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

A major strategy is to be launched to improve services for gypsies and travellers in Carmarthenshire. Plans have been drawn up to give the group more access to accommodation in the county and better support for their education, heath and social care needs. The Penybryn site in Llanelli will be improved and work will be carried out to improve relations between the gypsy and traveller communities and others in the area. Plans will be put in place to deal with unauthorised encampments, with the council, police and other agencies working together. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move, aimed at developing services for gypsies and travellers. The authority has received funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to support the strategy. Officers say they need a proper understanding of the movements and encampments so they can plan for their housing, education and health needs. It follows a survey of 28 families in the county in the past year. Residents in the council owned Penybr...

Work is underway to educate young people in Carmarthenshire about travellers. Housing officers are working alongside youth charity Rathbone Cymru to raise awareness of the gypsy traveller culture. Carmarthenshire County Council is working with the group to promote better understanding among young people. A special open day was held at the group’s Llanelli base to give an insight into the lives of the traveller community in the town. A presentation was given by 14 year-old Welsh Romany Shannon Treharne. The event was aimed at breaking down barriers in the area. The council’s Area Housing Manager Les James said: “We are working with Rathbone to promote understanding among young people, as part of a drive to encourage greater community cohesion.” The council’s Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is being carried out to raise awareness of the gypsy traveller culture and I commend all those involved.” Pictured are Rathbone Llanell...