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

Carmarthen Town AFC officials were delighted to play host to one of the club’s principal sponsors. Representatives of Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd enjoyed a home match in the comfort of the newly-refurbished hospitality suite at Richmond Park. Club chairman Gareth Jones said: “All of us at Carmarthen Town are always delighted to welcome key sponsors who do so much to support us here at Richmond Park. The support of all principal sponsors is highly-valued and without their contributions Carmarthen Town would not be such a success story.” Pictured above are - Dyfrig Dalziel owner of Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, sponsors of the Carmarthen Town shorts this season, and Jeff Thomas, of Carmarthen Town. Mr Dalziel said he was delighted to be a key sponsor of Carmarthen Town. “They have excellent facilities here at Richmond Park and I’d like to wish them every success in the coming season,” he said. “I am sure local businesses and the people of Carmarthen are right behind the side as they fly the flag in the Wel...

New learning materials exploring human rights have been launched in Welsh primary schools by the Education Minister. Welsh Assembly member Leighton Andrews and Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler unveiled Amnesty International’s new packs at Model Church in Wales Primary School, Carmarthen. The interactive lessons are the first support materials designed for five to 11-year-olds to help teachers explore human rights in primary schools – focusing on fairness and freedom and the rights of young children. The free packs bring basic rights to life and encourage Wales’ children to think about other youngsters around the world and the problems they face. They also include creative suggestions for exploring children’s rights through artistic projects, including quilt making and collages. For older primary children, the resources suggest ways of considering rights of refugees and how young people can take action to help others. Cathy Owens, Amnesty International’s programme director for Wales...

A new range of bulk poultry feeds is now available from Wynnstay’s feed mill at Carmarthen after the company has invested in new milling equipment at the site. The feed mill at Travellers Rest was purpose built in 1981 to supply compound animal feeds to the region’s dairy and livestock producers. But an ongoing programme of investment and improvement works means that the mill is now able to produce bulk poultry feeds as well as a range of blended animal feeds. “We are currently in the process of investing £250,000 at the site to increase output and reduce energy consumption,” explains Wynne Jones, operations manager at the mill. Key to the site’s energy savings is a new inverter which controls the speed of the mill’s grinders and allows the milling speed to be automatically adjusted or shut-down according to workload. New product transfer equipment has also been installed to increase the site’s overall output capacity and to further reduce energy consumption. “As part of that programme...

A brand new Community Broadband initiative has been launched within Carmarthenshire, aiming to put an end to broadband not-spots in rural areas. The Carmarthenshire Community Broadband Partnership (CCBP) will provide a high-speed Broadband service throughout the county, creating an exceptional level service in the areas where there are no services currently available, and making NGA (next generation access) available and affordable to disadvantaged places across the county. The community-owned network will span the Tywi Valley and will provide service to the wards of Cilycwm, Llandovery, Llangadog, Llandeilo, Manordeilo & Salem and Llanfihangel Aberbythych, as well as picking up parts of the Western Valleys in one huge Community Broadband project. Initially, two main masts will be installed, one at Garn Big (Carmel) and the other at Crychan (Cynghordy) providing a service to the county’s known black spots and poor service areas. As the demand for the network increases, additional m...

Just back after two very busy days in Suffolk at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association meeting. V interesting and will tell you more later . . .

A charity is asking men across Wales to grow a beard during November in homage to late rugby great Ray Gravell. The Welsh Rugby Players' Association (WRPA) has teamed up with the charitable trust founded in his honour for the "Grow a Grav" campaign. See - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-11606232

Carmarthen Town AFC officials were delighted to play host to one of the club’s principal sponsors during a recent match at Richmond Park. Representatives of Specsavers in Carmarthen enjoyed the match in the comfort of the newly-refurbished hospitality suite. Club chairman Gareth Jones said: “All of us at Carmarthen Town are always delighted to welcome key sponsors who do so much to support us here at Richmond Park. The support of all principal sponsors is highly-valued and without their contributions Carmarthen Town would not be such a success story. “We were delighted to welcome Kevin McCarthy and Samuel Hodson, store directors at Specsavers in Carmarthen. Specsavers are sleeve sponsors for the club’s kit this season.” Pictured above - Kevin McCarthy and Samuel Hodson with Jeff Thomas (centre) of Carmarthen Town AFC. Mr McCarthy said: “We are delighted to be supporting Carmarthen Town. They fly the flag for Carmarthen in the Welsh Premier League and Specsavers is pleased to be associa...

Off to Saxmundham in Suffolk for a business meeting. Blog updates may be patchy, depending on wi-fi and broadband access!

Welsh cakes come with free wi-fi at the National Botanic Garden of Wales since the attraction went from having the slowest broadband connection in Carmarthenshire to one of the fastest. The restaurant and coffee shops at the Garden have been transformed from ‘Not’ spots to wi-fi hot-spots thanks to a partnership with ResQ IT and Telecoms, of Cross Hands, and TFL communications, in Pembroke. Head of facilities at the Garden Clive Edwards says: “This is very good news indeed for the two-million or so people who drive past the Garden’s entrance every year; they can now stop for a fabulous cup of coffee, Welsh cakes and wi-fi at our Gatehouse café – and they don’t even have to pay to get into the Garden.” Managing Director of ResQ, Ian Muxworthy, said: “This is a real partnership deal. TFL has provided the high-speed broadband link and ResQ has donated the equipment to make the ‘hot spots’ around the Garden. “It’s fitting that one of the biggest and best gardens in Wales should have the be...

The Welsh tourism industry’s quality marque for attractions has been awarded to the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne, near Carmarthen. In its 2010 assessment, the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) said the Garden “comfortably merits” the accreditation. VAQAS inspector Huw Thomas praised the maintenance of the grounds and buildings; customer service; the interpretive panels; and plant labelling. He goes on to say: “The continuing growth and development of the Garden and exhibits together with the changing seasons, mean that there is usually something new for visitors to see on each visit.” Garden director, Dr Rosetta Plummer, was delighted with the mystery shopper-style report. She said: “They have scored us very well in everything we do which is very positive indeed. “It is very useful to be able to remind our excellent team of staff and volunteers that they are doing a very good job – from answering phones, driving the buggies; what we offer in the sho...

Carmarthenshire County Council has unveiled Llanelli-based portrait photographer Terry Morris as its new arts ambassador. Terry, who is best known for his celebrity portraiture collections, will work with the council in a voluntary capacity to enhance and develop arts based projects across Carmarthenshire. As well as acting as a link between arts and crafts groups, individuals, and the local authority, Terry will use his connections to promote art and culture with the aim of establishing Carmarthenshire as a pioneer of art development. He will also act as a representative of the arts community, and will ensure artist’s voices are heard throughout the shaping cultural developments within the county. Council leader, Cllr Meryl Gravell, was behind the move to bring Terry on board, and recognises the value an ambassadorial role will bring to the county. “Carmarthenshire is a cultural county, with diverse art venues and highly talented artists,” she said. “We want to celebrate that, and by ...

A village action group which launched its own shop and Post Office has been applauded for breathing new life into the community. Two years ago residents in Dryslwyn joined forces to save the closure threatened Post Office. Now just 12 months later, the Dryslwyn Community Shop has generated a turnover of £99,197 with £1,000 distributed back into the community. The shop was awarded a grant of £19,277 from the Sustainable Communities Improving Access to Services project. The money was used to upgrade and equip the premises. The project receives grant assistance from the Rural Development Plan for Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The aim of the Rural Development Plan programme is to strengthen the identity of communities, increase access to services, provide improved leisure and cultural facilities and support businesses to create new jobs. Chief Executive Mark James said: "The Dryslwyn Community Shop is a fantast...

Work has started on a brand new community sports centre in Felinfoel. A £937,670 project is underway to redevelop the village recreation ground. A sports hub with changing facilities for cricket, rugby and football teams is being developed at the site. The building will also house training rooms and space for health and fitness activities, along with conferencing and function facilities. The centre will act as a venue for learning and development, with health and education benefits for the community. The ambitious project is a partnership between Felinfoel Communities First and Llanelli Rural Council, which is investing £511,670. Other funding includes £300,000 from the Communities Facilities and Activities Programme, £50,000 from Cwm Environmental, £25,000 from the County Collaboration Fund, £15,000 from the Community Fund and support from Carmarthenshire County Council. The community is also actively fundraising for the project. Contractors TAD have started work and the centre is exp...

People aged over 50 in Llandovery and Whitland can benefit from a new pilot scheme to improve their health and wellbeing. The scheme will provide foot care, associated therapies, information and advice. Rural Health clinics, run by Wellbeing Regeneration, will provide the new service at the YMCA in Llandovery and at Whitland Memorial Hall. Project partners include Age Concern Sir Gâr, Hywel Dda Health Board and the Sheltered Scheme programme. The project has received funding of £22,384.89 from the Rural Development Plan for Wales. The plan, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Carmarthenshire County Council, helps rural communities by funding projects which help people access services. Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This pilot project is providing essential services for older people in rural areas who would otherwise have difficulty gaining access to these services. “The proje...

The first “Blas Tywi” Food Festival held in Dinefwr Farm attracted an estimated 3,000 visitors over the event’s two days. It featured celebrity chefs Bryn Williams, Anthony Evans, Hazel Thomas, Daniel Williams and Lisa Fearn who demonstrated their culinary skills to an enthusiastic audience. The event also saw Llandeilo Young Farmers win the “Ar Y Fwydlen” cookery competition by beating Llandeilo RFC into second place. The festival hosted more than 30 different food, drink and herbal stalls ranging from local meats and fish to speciality beers, cakes and cheeses. Entertainment included lantern-making sessions, cookery workshops, clay-making demonstrations, apple pressing and storytelling. The crowds also enjoyed a variety of musical items with the Nantgaredig Community Orchestra, the Nantgaredig School Choir and St Teilo Choir providing the entertainment. Further entertainment was provided by students of Coleg Sir Gar, and the Jac-y- Do folk group getting everyone involved in their Twm...

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...

Seven drain gratings have been stolen from an industrial estate in Llanelli over the weekend. Council leaders have hit out at those responsible as they say their reckless behaviour is putting the safety of road-users and pedestrians at risk. It will also cost the council almost £1,000 to replace them. The thefts occurred at the Dafen Industrial Estate. Council staff have made the area safe and are arranging for replacement gratings to be fitted as soon as possible. The incident has been reported to the police who are investigating. Residents are being asked to be vigilant and to report any suspicious or unusual activity, particularly outside of normal working hours. Executive board member for the Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Unfortunately manhole covers and drain gratings are stolen from time to time, probably for their scrap value. However, this is extremely dangerous to both road-users and pedestrians and could result in a serious accident. “The cost of replacing these manhole cov...

A new car park has been unveiled at the site of a longstanding eyesore in Brynamman. Land in Mountain Road has been completely transformed in recent months into a much needed parking area for the community. Three buildings on the corner of the road have been bulldozed after complaints from residents. Two of the properties had been empty for many years, and sheds at the site have also been cleared. The work has been carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council, as part of a £167,000 environmental improvement scheme. The project was co-funded by a grant of £116,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Western Valleys Strategic Regeneration Area Programme. It forms part of the 10 year Group Renewal programme in Upper Brynamman, which is leading to regeneration schemes across the area. The council’s Principal Area Renewal Officer Clive Thomas said: “The buildings were in the centre of the village and were an eyesore for the community. “We are pleased to have been able to complete this sch...

Ski Pembrey is taking to the road so more people in Carmarthenshire find out about the “secret” attraction in Pembrey Country Park. It’s the most popular artificial ski slope in Wales with thousands of visitors travelling to it from outside the county but few outside the immediate locality knowing it exists. It’s been found many from the county are travelling outside of Wales unaware of the spectacular facility they have on their doorstep. As a result Ski Pembrey is going and about on a 'Slide & Ride Road show', in the heart of the prestigious new shopping centre, St Catherine's Walk, Carmarthen on the half term weekend. This follows on a similar road show in Swansea Marinia that gathered interest like a rolling snowball.. Ski Pembrey will be rolling out the green carpet (ski mat) along the centre’s natural sloping ground between 10am and 4pm on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October in the square directly outside Frankie & Bennies and the Cinema. Children between t...

The landmark Ty’n y Cornel Hotel has won a place in the prestigious Good Hotel Guide 2011. Ty’n y Cornel sits in a stunning lakeside location at Talyllyn in the Snowdonia National Park. “It is a truly magnificent location and thoroughly deserves a place in the guide,” said Phil Thomas, general manager at the hotel. The Good Hotel Guide notes – ‘Stunning views; service and food excellent . . . traditional hotel beside 222-acre Talyllyn Lake, popular with anglers.’ “Ty’n y Cornel already has a fabulous reputation as a destination for anglers, one of the great brown trout and sewin fisheries of Wales,” said Mr Thomas. “This year, we played host to the Commonwealth fishing championships which attracted anglers from all over the world. We also had a visit from a team of American broadcasters keen to show off Wales to the rest of the world during the Ryder Cup golf tournament. “But Ty’n y Cornel isn’t just about fishing. Its location at the foot of majestic Cader Idris makes it a great venue...

Gwendraeth Valley tenants are being asked to give their views on housing issues. They are being invited to a meeting of the Tenants Network next week. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the Network, as part of its commitment to working closely with its tenants and ensuring their views are represented. Officers hope to gather feedback on issues including repairs, rent levels, improvement schemes and anti-social behaviour. The meeting will be held in Tumble Hall at 6pm on Wednesday 27 October. Tenant Participation Officer Janet Griffiths said: “This meeting will give tenants the opportunity to have their say on how we deliver the housing service, to put forward suggestions for improvements to their environment and also to raise any concerns they may have. “We encourage everyone to come along and have their say.” Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “The council is committed to delivering the best possible housing service and it is vital that tenants work closely wit...

A new county-wide service has been launched to help survivors of domestic abuse in Carmarthenshire. Organisations which offer a lifeline have joined together to provide better help and support. The move brings together providers of housing related support services, and is aimed at delivering one service across the county. People who have experienced domestic abuse will be able to access all the help they need to be able to live independently in their own homes. The three Women’s Aid groups in Amman Valley, Carmarthen and Llanelli have joined together. They are also working closely with Hafan Cymru, which provides housing related support service for women when they leave a refuge, and men experiencing domestic abuse. Support will be given on managing a household budget, running a home, information on meaningful activities and signposting to other services. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing Executive Board Member and Supporting People Champion cllr Hugh Evans said: “Domestic abuse...

A Llandovery gift shop is being given a facelift thanks to a grant from Carmarthenshire County Council. The Black Lion Giftshop in Stone Street has been given a Village Improvement Grant (VIG) of £12,387 towards the estimated £24,774 cost of renovating the shopfront. The work will include a new door and sash windows, sign, weatherboards and guttering and repainting the building. This grant has been made under the Village Enhancement Project, which has received funding of £940,049 through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural fund for Rural Development. The Project aims to enhance the appearance of rural towns and villages and stimulate economic growth. The VIG itself is aimed to enhance the branding of commercial properties in rural areas. Project Development Officer Michael Morgan said: “The Black Lion Giftshop is in a prominent position in the heart of Llandovery. The owner is keen to restore ...

Thanks to you, dear readers and visitors, this blog is continuing to pick up more hits. It's now hit the 15,000 page views mark. That's a 1000 views since October 11. Keep the hits coming, folks! Many thanks. See earlier blog - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/14000-visits-chalked-up.html Meanwhile, the blog has chalked up its first visitor from Korea. The full country by country list (figures from January 6) is as follows - United Kingdom (GB) 4,093; United States (US) 449; India (IN) 47; Germany (DE) 37; Australia (AU) 35; Europe (EU) 34; Qatar (QA) 29; Canada (CA) 28; Ireland (IE) 24; Japan (JP) 22; France (FR) 18; Italy (IT) 17; Malaysia (MY) 15; Netherlands (NL) 12; New Zealand (NZ) 11; Belgium (BE) 11; United Arab Emirates (AE) 10; Singapore (SG) 9; Russian Federation (RU) 9; Philippines (PH) 9; Spain (ES) 8; Sweden (SE) 7; Denmark (DK) 7; Austria (AT) 5; Greece (GR) 5; Bahrain (BH) 5; South Africa (ZA) 5; Norway (NO) 5; Pakistan (PK) 5; Romania (RO) 4; Bulgaria (BG...

A community woodland in Llanybydder is to be blitzed as part of a huge land improvement scheme. Plans are afoot to clean-up and develop the site between Bro Einon and Heol Y Dderi. The land, which has been blighted by fly-tipping, will be restored and new seating areas and picnic tables installed. The pathways will be improved and litter picks will be carried out. The work is part of a multi-million pound Environmental Works Programme to improve the areas around council estates in Carmarthenshire. The county council is behind the scheme as part of the £200 million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, which is aimed at improving the council’s 9,200 council homes. Huge refurbishment schemes are underway to improve houses, and officers want to ensure that the areas around estates are also improved. Groundbreaking work is underway to clear neglected land and create new play areas, allotments and community green spaces. Tenants and housing officers have joined together to create key projects and...

Handyperson Elwyn Morgan is becoming a familiar face to older people in Carmarthenshire. His carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills are being put to good use in homes across the area. Elwyn travels to all corners of the county to carry out essential repairs for older people. Whether it is a tap that needs fixing, a new stair-rail to install, or minor repairs to windows, doors and roofs, he is only a phone call away. For many people, these simple jobs and adaptations mean they can continue to live safely in their own homes. The Handyperson scheme is targeted at people over 60 who own or privately rent their home. It is run by Care and Repair Carmarthenshire and has been funded for two years by Carmarthenshire County Council. Mildred Jenkins of Amanwy, Llanelli has had a number of jobs carried out at her home. The 82-year-old said she was delighted with the service. She said: “This is an excellent service and it’s been such a help to me, because there are jobs in the house that I can’...

See BBC site - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-11565255

Outdoor activities in Carmarthenshire have been given a big boost thanks to a major tourism grant. Llandysul Paddlers have been awarded £11,563 from Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Sustainable Tourism grant. The money was used for additional equipment which has enabled them to increase their programme of activities. Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said “This is a good example of how we can utilise our current grant resources by investment into Community Regeneration type projects that provide a great service to meet the needs of the county whilst as an organisation we strive towards achieving a fully sustainable future.” The Paddlers now offer kayaking, open canoeing, paddle surfing, white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, mountain biking and coasteering. The grant allowed them to buy additional equipment which included new wet suits, 12 mountain bikes, all the safety equipment needed and racking for storage and transportation. Marketing and ...

Carmarthenshire is to increase its salt stock this winter. It follows last year’s national salt shortage. Sub zero temperatures saw many local authorities having to ration supplies and stop using salt on minor roads. As a result the council is looking to increase its stock by 26 per cent. This means approximately 9,500 tonnes of salt will be stocked in barns ready to be used and a further 2,500 tonnes on order. More frequent deliveries have also been organised as and when available to keep stocks at or near maximum levels. Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “Last year saw heavy demand on salt supplies across the UK, however, forward planning and careful use of our stocks meant that we never ran out of salt in Carmarthenshire and we did not encounter some of the problems that other areas of the country experienced. I'm sure residents understand that the most important thing when supplies are under pressure is to keep the main roads clear. “This year we are increasi...

Residents in Garnant are being urged to have a good clear out before Christmas and get rid of any rubbish they have lying around the home. A waste amnesty is being held on Saturday, October 22 where householders will be able to take advantage of a one-off chance to dispose of any large items of rubbish for free. A collection point will be set up at the car park in the bowls club between 8am and 10.30am. Most household waste can be taken along including bulky waste items such as furniture and electrical goods. However, asbestos, tyres, paint, garden chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, construction waste and trade waste will not be accepted. Operatives will also be on hand to help residents dispose of any bulky items. The amnesty has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and the aim is to encourage residents to dispose of waste that may otherwise be fly-tipped. It is also hoped the amnesty will encourage householders to recycle and/or reuse as much of their rubbish as possible....

Essential road maintenance works are to be carried out in the Trostre area of Llanelli. The works on the W5598 Trostre retail roundabout to the B4304 Lower Trostre Road roundabout are due to start on Monday, October 25 and are being carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council. The works are being undertaken to alleviate flooding in the area. They will be undertaken during normal weekday working hours with restrictions on weekend working to avoid disruption during this busy time. The scheme will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one is expected to last approximately seven weeks and will hopefully be completed before Christmas. Phase two will start following the Christmas period and January sales to avoid disruption to the general public. Area manager Mario Cresci said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the general public as a result of these works, we will endeavour to keep delays and disruption to a minimum.”

A £200 million project to improve Carmarthenshire’s council homes has created a jobs bonanza in the county. An ambitious programme to upgrade the county council’s 9,200 houses has sparked a boom for the construction industry. Jobs have been created for local companies, and more than 100 apprentices have secured work placements during difficult economic times. Research shows that the Homes Standard scheme injects around £25 million a year into the industry and local economy. The 10 year programme is aimed at improving the council’s housing stock and regenerating housing estates. New kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousands of tenants, along with windows and doors and garden improvements. Painting and rendering works are being carried out along with cavity and wall insulation programmes. The council has set up an innovative Contractor Partnership, with eight companies chosen to carry out all the major works. The aim is to ensure that the programme can be delivered on sche...

Pictures of last week's Cor Baroc Classical Choral concert didn't come out very well. But they are on the web for those interested - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/robertapvincent/CorBarocClassicalChoralConcert# Musical director Eifion Thomas.

The George Melly Sculpture Appeal is delighted to announce a series of events in Brecon on Friday 29th October culminating in a charity art auction at St Mary's Church in aid of the appeal. Full details of Melly Day are available online at http://www.georgemellysculpture.org.uk All events are free and open to all. Highlights of October 29th include: 12 pm at St Mary's Church, High Street, Brecon, LD3 7AA The first unveiling of the artist's model by Diana Melly. Artist Bruce Williams has been selected to create a public art work to celebrate the life of George Melly. 2.30 pm at The George Hotel, George Street, Brecon, LD3 7LD A "Meet the Artist" session and audio visual presentation by Bruce Williams. For more details about Bruce Williams and his work please visit: http://www.brucewilliams.net 6pm at St Mary's Church, High Street, Brecon, LD3 7AA Registration and final viewing at St Mary's Church of artworks in the George Melly Sculpture Appeal Art Auction....

Carmarthenshire chiefs have hit back at claims that new parking charges will penalise disabled drivers in the county. They have defended plans to equalise charges for Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire car parks. The move is being looked at in a bid to make parking charges fairer for all, including families and those on low income. Officers say that mobility allowances are provided to help many disabled drivers cover parking charges, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is already low compared with other areas. The county council has carried out research into parking charges across the country and other councils already charge, or are proposing similar changes. Staff say the move will also help to raise much needed income to maintain the county’s car parks, and keep them safe and secure, as well as helping to protect other key services during tough financial times. The proposal will be discussed by the authority’s Executive Board on Monday. Transport Executive Board Member cll...

A children's craft session is taking place at Pembrey Library this half-term. The event will be held at the Carmarthenshire County Council facility at the Old School in Ashburnham Road. It is suitable for three to 10-year-olds and is taking place on Thursday, October 28, from 10am to 11am. The session is free of charge, but tickets must be booked as places are limited. For more information contact Pembrey Library on 01554 830116.

The chair of Carmarthenshire County Council has met Special Olympians who have represented the county this year. Cllr Tegwen Devichand invited the sportspeople to the Chairman’s Room at Llanelli Town Hall. She congratulated Llinos Gilmore Jones who won two bronze medals ten pin bowling for Great Britain at the European Special Olympics Summer Games, as the only competitor from Carmarthenshire. Cllr Devichand also congratulated the Carmarthenshire Special Olympics Golf Team who competed in a Four Nations tournament in Dundee in September. She said: “I was pleased to have the chance to congratulate the Special Olympians for their efforts. “Llinos had a very successful Summer Games, winning two bronze medals in her sport.” The chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Tegwen Devichand congratulates Llinos Gilmore Jones for winning two bronze medals watched by golfer Edward McVicar, golf head coach Brian Hughes, golfers Roger Thomas, Lewis Jones, James Hope and Gary Pugh and David Edwar...