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

The Planning Inspectorate has granted planning permission for a controversial test drilling application in the Vale of Glamorgan. The decision paves the way for fracking applications which would be totally contrary to recommendations by world-renowned climate experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research[1]. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “This decision has opened the floodgates for fracking test-drilling to occur right across Wales. More than half of the Welsh population lives in areas that have the potential to be fracking sites, so while this might be good news for a few rich corporations it’s very bad news for the people of Wales. “Fracking is a dirty way to extract a dirty fuel. It pumps cancer-causing chemicals into the ground to release a fuel that causes much more damage to the climate than gas. Wales is supposed to be turning into a green powerhouse economy, but this decision looks like putting us on a path back to the fossil f...

In a nutshell: Amman Valley Leisure Centre Fancy an early morning dip or joining friends for an aerobics class? You’ll be made welcome at Amman Valley Leisure Centre. A friendly atmosphere, on-site parking and a team of fully qualified staff are reasons why more than 200,000 people a year enjoy the centre. http://www.actifsirgar.co.uk/english/leisurecentres/ammanvalley Ammanford SA18 2NP  01269 594517

Off to Carmarthen for the Fete and Football Festival at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. Fun starts at 10.30am. http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/fete2012.html

South Wales millionaire and entrepreneur Kevin Green was the guest speaker at the Coleg Sir Gar Cluster Schools Leadership Challenge at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, today. The Dragon's Den-style event saw children from all the feeder schools for Coleg Sir Gar take part in a competition for the best business idea. Green, 48, gave an inspirational speech to the Year 9 pupils and then joined the judging panel for the event. Below, some of the pictures from the event. The winners will be announced later.

The first Llandeilo Jazz festival is up and running. There were bands at three of the concert venues on Friday evening - The White Horse, The Cawdor and The Angel. Pictured, bar staff at The White Horse and the Freewheelers performing at The White Horse.

The first ever Llandeilo Jazz festival is set to get off to a soggy start, with rain on Friday night. But the up-beat message from Llandeilo is that the rain is going to come to an end late in the evening and the rest of the weekend is set fair. The event, which is largely pub-based, is mostly undercover, with wet weather provision throughout the weekend. Simon Buckley, event organiser, said: "Its raining now in Llandeilo, but this is Wales. The rain is forecast to end later this evening, and then Saturday, and Sunday are set fair. "So there is absolutely no reason for people to hide away at home; it's jazz time Llandeilo style, and we now need people to get out and enjoy themselves. "We are blessed this year with the same weather as Glastonbury - but without the mud! "It’s going to be a great weekend, with great music, a great party, and most importantly in these difficult times, an opportunity for everyone to have a truly great time, and enjoy free music...

There was plenty of excitement at Amcanu’s Burry Port headquarters as staff loaded up a ‘Series 14′ water pump enclosure for delivery. A special crane had to be called in to lift the giant tailored sheet metal enclosure onto the delivery lorry. The pump enclosure was one of an order of four from one of Amcanu’s key clients, the global pump manufacturer Godwin Pumps. Amcanu managing director Owain Davies said the enclosures were destined for work in Norway. “The Series 14 is the biggest enclosure that we produce and the four in this order are also special in that we have had to kit them out with special covers to allow them to function in the snowy conditions of Norway. “We take pride in every enclosure we produce here in Burry Port, but there was a special buzz at our headquarters when we loaded the Series 14 up, simply because of its size.” Mr Davies added: “The Godwin name is top of the tree when it comes to pumps and we are delighted to be associated with the firm. “Where we come ...