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

The two senior Carmarthenshire councillors responsible for rural affairs and economic regeneration have seen for themselves how a community hall is being helped to bring people together. Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for rural affairs Cllr Jim Jones and executive board member Cllr Meryl Gravell visited Red Roses Community Hall which is at the heart of its rural community providing computer classes and a regular luncheon club for older people The Eglwyscummin Community Association received RDP funding for a Connecting Communities Pilot project. The Hall was the base for an IT service with wireless connected computers targeted at the over 50 members of the community. This service is now available on a regular basis. The Association has now received an RDP Sir Gâr Rural Community Inclusion grant of £5,383 to expand its popular lunch club and other activities at the venue. Tuesday Lunch club provides a hot two course meal and teas and coffees for about 50 peop...

Older residents in a Carmarthenshire village are taking part in the digital revolution. A major project to help people in Whitland and St Clears access new technology is flourishing. A digital hub has been set up at Eglwyscummin Community Hall in Red Roses, with wireless computers and a film club proving a resounding success. Residents of all ages are learning how to surf the net, use e-mail and webcams, shop on-line and access up-to-date communication tools like Skype. The Eglwyscummin Community Association is behind the 'Connecting Communities' scheme as part of a drive to bring the rural area into the modern world of communication. The group has received a £5,582 grant from the Access to Services through Innovation project and has been congratulated on its vision by Carmarthenshire County Council. Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The council is committed to supporting voluntary organisations, and this project is helping to bridge the digital d...

A Red Roses man has been prosecuted for selling puppies without a licence. Hywel John Walters pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court on Monday to an offence contrary to Section 1B of the Dogs Act 1973. The court was told that Walters had been seen to be advertising puppies for sale over a long period of time. Despite repeated visits to his kennels at Upper Castle Ely, Red Roses, to advise him, he continued to sell puppies and did not apply for a licence. In late 2009 a complaint was received that a pup purchased from Walters was sick and a visit was undertaken. It was found that there were several litters of puppies on site and an investigation was initiated. During the time of the legal proceedings Walters began to make improvements to his kennels, and then applied for a licence which was granted recently. The court imposed a 12 month conditional discharge and Walters was ordered to pay a contribution of £200 towards prosecution costs.