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

A battalion of more than 200 musicians spanning massed choirs, military bands and singers will unite for the 2011 Llanelli Proms. The ever-popular Llanelli Proms will see the musical baton of conductor John Hywel Williams MBE bring together the famous Band of the Adjutant General's Corps, the massed voices of the Hywel Girls' Choir & Hywel Boy Singers, Llanelli Choral Society and the Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir soprano Sarah Estrill, organist Huw Tregelles Willaims and pianist Jean Hywel for a roof-raising evening of patriotic and popular music. "The excitement for the Llanelli Proms is already building", explains the founder and director, John Hywel Williams. "The Llanelli Proms is a rare opportunity for audiences and performers alike to unite in furious flag-waving and roof-raising singing and music and the ‘Llanelli Prommers’ are already chasing their tickets for this year’s music extravaganza.” The Llanelli Proms brings to audiences all time favourites...

There's a buzz in Llanelli about a performance of one of the great choral masterpieces. Haydn’s The Creation is being performed this Friday (11th March) at All Saints Church, Llanelli. As choristers of the mighty Llanelli Choral Society, the Celtic Orchestra, leading operatic singers all under the baton conductor John Hywel Williams MBE have final technical reshearsals in the lead up to Friday’s grand performance, local audiences are swooping passionately on remaining tickets for the event. Although the first public performance of The Creation was given in Vienna in 1799 and its immediate success rivalled that of the legendary ‘Messiah’, more than 200 years later The Creation remains a leading and ever popular choral masterpiece which few choral organisations dare to perform. However, John Hywel Williams and the Llanelli Choral Society are excited to take on the challenge. “Haydn’s adventurous harmony, bold use of orchestral colour, exceptional melodic and rhythmic inventiveness br...

The following Welsh trainers have runners tomorrow - Carmarthen's Alison Thorpe - Ellerslie Tom (GB) 15:35 Newbury King's Realm (IRE) 15:35 Newbury Rebecca Curtis from Newport, Pembrokeshire - Made In Time (IRE) 15:35 Newbury Gus Macrae (IRE) 16:45 Newbury

Award winning singer songwriter Cheryl Beer has produced a wonderful new song, which has already had close to 600 hits on Youtube. The song was inspired by a visit (in her role as Artistic Director) and a re-write of Carmen the Opera’ at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, near Carmarthen. ‘The Garden’ was written, performed & recorded by Cheryl, who will be performing it live and launching her new album ‘Snow Tracks’ at the garden on November 6, 2011, at 1pm. When Cheryl Beer said she wanted to be a singer/songwriter after leaving school, she was told it was a dream and not a career aspiration. Cheryl, from Carmarthenshire, listened to her careers teacher and went into nursing before completing a first degree at The University of Glamorgan and a Masters at Cardiff. Some 20 years ago she followed her dream - and having performed alongside the likes of Van Morrison, Lonnie Donnegan & Bob Geldof, to name but a few, she now runs her own record label and community pub...

Iwan Bala is one of the most positive and dynamic figures in Welsh culture and his work is now on display at the National Botanic Garden in Llanarthne, near Carmarthen. Now Lecturer at the School of Art, Film and Media at The University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Iwan is a multi disciplinarian and has published numerous books, articles and essays on contemporary art in Wales as well as presenting and researching television programmes, teaching and curating. His latest exhibition “Our Nature” explores the conflicts and conjunctions that exist at the wellspring of creativity, where uncontrolled inspiration is moulded and cultivated, where human attempts to control nature are in themselves natural. Speaking of this driving force, Iwan comments: “In maps we see how nature, in the form of rivers and mountain ranges, affects human settlement patterns. Culture grows and evolves, like plants. The word culture relates to the world of cultivation and growth. “Language develops like plantlife:...

The proceeds of a gruelling 12-hour darts marathon at an Ammanford pub have gone to Healing The Wounds and the charity’s work to fund treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in Wales. The marathon was staged at the Coopers Arms Pub in Bettws. Ewen Mcloughlin and Clive Bowles, one of the organisers of the event, presented a cheque for £454.25 to Healing The Wounds charity secretary Carol Richards. Organisers Clive and Jean Bowles have plans for another darts marathon later in the year – but this time they plan to play non-stop for 24 hours! Carol Richards, co-founder of Healing The Wounds, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public and the tenacity of people who organise events such as this. “A 12-hour darts marathon is not as easy as it sounds! Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who took part - and good luck for the next darts marathon!” The Healing The Wounds charity was set up in January 2010 to help provide PTSD treatment for members of the armed for...

It’s going to be ‘A Fine Life’ with plenty of ‘Omm-Pah-Pah’ at the Stagecoach performing arts school in Carmarthen this summer! So, ‘Consider Yourself’ well in and part of the family if you are lucky enough to be part of the Stagecoach team for their summer production. “We’re not short on ambition when it comes to staging our summer show,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “Last year, it was Billy Elliot. This year, in July, we will be staging Oliver – The Musical. “It’s a real family favourite and a show known the world over, but we will be bringing our own little bit of Stagecoach Carmarthen magic to the production. “All the pupils at Stagecoach Carmarthen are thrilled to bits that we are putting on Oliver and we are all looking forward to rehearsals. “Oliver is a great choice for us as it has just finished its run in the West End, where Russ Abbot was one of the star attractions as Fagin. “One of our members was lucky enough to see that show in Drury Lane and had th...

Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal now on the blog - Friday afternoon saw a special presentation dinner to cricket legend Robert Croft at the Clubhouse and Community Centre at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. Croft, the Glamorgan and England all-rounder, has been a big friend to Carmarthen Town AFC down the years. With 10,000 runs and 1,000 first class wickets under his belt, he occupies a lofty position in the world of Welsh cricket. Tribute was paid to Croft by celebrated Welsh actor Dafydd Hywel (a Carmarthen Town and Glamorgan cricket fan). A special presentation of a framed photo montage was made by club president Jeff Thomas to Croft. Other speakers at the dinner included Dylan Ebenezer, presenter of the popular S4C Sgorio programme. ------------------------------------------------------ The EMC Services sponsored Carmarthen Town AFC Community Programme had a boost for its funds recently when the first fund-raising event of 2011 ...

Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans has been credited with driving a 60% increase in quote volumes and boosting brand awareness by more than 450% since he was first introduced in by Go Compare in August 2009, according to the company. http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1054345/Gocompare-goes-sci-fi-latest-ad/

Nice piece about Tycroes bus depot staff raising money for the Healing The Wounds charity in yesterday's South Wales Evening Post. South Wales Evening Post puts the spotlight tonight on tenor Wynne Evans and his Carmarthen concert to launch his new album, 'A song in my heart'. Excellent feature on the work of Llanelli Rotary Club in the Llanelli Star newspaper today. Story in Llanelli Star today about tenor Wynne Evans and his concert (next Tuesday) at the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen. 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice story in Carmarthen Journal about Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans (Go Compare) and his homecoming concert to mark launch of new album.

Cor Meibion Llanelli's St David's Day concert previewed in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. Huw Llewellyn Davies will be compere. (February 28) Nice preview of Cor Meibion Llanelli St David's Day concert in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. (February 25) Spotlight on the Cor Meibion Llanelli annual St David's Day concert in the Llanelli Star today. (February 24) Welsh Icons put the spotlight on Cor Meibion Llanelli concert - http://ning.it/efjtzw (February 23) Nice article about Llanelli Rotary Club president Melanie Carroll-Cliffe in the South Wales Evening Post today. (February 23) Splendid story in the Carmarthen Journal today on Llandeilo brewer Evan-Evans and their recent international competition success with Cwrw. (February 23) Nice letter in Carmarthen Journal today from businessman Simon Buckley in support of the Healing The Wounds charity. (February 23) Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today....

Thank you very much, folks. Thanks to you, dear readers and visitors, this blog is continuing to pick up more hits. It's now hit the 24,000 page views mark. That's a 1,000 views since February 18. Keep the hits coming, folks! Much appreciated. Many thanks. See earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/23000-visits-chalked-up-on-blog.html Meanwhile, the blog has chalked up its first visitor from Armenia. The full country by country list (figures from January 6, 2010) is as follows - United Kingdom (GB) 6,711; United States (US) 778; India (IN) 65; Canada (CA) 52; Germany (DE) 48; Australia (AU) 46; Europe (EU) 41; France (FR) 34; Ireland (IE) 34; Belgium (BE) 31; Qatar (QA) 29; Japan (JP) 28; Italy (IT) 24; Netherlands (NL) 23; Taiwan (TW) 17; Malaysia (MY) 17; Philippines (PH) 15; New Zealand (NZ) 14; Spain (ES) 14; Russian Federation (RU) 13; Pakistan (PK) 13; United Arab Emirates (AE) 12; Singapore (SG) 10; Sweden (SE) 10; South Africa (ZA) 9; Denmark (DK) 9; Pola...

Residents got rid of 620 tyres at an amnesty held in St Clears. The tyre amnesty was held in the town’s main car park and gave residents a one-off chance to dispose of any unwanted tyres free of charge. Organised by Tidy Towns in conjunction with KBHS Ltd who provided the containers, haulage and the recycling, the aim was to encourage householders to dispose of their waste responsibly and discourage fly-tipping. Executive board member for regeneration Councillor Clive Scourfield said: “Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. “Fly-tipping not only spoils our quality of life and enjoyment of the environment but it is a blight on the landscape and can have a detrimental effect on tourism. It also costs local authorities millions of pounds every year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment.” Tidy Towns is a Welsh Assembly Government-funded...

Review: Cor Meibion Llanelli St David’s Day concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli. Featuring soprano Llio Evans and tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths. It was a close run thing, but even Cor Meibion Llanelli members will have to admit that the soloists stole the show at the choir’s annual St David’s Day concert. As you’d expect, Cor Meibion Llanelli pulled out all the stops with a repertoire which pitched contemporary songs alongside traditional Welsh classics and balanced spirituals alongside classic Verdi. But the standing ovations went to two young Welsh soloists who can be marked down as stars of the future – soprano Llio Evans and tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths. Both are past winners of the National Eisteddfod Blue Riband for singers under 25, the Osborne Roberts Memorial Award. And they showed their winning ways by claiming the hearts of an appreciative Theatr Elli audience. Their joint encore of the Brindisi duet from Verdi’s La Traviata was simply stunning. Earlier Anglesey-born Llio had wo...

A LLANELLI oil worker who was stranded in Libya has spoken of his gratitude to the servicemen who risked their lives to rescue him from the country as it descends into virtual civil war. See earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/daughters-plea-over-llanelli-oil-worker.html

Back from business meeting in London in time for splendid Cor Meibion Llanelli concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli, last night. Two excellent soloists - Llio Evans and Trystan Griffiths.

On train to London for morning business meeting in Baker Street. Sent from my HTC mobile phone.

An energetic team of 17 employees from First Cymru’s Tycroes bus depot completed a sponsored walk in aid of the Healing The Wounds charity. The charity works to fund treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in Wales. The walk covered approximately 40 miles from Ammanford Bus Station to the Gelli Aur Mansion near Llandeilo. The team raised more than £1,000 for the charity and this amount was-match funded by the charity and sponsorship committee of the First Group, the parent company of First Cymru. A spokesman for First Cymru said: “We hope that the charity can put the money to good use, supporting as many people as possible.” A cheque for £2119.50 was presented to Carol Richards, co-founder and secretary for Healing The Wounds. She said: “We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone involved at First Cymru and the Tycroes bus depot for raising these funds to enable the charity to offer crucial treatment to these most deserving members and veterans of our Armed Forces...

Carmarthen racehorse trainer Alison Thorpe sends Can't Remember to race in the 16.20 at Plumpton today. It's currently favourite.

Worth a read, even if you are not a Mac fan. I don't hate Macs, but they do give me a syncing feeling | Charlie Brooker | Comment is free | The Guardian

Researchers claim to have found “the most Welsh town in Wales”. The rugby-loving town of Llanelli was awarded the title by phone directory firm 192.com based on the number of residents with traditionally Welsh surnames. Llanelli named as most Welsh town - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

He’s the most famous tenor in advertising – and he’s coming home next week. Wynne Evans will be launching his new album ‘A Song In My Heart’ at a special charity show at the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, March 8. “It promises to be an exciting and emotional occasion,” Wynne said. “The show features some special guests and will also be recorded for S4C for transmission on Mother’s Day.” Wynne is one of the biggest classical singers in Britain, but he also performs something of a juggling act with a career as the flamboyant Gio Compario, the star of TV’s popular Go Compare adverts. He was born in Carmarthen, into a musical family. His mother, Elizabeth, set up the very successful Carmarthen Youth Opera and was instrumental in the saving the Lyric Theatre. He has a famous brother, Mark, who is also a singer and together they present the BBC Radio Wales show Sibling Rivalry. Wynne is a trustee of the Elizabeth Evans Trust, established in 2005 in memory of his mother. The trust pro...

Llanelli choristers are in the final stages of rehearsing for a grand performance of one of the world’s great choral works to be given to local audiences. Haydn’s grand choral masterpiece, The Creation, will be performed on Friday 11th March by the mighty choral force of the Llanelli Choral Society. The landmark work will be under the direction of conductor John Hywel Williams MBE who will unite the mass voices of the Llanelli Choral Society, acclaimed singers – soprano Kathryn McGuckin, bass Paul Gibson, tenor Jung Soo Yun with accompaniment by The Celtic Orchestra, organist Huw Tregelles Williams OBE and pianist Jean Hywel. The Creation is considered by many to be one of the world’s great choral masterpieces which depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the biblical book of Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost. To celebrate the Llanelli Choral Society’s performance of The Creation, a unique and exclusive art design has been commissioned by the Hywel Williams Fo...

Grim news for train users for Monday! The Press Association: Rail services cancelled over strike

The latest Simon Buckley 'Iechyd Da' column from the Carmarthen Journal - January is traditionally the time of the year that the brewers disappear to the ski slopes of Europe. Well this one didn’t - and nor did my young team of brewers. In January, I gave them the task to brew six of our regular and seasonal beers for the International Brewing Championships which were held last week at Burton-upon-Trent. Winning prizes is something that our team have, immodestly, come to expect, and so now it was time to pit their skills against those of the very best brewers in the UK and the World. January saw two weeks of frenzied brewing, analysis, and making sure that the samples we sent were the very best that we could produce. Two weeks ago, I stood in our fermenting room tasting six beers that my Irish brewer Ivan Kelleher and my Son James had brewed for the competition. It is a proud moment for any brewer to stand with his colleagues and to review their work and to review a set of beer...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - Carmarthen Town AFC’s new Community Centre at Richmond Park was the venue for a very successful Show Racism The Red Card day. Campaign worker Jason Webber organised the day together with Education Coordinator Simon Richards and former Football League player Christian Roberts. They were joined by pupils from Ysgol Ponthenri and Ysgol Brynconin for a stimulating and thought-provoking day. Following a morning session of presentations and activities, the afternoon session allowed pupils to view the SRTRC video. In a final session, Town goalkeeper Shane Earp and goalkeeping coach Peter Fearn joined Christian Roberts for a session of questions and answers where the pupils showed their understanding of the issues surrounding racism with some very interesting and perceptive questions. ……………………………… Tote draw – February 8, winning numbers 47 and 50. The prize was £200, but there was no winner. Februa...

The daughter of an oil worker from Wales who is stranded in Libya has criticised the UK government for not doing more to get him home. Ken Walsh from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, is at a remote desert camp with about 15 other Britons. BBC News - Daughter's plea over Llanelli oil worker stuck in Libya

New funding for the National Botanic Garden of Wales, in Carmarthenshire has been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government. In light of an independent value-for-money review, the Garden will receive £700,000 in revenue support for the 2011-12 financial year, subject to a number of agreed conditions. The review confirmed that all major botanic gardens need subsidy and that proportionally, per visitor, Kew and Edinburgh receive far more than the Garden. The report also found that it is only at this level of subsidy that the Garden can currently develop a sustainable business plan. Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said: “It is only 10 years old but the National Botanic Garden is already making a vital contribution to tourism, science and education, and to the regional economy of south west Wales. This level of funding, as has been recommended by the recent independent review, will help the gardens to develop further as a scientific centre of excellence, a showcase for sustainabilit...

The former Spitfire fighter base that is now Pembrey Airport is enjoying a renaissance by refuelling military aircraft. Since 1998 their airfield has been providing logistical support to military and emergency services aircraft including air sea rescue aircraft. Because of the escalation of support since armed forces have deployed overseas the level of refuelling from Pembrey has risen from 2,000 litres of fuel supplied month to military aircraft to 23,000litres a week. The airport is on call 24/7 and has been used by the French Air Force, the United States Air Force and RAF. Pembrey Airport also contributed to the military training exercises on RAF Pembrey’s Bombing Range day and night. The owner of Pembrey airfield Captain Winston Thomas said: “Because of the semi-isolated location of the airfield local residents are unaware of the night-time activities. “Air Sea Rescue aircraft have frequently refuelled with us out of hours following emergency call outs. “The range of aircraft visit...

Staff from McDonalds joined Coleg Sir Gâr students for a big clean-up in Cross Hands. Almost three skips were filled with rubbish found on land to the rear of the former Kwik Save store. The clean-up was organised by Tidy Towns, a Welsh Assembly Government-funded initiative delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy. The council’s executive board member for regeneration Councillor Clive Scourfield said: “The aim of Tidy Towns is to support communities to improve the quality of their local environment by assisting volunteers to undertake a range of environmental improvement projects with small grants available to cover project costs. “I am delighted to see that so many organisations have come together to clean up an area of land that has become a real eyesore with rubbish everywhere. By working together we can make a real difference to the area in which we live.” For further information on Tidy Towns contact Simon Troake on 01554 742159 or email STroa...

Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First has organised a celebration of International Women’s Day. Communities First has received funding from the Welsh Assembly Government for an event in line with the theme '‘A Celebration of Women's Achievements in the last 100 years’. The event is being held on Tuesday March 8 between 10am and 4pm in Morfa Social Club, New Street, Morfa, Llanelli, and the opening speech will be made by Nia Griffith MP. Activities will include belly dancing, henna painting, professional multi cultural dances, local schools demonstrations, fashion show assisted by local residents, and hopefully a range of national foods. The event will be for local residents offering a chance to celebrate the day in a fun and friendly environment. Service providers such as Crown Prosecution Service, Police, Fire Brigade, and Women's Aid will also be available providing useful information for attendees. Entry is free for all. For more information call Farah Aziz on 01554 7778...

A Fairtrade bonanza is underway in Carmarthenshire. A host of events and activities have been lined up to mark this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight. Schools, businesses and community groups are throwing their weight behind the initiative, aimed at transforming the lives of farming families in developing countries. Organisers hope the promotional blitz will raise awareness of the need to shop locally and ethically and provide a better deal for producers in Africa and India. They are urging people across the county to show off about buying Fairtrade, which offers 7.5 million people a more secure future. The celebrations, which run until March 13, kicked off with the raising of the first Fairtrade flag to be awarded to a primary school in the county, at Llanddarog. Throughout the fortnight special events and activities will be staged across the county. Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn will run a special Fairtrade tuck shop and students from Coleg Sir Gar will host events with Fairtrade drinks and treats. The...

Llanelli residents have had a chance to learn how to live in a more environmentally friendly way. Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First held a Greener Living Workshop at Emmanuel Chapel, New Dock Road, Llanelli. The event was funded by the Welsh Assembly Government Community Cohesion Fund. The workshop enabled the local community to recognize their personal impact on the environment and advised changes to help people switch to Greener Living. The workshop benefited both the local people and Ethnic Minority Community. The workshop was attended by Welsh, English, African, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents. It provided the workshop crew with an opportunity to demonstrate and teach the community key themes about environmental issues such as recycling, garbage disposal and water, fuel, and energy conservation. The workshop crew reviewed participants' lifestyle using the ‘My Daily Journey’ Collage on calculating personal energy/waste and made assessment on the ‘greenness’ of th...

The Local Authority Building Contracts award scheme has seen a number of awards in Carmarthenshire. The new housing project up to 10 units award sponsored by Parker Plant Hire was won by James Brothers Building Contractors for a development at Ysradowen Farm, Cwmllynfell. The new housing of larger than 10 units award sponsored by Machnynys Homes went to Charles Church West Wales for their estate at Parc Gwenllian, Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly. The estate also won the award sponsored by HIS Technical Indexes for being the best site offering affordable and social housing. The site was created on the former American Optical company land and comprising 54 high energy efficient timber frame housing. The sustainability award sponsored by energy consultants Melin went to Tycroes Group for their construction of a care home and 40 sheltered housing flats, at Annedd, Llanybyther. The Cwm Aur development is a £6million integrated care scheme by Grŵp Gwalia in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Co...

Volunteers from a Llanelli-based drug and alcohol intervention service have helped clean up a local park. Chooselife Cymru, which offers advice, information and support to drug and alcohol users as well as their families, teamed up with Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First with the help of Tidy Towns and Keep Wales Tidy to carry out a litter-pick at Crown Park in Seaside. A total of 30 bags of rubbish were filled in just one afternoon. Efforts were concentrated in one corner of the park which was badly affected by litter. Alan Andrews, managing director of Chooselife, said: “All the volunteers that went felt that they wanted to help support the community in which they live and going out cleaning up areas that have been neglected made them feel a bigger part of the community. “Substance misusers normally get bad press but in this instance, it shows that you cannot tarnish everyone with the same brush. We are more than willing to help out in the future in any way that we can.” Tidy Town...

A total of 680 tyres were collected at an amnesty held in Llandeilo. The tyre amnesty was organised by Tidy Towns in conjunction with KBHS Ltd who provided the containers, haulage and the recycling. It gave residents a one-off chance to dispose of any unwanted tyres free of charge. Organisers hope the amnesty will help to encourage householders to dispose of their waste responsibly and raise awareness of fly-tipping and its consequences. Executive board member for regeneration Councillor Clive Scourfield said: “Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. “Fly-tipping not only spoils our quality of life and enjoyment of the environment but it is a blight on the landscape and can have a detrimental effect on tourism. It also costs local authorities millions of pounds every year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment.” Tidy Towns is a Welsh ...

The first ever clothes swapping party has been held in Llanelli. The ‘Top Swap’ swishing event was organised as part of the upcoming Llanelli Fashion Week. It was held at the Stradey Park Hotel and saw savvy shoppers swap clothes, shoes and accessories they no longer wanted and going home with a whole new wardrobe without breaking the bank. The event was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s waste and recycling section and the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd which is the UK’s leading textile and clothes recycling company. It has more than 5,000 textile recycling banks across the country including a number in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthenshire County Council’s waste minimisation/recycling officer Karen Fulham said: “By swapping your clothes instead of throwing them out you get a great new look for free and you can bask in the knowledge you have done your bit for the environment by diverting some great clothes from lying in a landfill site.” Any leftover clothes from the event w...

Roads policing officers in Carmarthenshire teamed up with the local council’s environmental enforcement officers recently to target unlicensed scrap metal collectors and crack down on the theft of scrap metal across the county. Operation Beagle was carried out across the whole county and resulted in a total of 12 vehicles being stop-checked. “This was a multi-agency operation aimed at proactively targeting and searching for unlicensed scrap metal collectors and potential scrap metal thieves,” said Roads Policing Sergeant Lee Williams. “Together with colleagues from the council we stop checked 12 vehicles. Eight of the vehicle drivers were reported for not having a waste carriers licence or no waste transfer notices. “Two referrals have been made for offences under the Pollution Act, four fixed penalty notices were issued for motoring offences and one report for a driving offence. “We also seized one vehicle because the driver did not have the appropriate insurance in place for its use....

Dog owners in Burry Port are being warned to clean up after their pets - or pay up! The council’s environmental enforcement officers will be stepping up patrols in the area following a request from local members. County councillors Pat Jones and Stephen James say that dog fouling is a problem throughout the town. Now they are calling on officers to dish out fines to those who are responsible for dirtying the streets. Anyone caught by officers failing to clean up after their dogs will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. They could also be prosecuted through the magistrates’ courts where the maximum fine is £1,000. Councillor Jones said: “The majority of residents take their responsibilities seriously, but there is a small minority of people who do not listen and are not cleaning up after their animals. “Some of the streets are in a terrible state with dog mess everywhere; there is also a problem at the harbour, which attracts visitors from all over the county and further afiel...

Two skips of rubbish were filled by residents in Trimsaran. The skips were provided by Tidy Towns to help householders in Garden Suburbs dispose of their waste responsibly and prevent fly-tipping. As much of the waste as possible has been reused or recycled which will help to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Pupils from Trimsaran Primary School also carried out a litter-pick throughout the estate. The council’s executive board member for regeneration Councillor Clive Scourfield said: “We want to encourage communities to take pride in where they live and hopefully by carrying out this clean-up it will encourage people to keep it that way. “By working together we can make a real difference to the area in which we live and improve the environment for both residents and visitors.” Tidy Towns is a Welsh Assembly Government-funded initiative delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy. The aim is to encourage and support communities to improve ...

Shrubs and trees have been removed from Island Place public car park. Contractors have had to act early before birds started nesting in the undergrowth that could have held up a vital town centre development. The car park could be closed in May as work gathers pace on the £25million Eastgate development. The car park ground plays an integral part in the Henry Davidson Developments Ltd scheme that will breathe new life into that quarter of Llanelli. In two years, the development will blend into the town centre a six-screen multiplex Reel cinema, 53-bedroom Travel Lodge Hotel, a range of pubs and restaurants, nearly 2,000sq metres of new office space, a convenience store and other retail outlets, a ShopMobility facility, increased parking for 239 vehicles, an improved and enhanced bus station and a new town square and other public realm enhancements. Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce have said the loss of the car park will be an inconvenience to town traders but have been assured by...