in South West Wales. "This is a very worthwhile charity and one we are delighted to be supporting," said the President of Llanelli Rotary Club Hywel Bassett. "As a Rotary Club, we will soon be approaching our own 100th anniversary in Llanelli and we wanted to pay our own unique tribute to those who died during the war, those who were injured and those who took part, both at home and abroad. "The World War One 100th anniversary events throughout the country and abroad have touched all our hearts. "With that in mind, we hope to stage a fitting commemoration of t

'Water' great bit of news – the splash pad at Llanelli’s Penyfan Park is back up and running! The popular children’s attraction had been out of action for a few weeks owing to a problem with the computer software that programmes the spray and play facility. But engineers have now rectified the problem, and the council’s grounds maintenance team has been able to reopen the splash pad so children have chance to enjoy the last few weeks of summer at the park. The news has been welcomed by the council’s executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell. “Let’s see as many as possible taking advantage of this wonderful facility for the remainder of the holidays,” she said. “It’s a great summer for outdoor activities all over the county.” Want to find out what else you can do in the summer holidays? Take a look at our What’s On guide

The Carmarthen Bay Film Festival has received a prestigious boost as plans begin to take shape for the 2015 event. The festival, which enters its fourth year in 2015, is now on the approved list for BAFTA Cymru Wales. Festival CEO and organiser Kelvin Guy said: "The BAFTA abbreviation is pretty special in the world of film. "The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is recognised as a hugely prestigious organisation worldwide. "To get this recognition from BAFTA Cymru Wales is a huge honour and is a great achievement when you consider what the festival has achieved since it launched in 2011. "Being on the list of approved BAFTA Cymru Wales festivals helps give added prestige and stardust to the festival, with entrants now being eligible for BAFTA awards as well as the ones on offer at the festival." Mr Guy said: "Last year's festival was a great success and closed with a a Gala Awards Dinner at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. “

A new centre that facilitates the creation of multimedia learning resources using audio, video and animation to improve and enrich the student learning experience, has been opened by Aberystwyth University. Aber Academy represents and investment of £200,000 and is located in the Hugh Owen Building, on the Penglais Campus. It provides training for members of staff on how to use technology effectively, and space to exchange ideas and share good practice in learning and teaching. Facilities including a media lab and a recording studio, and equipment such as cameras, camcorders and microphones, can be used and borrowed by staff to help with the delivery of lectures, research or presentations. The Academy has been developed largely in response to feedback from students in the National Student Survey, the annual Information Services Users Survey and learner experience studies undertaken in 2010 and 2013. Students responding to the surveys indicated clearly they were looking for more video an

A Carmarthen man got together a team of ‘rebels’ to tackle a 55 mile cycle to say thank you to a unit which helped save his life. Rhodri Reynolds formed part of the Rhodri’s Rebels group of friends who cycled 55 miles from Aberaeron to Saundersfoot to raise funds for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. Rhodri said “I was treated at Glangwili Hospital in 1996 for Hodgkin Lymphoma when I was 19 years old. I have been fortunate to make a full recovery and wanted to give something back in return for the marvellous care that I was given by the doctors and nurses. “I am pleased that we were able to raise £2,106.10 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit as it provides such an excellent service. Having visited the unit today for the first time since my treatment I am amazed to see how charitable donations have helped to provide above and beyond what the NHS is able to offer.” Rhodri added: “I would like to thank my family and friends for all the support they have given me

It was all smiles across Carmarthenshire as schools were presented with their Designed to Smile awards. Designed to Smile is an NHS Dental programme funded by the Welsh Government helping children to have healthier teeth. Helen Edwards, Designed to Smile Co ordinator and Oral Health Promoter, said: “I am pleased that these settings have embraced the whole ethos of the D2S programme and embraced oral hygiene and looking after their children’s teeth as part of their ongoing work.” The certificates were presented at the Healthy Schools award ceremony. Silver awards went to: Carwe mudiad meithrin Bronze awards went to: Ysgol Teilo Sant, Cefneithin Community Primary School, Gorslas Community Primary School and Llandeilo Community Primary School.  Carwe mudiad meithrin  Cefneithin Community Primary School Gorslas Community Primary School  Llandeilo Community Primary School Ysgol Teilo Sant

The National Eisteddfod has been praised for bringing the cultural event to Llanelli by one of the bosses at a leading West Wales business. Russell Jenkins, operations manager at the Jenkins Bakery, said: "I have nothing but praise for the Carmarthenshire National Eisteddfod. "It brought life, colour and customers to the town. As far as I am concerned it is a pity Llanelli isn't the established South Wales home of the Eisteddfod. We would then see it here every other year." Mr Jenkins said he was disappointed by the negative reaction of some Llanelli town centre traders to the Eisteddfod. "Yes, it does impact on traffic flow, but speaking for the Jenkins Bakery I can tell you that all our town centre shops were very busy throughout the week. "Our staff entered into the spirit of the event. They put Welsh flags up and decorated shops with a Welsh theme using daffodils, leeks, rugby balls, Welsh dolls, Welsh flags, a Welsh cake 'plank' and red,

Latest news from the 'Jazz in the Bar' team at Brecon -  Hello everyone - Thank you to all who helped to make this year's Brecon Jazz Festival such a success, both the main festival events and our own club programme. Our own next gig is Tues 23 SEPTEMBER (Keith Little Trio, with piano, clarinet, drums). Till then, a few relevant notices about great jazz in and around the region this summer, in West Wales (20 Aug, 21 Aug), Borders (29 Aug), and Abergavenny (30/31 Aug): Lots of people love Afternoon in Paris, and if you are in the West, they are playing in Narberth this Weds 20th. August (venue Plas Hyfryd Hotel Moorfield Road Narberth). More details of SpanJazz Autumn Weds dates (Narberth), usual venue is The Dingle Club, Jesse Road Narberth SA67 7DP. Weds 17th. September 'A Night To Remember' - Claudia Gunnars & Gary Phillips Weds 22nd. October Michael Coates tenor sax, with The John Gibbon Trio Weds 19th. October Wynn Phillips band, Grouch Club S

People registered at the former Amman Valley Practice are being invited to attend drop-in sessions and play a part in the consultation over the future of general medical services in the area. Hywel Dda University Health Board is holding three sessions on Thursday 21 August: 10am–12noon Community Centre, Ysgol Y Bedol 2pm–4pm Brynamman Community Hall 6pm-8pm Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Hall The UHB hopes to gain feedback from registered patients and the general community about their health needs as part of the process to commission a permanent contract for provision in the area. Local people are also welcome to attend the sessions to learn more about the current situation. The former GP partnership dissolved earlier in the summer and it became necessary for the UHB to commission a temporary contract to protect delivery of the service. The temporary contract was awarded to a newly formed partnership of three local GPs – Dr Duncan Williams and Dr Andy Watkin, both with more than 20 years o

Aberystwyth University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Polytechnic of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday 18 August by Ado-Ekiti Rector Dr. Theresa Taiwo Akande and Professor April McMahon of Aberystwyth University. The MoU forms the basis for the development of a series of joint programmes between Ado-Ekti and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Areas of research at IBERS which are being considered include food security led by Prof. Luis Mur; Schistosomiasis, the parasitic disease which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, which is being led by Professor Karl Hoffman and Dr Iain Chalmers; research into mapping Malaria which is being led by Professor Chris Thomas and Dr Donall Cross and work on identifying medicinally relevant natural products led by Dr Ifat Parveen. Professor April McMahon said: “As a leading UK research institution, Aberystwyth University has many long established and i

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being urged to put their rubbish bags out for collection correctly or face a fine of up to £1,000. The advice comes following two residents in Llanelli who have been fined £100 each in July for putting their bins out incorrectly. The residents, who live on Langland Road and Annesley Street, were issued the fixed penalty notices as well as being given information regarding recycling and notices requesting that they comply with the recycling scheme in their area. Residents are warned that if they fail to comply with such a notice issued under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they may be fined or reported for summons in a Magistrates court where the maximum fine on conviction is £1,000. Cllr Jim Jones, executive board member for Technical Services, said: “Carmarthenshire County Council's Environmental Enforcement section receive numerous complaints every day regarding rubbish bags being presented early for collection or being put

The Triage and Treat service Tenby and Saundersfoot has now seen 26 patients. The Triage and Treat pilot service is being offered in specific community pharmacies to help you if you have had a low level injury. The service, believed to be the first in Wales, is being provided by a pharmacist or a member of the pharmacy team who has had special training. Dr. Phil Kloer Interim Executive Director of Primary Care, Community, Mental Health Services & Clinical Strategy visited the Triage and Treat service in Saundersfoot. He said “It was really impressive to see the enthusiasm of John and the team at The Pharmacy in Saundersfoot, where they are now able to provide care for people with low level injuries and minor illnesses in the locality. This is a really exciting development and shows the how important the expanded community pharmacy roles are for our local population.” The service is being piloted in two pharmacies: Glen Pharmacy, Gas Lane, Tenby SA70 4ES 8.30am–6.00pm Monday to

The Red Kite Law team will be at the Pembrokeshire County Show with a special offer. They will be offering a 20% discount off all new Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney instructions. Simon Campbell-Davies, head of marketing and business development with Red Kite Law, said: “We are very proud to be supporting the Pembrokeshire County Show both as a sponsor and with this special offer which is to help people protect their assets and legacies.” The Red Kite Law team will be at the CLA Country Land and Business Association (Country Landowners’) stand throughout the show to explain their special offer. To coincide with the show, the offer is also running on the Red Kite Law website - www.redkitelaw.co.uk Customers can also ring the firm’s main Pembrokeshire (01437 763332) and Carmarthenshire (01267 239000) numbers. Mr Campbell-Davies said: “We are putting the spotlight on will writing and lasting power of attorney arrangements. “Not having a will means the state decides what hap

Latest news from the Span Arts team in Narberth -  The swashbuckling musical adventure of The Three Musketeers arrives on the 25th August! Continuing with Span Arts summer of theatre, The Three Musketeers is set to perform at Narberth Rugby Club on August 25. Open-air family theatre, Boxtree productions are bringing their fun-filled show to Narberth. With action, sword fights, original songs, and a little bit of romance, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. Entertainment will start from 3pm onwards, with food, drink and treats also available. The bar will be open to grown-ups also. The show is suitable for children of 7+. The perfect way to wind down the summer holiday, this swashbucking musical adventure will be held come rain or shine...All for one and one for all! Don't miss out! Tickets are selling fast: Individual tickets: £6.50 (in advance)- £8.50 (on the door). Family of four:£22 (advance)- £29.50 (on the door) https://span-arts.ticketso

Families across Carmarthenshire are being given the chance of doing something good for their community, and get rewarded for their efforts. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Engagement Team , part of Housing Services , have organised a series of litter picks and are encouraging local people to get involved. In return for cleaning up their communities, volunteers will earn Time Credits, which they can save and spend on a host of local and national leisure or educational activities. The first event takes place tomorrow at Trimsaran - villagers are being asked to meet at the leisure centre at 10am to get kitted up ready for a litter pick, arranged as part of the council’s  Pride In Your Patch project. Further litter picks are arranged for Friday September 12 at Park Hall woodland, Carmarthen; Tuesday September 16 at Dwyfor growing spaces, Llwynhendy; and Saturday September 20 at Carway Hall – all starting at 10am. The Pride In Your Patch project was developed as part of the co

A woman has been fined for a dog fouling offence in Pendine. A council environmental enforcement officer was on patrol in the area at the time when he saw the dog defecate on the grass outside the museum. The owner was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75 after she failed to clean up after her dog. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a fine of up to £1,000. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Pendine is popular with families and children and dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk. “Most dog owners are responsible and pick up after their pets; however, there is a small minority who do not and we will not hesitate to fine them.” Cllr Jones added: “One of the main reasons people do not clean up after their dog is because they think there isn’t a council officer watching; but if the message gets out that the general public can take direct action to report offences, dog owners are far more

Ammanford’s Ysgol Y Bedol is helping the environment by going green and having solar panels. The Welsh medium primary school in Garnant is currently undergoing the installation of a 50kWp solar PV system. Two hundred panels are being installed as part of the Egni solar PV cooperative project. The new system is expected to slash increasing electricity bills with computers and lighting feeding off the natural resource. Children will also benefit by learning about efficiency ideas that can be crucial skills going forward. Carmarthenshire County Council Leader, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “These panels not only generate clean energy and save money but will also help educate the children on the importance of climate change and sustainability, as well as the impact they have on the environment. The money saved in electricity by installing these panels can be used for other vital resources for the school, such as books and stationery needed to help provide the best possible education for our ch