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

Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley has given his reaction to a new survey which claims that publicans in Wales back the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol. Mr Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery based in Llandeilo, gave his reaction to the Western Mail newspaper today, but his quotes were heavily edited. Here is what he told the Western Mail - “Minimum pricing is only one of the key issues that need to be addressed. “Supermarkets are far cheaper than pubs. “But the demise of the pub is also due to the fact that pubs have not moved with the times. “They should have upped their game to match the demands of the consumer. “Most importantly, they should now listen to what the consumer wants. “We have, of course, done this at Evan-Evans and the pubs we run in Llandeilo, Brecon and Cardiff. “As a general point in Wales, many pubs are more professional than in the past. “But many still do not provide what the customer wants – clean, well-run pubs, with high levels...

A project which helps to keep late night revellers in Carmarthen safe has received a £1,000 cash boost towards running costs. Carmarthen NightLight, which sees church volunteers out on the streets on Saturday nights, has received the grant funding from the Community Safety Partnership. As well as carrying water, first aid and flip-flops for women struggling in high heels, the volunteers pick up bottles and glasses off the streets, which can get broken and create a hazard for girls in bare feet. The project was launched in January 2011 by the Carmarthen branch of CYTUN (Churches Together in Wales) and currently has 23 volunteers from nine churches and chapels of different denominations. Six volunteers - three on the streets and three back at the base - work every Saturday night from 11pm to 3am. The street volunteers are in mobile phone contact with the base team as well as in radio contact with the police. During the first year approximately 250 pairs of flip-flops and 150 bottles of ...

Council chiefs in Carmarthenshire are reassuring residents that action is being taken to clear the backlog of missed rubbish collections across the county. A number of complaints have been received by the council from householders who have experienced problems with their refuse collection during the past three weeks. The council apologises to residents for the disruption and is working with the trade unions to resolve the situation with the refuse collectors as soon as possible. In the interim, arrangements have been put in place for additional resources to be brought in to ensure the council can fulfil its statutory duty to collect domestic waste. It is intended to clear the excess rubbish on the streets by the end of next week; however, if householders have concerns in relation to ripped bags and vermin please contact us so that we can arrange for them to be removed as soon as possible. The council would like to make it clear to residents that there have been no changes to health and...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Agenda and papers published for seventeenth Board meeting The agenda and papers have been published for the 17th meeting of the Public Health Wales Board. The meeting, which is open to the public, is being held on Thursday 26 April 2012 at 1pm at 1 Charnwood Court, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QZ. The meeting will be chaired by John Spence and all staff are invited to attend to observe all or part of the meeting.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wider determinants of health reports produced at small area level One for the students of statistics here, probably - The Public Health Wales Observatory has published small area reports for each of the seven health board areas which map a number of indicators relating to the wider determinants of health.

An inspired scheme of safe walking and cycling routes around Pembrey has attracted £558,000 of funding. The massive scale of the 13 elements involved will improve access to the Pembrey Primary School, library, St Illtyd’s Parish Church, Pembrey Country Park, Ashburnham Golf Course, the Millennium Coastal Path, Mountain Road and the Pembrey Canal cycleway and footpath. The path is currently being upgraded by Carmarthenshire Council’s transport and engineering division as part of the Regional Transport Plan Walking and Cycling linkages scheme. Works have already started and will be delivered by April next year. County head of engineering and transport Stephen Pilliner said: “Our innovative and dynamic team have been successful in bidding for funding under the Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities initiative “We were successful in drawing down £558,068 which was the highest allocation across the whole of Wales, representing more than 10per cent of the allocation total. “A compreh...

Carmarthen accountant Ann Thomas is counting down the days to a marathon international bike challenge. Ann, senior consultant with Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants in Lammas Street, Carmarthen, has signed up for the Paris to Swansea charity bike ride in August. “It’s the biggest physical test I’ve faced since climbing Kilimanjaro a few years back, but I’m looking forward to a great challenge,” said Ann, 37. “At the front of my mind will be helping to raise loads of cash for charity and I will be riding for Maggie’s. They are a very worthwhile UK-wide charity with a new cancer centre in Swansea. “The actual ride takes place between August 22-26 and will cover 320 miles. I will be joining a group of riders who hope to raise more than £80,000 for Maggie’s.” Ann is already in training for the ride and is just over a quarter of the way towards reaching her individual target of raising £1,500. “I’m a keen cyclist and I’ve taken part in what are described ...

Celtic Couriers Ltd, the go-ahead delivery firm based in Burry Port, has a job vacancy.  The award-winning firm is looking for a Data Inputter. The permanent job will be based at the company’s headquarters in Burry Port. The pay will exceed the national minimum wage. The hours are – 17.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 3.30pm to 7pm. Key skills: You must be a proficient typist. Good telephone manner is essential. You will be expected to do general office duties when requested. How to apply: You can go and see the employer about this job without telephoning beforehand. Call in at Celtic Couriers, Burry Port Industrial Estate, Burry Port, Dyfed, SA16 0NN. You will be expected to complete an application form. If you are looking for information about the job on the JobCentre section of the Directgov website, then search for Job No: LLF/44280 SOC Code: 4136 Or follow the internet link here – http://jobcentreplus.jobhits.co.uk/Data-Inputter-id-LLF-44280 About Celtic Couriers: We'v...

Garden Bard takes a bow | The National Botanic Garden of Wales The National Botanic Garden of Wales has announced the appointment of its first evet Poet in Residence. Mab Jones, who recently represented Wales at a cultural festival in Japan, will be resident bard at the Garden from this weekend (April 21-22). This coincides with Shakespeare’s 200th birthday on the 23rd, and Mab will be offering readings and workshops over the weekend inspired by the great writer.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Charitable funds cares for patients Hywel Dda Health Board is thanking everyone who has made a donation to the charitable funds is forecasted to be in excess of £800,000 this year. The charitable funds support the work of the Health Board and can be used to provide state of the art equipment, extend and develop community services, improve the hospital environment, fund research and support staff training. For the financial year 2011-2012 charitable funds are forecast to have provided in excess of £1.6million in charitable support to healthcare locally.

Licensees urged to join BOBB scheme | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Licensees in Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to join their local BOBB scheme. The Behave or Be Banned (or BOBB) scheme sees police and licensees working together to reduce violence and disorder in pubs and clubs in the county. Problem customers are banned not just from the one pub but all those in the area that have signed up. It also tackles underage drinking and the use and supply of drugs.

Hywel Dda Health Board | ‘Don’t let drink sneak up on you’ this Healthy Wednesday 'Don’t let drink sneak up on you’ is the message from the Hywel Dda Health Board this Healthy Wednesday. Hywel Dda Health Board is supporting the Welsh Government and the Change4Life programme to encourage people in Wales to be honest about the amount of alcohol they drink, and to cut down if it is too much. This links with a pledge to help prevent or stop 7,500 people drinking to excess in three years time.

Hywel Dda Health Board | TB screening in Rhondda Cynon Taf A man from the Rhondda Cynon Taf area has been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis He has been recovering at home and has not been admitted to hospital. The household contacts of the individual have been offered TB screening by the Respiratory Infections Team at Cwm Taf Health Board and Public Health Wales. Following the results of the screening of household contacts, the Respiratory Infections Team at Cwm Taf Health Board and Public Health Wales will review whether further screening might be required for people outside of the household.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Flu outbreaks at Swansea nursing homes Public Health Wales is investigating flu outbreaks at two nursing homes in Swansea. Eight patients at one home have tested positive for Influenza A. Of these, five people have been hospitalised and two people have died. A further nine patients and three staff have been unwell with symptoms of flu.

Great story in the Llanelli Star today about Burry Port firm Amcanu's new contract to supply pumps to Tata Steel in Port Talbot. Smashing story in the Llanelli Star today about Radio BGM, the hospital radio service at Prince Philip Hospital, Llaneli. Quoted in the Carmarthen Journal today in the campaign to establish a 'Black Book' exhibition in Carmarthen, at St Peter's Church. Splendid story about the first Carmarthen Bay Film Festival in the Llanelli Star today. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Smashing back page story in the Carmarthen Journal about the forthcoming Mond Cup football final being staged at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. Splendid story in the Carmarthen Journal's business page about Llandeilo brewery Evan-Evans chalking up record sales. The new weekly gardening column by Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Smashing picture story in the Ca...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - There was a big ‘welcome home’ for the Carmarthen Town AFC charity cyclists on Saturday. Phil Williams, Anthony Parnell, Paul Evans, Emlyn Schiavone, Ultann George, Ceri Rees and Paul James completed a marathon four-day cycle ride in aid of Ty Cymorth (the club's nominated charity for this year) and the Carmarthen Town AFC Community Programme. It was a circular ride of 240 miles beginning and finishing at Carmarthen Town AFC, taking in visits to Aberystwyth Town AFC, Newtown AFC, Port Talbot AFC, Afan Lido AFC, Neath AFC and Llanelli AFC football grounds. The Carmarthen Town AFC members were carrying on a tradition started by former treasurer Nigel Williams, who sadly passed away recently. Nigel was instrumental in organising charity cycle events during his long relationship with the club. If you want to contribute to the fund-raising, then you can do so through th...

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have discovered solar tornados several times as wide as the Earth on the face of the sun. Dr Xing Li and Dr Huw Morgan from the Institute of Mathematics and Physics are presenting a movie of one of the tornadoes at the National Astronomy Meeting 2012 in Manchester today, Thursday 29th March 2012. The solar tornado was discovered using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) telescope on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) satellite. “This is perhaps the first time that such a huge solar tornado is filmed by an imager. Previously much smaller solar tornadoes were found my SOHO satellite. But they were not filmed,” says Dr. Xing Li, of Aberystwyth University. Dr. Huw Morgan, co-discover of the solar tornado, adds, “This unique and spectacular tornado must play a role in triggering global solar storms.” The AIA saw superheated gases as hot as 50 000 – 2 000 000 Kelvin sucked from the root of a dense structure called prominence, and spiral ...

Scientists at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) are playing their part in addressing the UK protein deficit through a five-year research project valued at £2.15million. As consumers increasingly switch from largely vegetable based diets to consumption of more meat and dairy, global demand for animal protein is predicted to rise by 85% by 2050 driven by population growth and increasing affluence in developing countries. As a result, demand for vegetable proteins as animal feedstock has risen, and the UK currently faces a shortfall in domestic vegetable protein production capability. Increasing reliance on imports poses potentially significant supply and economic risks to the UK due to the combined effects of climate change and rising global demand. Additionally there are growing concerns over the environmental sustainability of increasing production of South American soya, which currently accounts for over 90% of EU protein imp...

West Wales people people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are to be screened at the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University as part of their annual health checks. The Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service for Wales (DRSSW) is an all Wales service designed to detect sight threatening diabetic retinopathy at an early stage. DRSSW relocated to the University last month (March) from a Day Centre in Aberystwyth and provides a weekly screening service every Wednesday. The screening team, which consists of two people and specialist equipment, will utilise two of the University’s laboratories during the day and screen approximately 40 patients. Dr Joanne Thatcher, Head of the Sport and Exercise Science Department, explains ”The service that the DRSSW provides is very important in ensuring early treatment and preventing loss of vision in 70-90% of people with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy. Having the DRSSW based at the University will further incre...

Aberystwyth University’s Department of English & Creative Writing has been awarded a £232,042 Leverhulme Research Project Grant which will run for the three years. The development of Welsh poetry in English since 1997 will be the focus for a major new research project which will pay particular attention to the work of poets who have achieved prominence and recognition since Wales’s devolution vote. Professor Peter Barry of the University was awarded this grant to lead the ‘Devolved Voices’ project which begins in September of this year. Professor Barry said, “We are delighted to have this exciting opportunity to consider the energy, achievements and challenges of contemporary Welsh poetry in English. We are extremely grateful to the Leverhulme Trust for their generous support.” Professor Damian Walford Davies, Head of the Department of English & Creative Writing, welcomed Professor Barry’s success and commented, “This major research grant, which the Department is del...

Maria Hayes, a Fine Art PhD student at the School of Art at Aberystwyth University, has won a Drawing Inspiration Award which is presented to innovative and engaging drawing events. The Award, given to the best artist-led workshop, can last up to a month and forms part of the Big Draw. Held across the UK, the event aims to create opportunities to draw through a variety of media and explore diverse subjects. Maria documented a 12-day workshop held at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and submitted the evidence to a panel of art experts. The judges were looking for projects that inspired and engaged with the local community and used innovative methods which encouraged people of all ages to draw. This submission was a unique collaboration between Maria, Aberystwyth University’s School of Art and Aberystwyth Arts Centre, which concentrated on drawing movement whilst using Maria’s newly developed video projection technique. She explains; “I’m delighted to have been awarded this prestigiou...

Outgoing Chief Welcomes Further Fall in Crime | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Crime across the Dyfed Powys Police area fell by 2.6% and anti-social behaviour by almost a fifth over the past year, figures issued recently show. Chief Constable Ian Arundale, who steps down from the post in June, said that historically low levels of crime are a reflection on the excellent relationships that exist between neighbourhood policing teams and communities. “These figures represent great news because they mean that there were 563 fewer victims of crime than in the previous year and this area remains by far and away the safest to live in, work or visit throughout England and Wales.”

Bill McGuire, Professor of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at University College London (UCL), will talk about how climate change triggers earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes at Aberystwyth University this week. Entitled ‘Waking the Giant’, Professor McGuire will deliver this year’s Gregynog Lecture* on Thursday 19 April at 6pm at the Arts Centre, Aberystwyth. He will explain how dramatic changes in the earth’s past climate have resulted in a dynamic response from the planet’s crust, driving earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.  He will also question whether we are on track to bequeath our children and our grandchildren not only a hotter world, but also a more geologically dangerous one as a result of human-induced climate change. Bill McGuire is an academic, science writer and broadcaster. He was a member of the UK Government Natural Hazard Working Group established in January 2005, in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami, and in 2010 a member of the Science Advi...

BBC Radio Wales’ “Science Café” dedicates this week’s programme to the hot topics in animal behaviour research. The programme was recorded at the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)’s conference, held at Aberystwyth University from 11th – 13th April, where over 150 experts gathered to discuss the latest developments. The programme, which will be broadcast this evening (Tuesday 17 March) at 7.00 p.m. includes a discussion about personality in animals, from chipmunks to sparrows and rooks. Why do some animals boldly go where other animals timidly don’t go? What decides whether you are destined to be a popstar or a groupie? “We’re delighted to host this prestigious international conference here at Aberystwyth, and by the quality and diversity of research presented” agreed conference co-organisers Dr Rupert Marshall and Dr Roger Santer of AU’s newly formed Aquatic, Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology research group. “The impact of behavioural research is found in are...

Just 24 days to the start of the South & West Wales Caravan & Motorhome Show (May 11-13). Check out the website - http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/ Very enjoyable 'coffee break' with the team at the Ty Golau (Lighthouse) project, which is a health and well-being project for the elderly. Online entry has now opened for the 2012 Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run and junior races (May 7) - http://www.rasusymaer.org.uk Meet the team behind the new Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (starts in three weeks) - http://www.carmarthenbayfilmfestival.co.uk/about.php Kick-off time changed. Port Talbot Town v Carmarthen Town (Welsh Premier League) Saturday April 21 now 3:30pm - http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/ Good start to day - have found suitable victim (sorry willing volunteer!) for next interview for Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind. Burry Port tailored sheet metal solutions firm Amcanu on the ThisIsSouthWales website - http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Compan...

Llanelli British Heart Foundation fundraising and volunteering manager Jayne Lewis was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club. She was welcomed to the meeting by Llanelli Rotary Club president Graham Williams. If you want to find out more about Llanelli Rotary Club, the visit the club's website at - http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=936 The club (motto:service above self) meets weekly at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Man praises new heart treatment A Goodwick man and his family have praised the ground-breaking treatment he received for his heart attack. John Williams, aged 69, was rushed to the Morriston Hospital’s Cardiac Centre after suffering two heart attacks.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Pregnancy Buddy Scheme Sure Start Llanelli, working with Hywel Dda Health Board's Volunteering for Health project, is expanding its Volunteers Mentoring scheme and looking for volunteers to be part of a pilot Pregnancy Buddy scheme.

A group of friends and neighbours in Dafen have kicked off Parkinson’s Awareness Week with a fantastic fundraiser. Roselind Hurley, of Closllanfihangel Sheltered Housing Scheme, decided to hold a coffee morning to raise money and awareness for a cause very dear to her heart. The 85-year-old took over the communal lounge at the complex for the morning, and raised £317.00 – money which will be used by the charity Parkinson’s UK to continue researching the disease and find a cure. Sheltered Scheme Officer Beth Worton said: “Roselind did very well to raise that amount of money. It means a lot to her because her husband suffered with Parkinson’s Disease. She wants to thank everyone who attended the coffee morning and everyone who donated to the cause.” Parkinson’s Awareness Week runs from Monday April 16 to 20. For further information visit www.parkinsons.org.uk

Cor Meibion Llanelli have accepted an invitation to sing at the Wales v Barbarians rugby match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday, June 2. The choir has also accepted an invitation to sing on the steps of The Senedd building in Cardiff Bay as part of a demonstration against health cuts in Llanelli organised by SOSSPAN, the Save Our Services Action Network for Prince Philip Hospital. The demonstration will take place on Wednesday, May 23. Happy birthday to chorister Peter Griffiths. Also, best wishes for a speedy recovery to retired chorister former Welsh rugby international Ray Williams.

A Llanelli woman has been fined £200 and must pay £100 court costs for failing to clean up after her dog. Lisa Williams, aged 22, of Gwelfor, Penygraig, was convicted in absence of an offence contrary to the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 at Carmarthen Magistrates Court. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that on Tuesday, August 16 last year, Tidy Towns (a partnership between the council and Keep Wales Tidy, funded by Welsh Government) held a ‘bring and take’ community skip day at Penygraig. Williams was seen walking her dog and failing to clean up after her pet by three different witnesses attending the event. All three advised her to clean up the dog mess explaining she could be fined and one of the witnesses even gave her a bag. However, she just walked away and left the mess behind. The incident was reported to the council’s environmental enforcement officers and Williams was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. However, she failed...

An Amman Valley group has been recognised for playing its part in cleaning up their community. The Cwmamman Rivercare group, who started up in Spring 2009 have spent the last three years tackling litter and other environmental issues in and along the river Amman between Garnant and Glanamman, and in that time the area has seen a significant reduction in littering. The group were one of three finalists in the “River Improvement” category at Keep Wales Tidy’s annual Tidy Wales awards held at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay earlier this year. Group secretary, Wendy Davies, said: “We are delighted to have been recognized for our efforts at the awards this year. We hope to continue the work we have been doing on the river long into the future to help make the area more attractive to visitors and wildlife alike.” She added, “We currently have a small group of regular volunteers who always put a great effort into what we do, but we are always on the lookout for more volunteers. If a...

Old hairdryers, kettles, vacuum cleaners and even a video camera have been recycled by residents in Carmarthenshire. The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) events were held at Llanelli and Carmarthen leisure centres. Organised by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with DHL Envirosolutions, the aim was to raise awareness that small electrical items can be recycled. People were encouraged to bring along any old electrical items they had hanging around the home that they no longer wanted. In total, 626kg of old electricals were brought along to be recycled – about three skip fulls! The events were held during the Easter school holidays as part of the Child Safety Fun Days organised by the council’s Road Safety Unit. A competition was also held to guess which broken-down electrical items were in three glass jars – there were lots of guesses but the answers were the inside of a fridge-freezer, television screen, and mixed plastics from old electricals. There we...

A Carmarthenshire project has helped hundreds of people with debt problems and issues of benefit entitlement. The Llanelli Communities First Debt and Benefit, Volunteering Support Demonstration Project continued into its third year of delivery alongside the Pantyffynnon Communities First Debt and Benefit, Back to Work project. The Pantyffynnon project was successful in accessing funding to take it forward this year and to expand into the Gwendraeth Valley. The year 2011-2012 has also seen the expansion of the Carmarthenshire County Council debt and benefit projects to include the RDP debt and benefit support work being delivered in the Tywi, Teifi, Taf area of the county. The project teams have worked closely with community development teams within their areas to promote project services and have developed strong working relationships and networks with partners. Pantyffynnon Communities First volunteer development worker Eve Jones said: “In the last year the projects provided suppor...

A Llanelli mum has told of her excitement at starting a bright new chapter in her life, thanks to a strong network of help and support. Grace Goddard admits that the past 15 years have been tough, with everyday life throwing down a number of challenges. But now, with the help of Genesis and Links, the 31-year-old is looking forward to fulfilling a lifelong ambition of becoming an established author.Genesis, based within Carmarthenshire County Council, is a European Social Funded project which aims to improve life for families, either because they are unemployed or on a low income. The team has provided support over several months to help Grace build self-esteem and confidence. Through Genesis, Grace was introduced to Llanelli-based Links, and with support and the added reassurance of having childcare provided for her, she quickly indulged her love of creative writing. “Creative writing appealed to me straight away as I have written a lot of poetry, studied language, literacy and dra...

The Carmarthen Town AFC charity cyclists received a cash boost from Town's players on Saturday. Phil Williams, Anthony Parnell, Paul Evans, Emlyn Schiavone, Ultann George, Ceri Rees and Paul James completed a marathon four-day cycle ride in aid of Ty Cymorth (the club's nominated charity for this year) and the Carmarthen Town AFC Community Programme. It was a circular ride of 240 miles beginning and finishing at Carmarthen Town AFC, taking in visits to Aberystwyth Town AFC, Newtown AFC, Port Talbot AFC, Afan Lido AFC, Neath AFC and Llanelli AFC football grounds. The Carmarthen Town AFC members were carrying on a tradition started by former treasurer Nigel Williams, who sadly passed away recently. Nigel was instrumental in organising charity cycle events during his long relationship with the club. The club's Welsh Premier League players raised cash to support the riders and the money was handed over to the cyclists by Tim Hicks. If you want to contribute to the fund-raisi...

A Burry Port firm will feel the immediate benefit of Tata Steel’s pledge to invest a massive £800 million in Wales over the next five years. The first keystone in that investment is the £185m to be spent on rebuilding the No 4 blast furnace at Tata Steel’s huge Port Talbot plant. And the small specialist Amcanu firm in Burry Port will gain spin-off business from that development. “We are delighted to say we are already involved in the No4 blast furnace project,” said Owain Davies, managing director at the specialist tailored sheet metal solutions firm. “We are quite a small fish in this particular pond, but it just goes to show that the ripples from massive investment projects like the one planned by Tata Steel can reach a long way. “As a South Wales business we are delighted to see Tata Steel making such a huge commitment to the future of their industry in Wales. “It can only be good news for other businesses as they feel the ripple effect of such welcome investment.” Mr Davies s...

Canister theft reported from hospital. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A theft has been reported from a hospital within the Hywel Dda Health Board area over the weekend 15th April 2012. A number of nitrous oxide canisters have been taken and the public should be aware of the potential dangers of the contents being highly flammable if they come into contact with any form of heat source. The contents are used for the purposes of analgesia and if not administered by a suitably trained technician could prove to be dangerous.

Network Rail work on replacing Piano Bridge in Lower Trostre Road, Llanelli, will be extended into May. It had been forecast that the busy road serving Llanelli’s coastal road from Trostre Park - closed since January - would be re-opened by the end of April. Bad weather and unexpected water and sewerage pipework replacement problems have caused a delay of up to a month. The double bridge spans the main London to Fishguard rail line and a bank of disused sidings. Under the conditions of their licence agreement contractors are obliged to work, whenever possible, at times that cause the least disruption to train services. The demolition and reconstruction of the railway and sidings bridge has taken place and the restorations of services and finishing works are in their final stages. Weather proofing of the construction has to be completed and this has to be undertaken in good weather conditions which means the work will be completed and the road reopened sometime from the middle to...

Bus shelters at the fast evolving £25-million Llanelli East Gate development will be modified this month. Carmarthenshire Council’s technical services division has been in discussions the developer Britannia Construction and agreed modifications following complaints from passengers. There were concerns over the uncomfortable angled seating and rain being driven into the shelters on inclement days. County head of transport and engineering Stephen Pilliner said: “The modifications entail extending the glazed areas to the front and rear of the shelters by a metre with an additional 1.5metre extension to provide another end glazed panel to help prevent wind and rain blowing into them. “The extension panel will remain open at the front and rear to ensure there is a suitable clear for passenger egress for passengers from the buses. “The seating will also be extended and levelled within the extended glazed area.” The East Gate leisure development due for completion this Autumn incorporates a ...

Free parking at Llanelli’s Murray Street Multi Storey car park is supporting traders in the town centre. The free parking, designed for shopping convenience, is for four hours after 10am in the morning to prevent spaces being occupied and blocked for the day by office staff. The ground floor of the multi storey car park serves as the home for Llanelli busy indoor market. Fruiterer and florist there, Will Seward, said: “We have had the free parking regime since November last year but despite publicity shoppers did not seem to be aware of it. He said: “I asked if a large sign could be put up at the entrance to the car park and it happened overnight this week and it has already had an impact. “It just goes to show that free parking does influence shoppers habits so it is a big thank you to the county council for this concession and to have acted so quickly with the sign. It is a big help to traders in these highly competitive and financial strained times.” The first phase of a £1.7mill...

The Ammanford Debt Benefit & Back to Work Project is looking for community groups to engage with. The project can offer a range of free services to groups and is also able to tailor its workshops to meet their needs. The Debt Benefit & Back to Work Project can offer financial better off calculations, back to work calculations, volunteer placements and training to aid employment, benefit checks, guidance with debt issues, specialist signposting and lots more. It can also run budgeting/benefit changes and similar workshops. The Topics include: Benefits: back to work calculations to see how financially better off you are going back into part-time or full-time employment, a benefit check to see if you are claiming everything you are entitled to, and help to access the benefit forms and fill them in. Debt: an initial meeting to address the debtors and put everything on a 30 day hold while the project arranges financial statements, deals with debtors to arrange an affordable paym...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales well represented at International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare Quality improvement in Welsh healthcare will be presented to healthcare professionals from across the globe at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 2012, taking place in Paris this week (17-20 April). More than 3,000 delegates are expected at the International Forum and they will have the opportunity to get the latest news of Welsh progress in stroke care, mobilising staff to engage in healthcare improvement, sustaining reductions in infections, and the use of virtual technology to improve patient care.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Courses restore confidence for those with chronic conditions Starting today, all 708 pharmacies in Wales will be participating in a two week campaign to give patients with long term conditions the confidence and skills to manage their health. The Education Programme for Patients consists of free courses run over six weeks, which are led by tutors who either live with a chronic health condition themselves or have experience of caring for someone with a chronic condition. In Wales, almost one third of the population has a least one chronic health condition, with cardiovascular disease, arthritis and rheumatism being the most common.

Joshua Morris took the honours in the Junior Open Medal competition at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club near Pembrey. Joshua held off a strong challenge from Jack Holland and Oliver Rumble. In the Junior Open Stableford competition (21-28), visitor Abe Forsyth was the winner, beating Lewis Rhys Morgan and Ben Jones. Latest results from ‘The Ash’ – Welsh Individual Handicap Qualifier 1, Kieran Stephens, 80 - 13 = 67; 2, Steven Jones, 74 - 07 = 67; 3, Ben Thomas, 80 - 13 = 67. Junior Open Medal – Boys 1, Joshua Morris, 82 - 16 = 66; 2, Jack Holland, 77 - 09 = 68; 3, Oliver Rumble, 77 - 09 = 68 Junior Open Boys 21-18 1, Abe Forsyth, 43 pts (27); 2, Lewis Rhys Morgan, 43 pts (25); 3, Ben Jones, 41 pts (28). C&P County Championships & Joan Gale Cup (Ladies) 1, Shan Lewis, 79 - 08 = 71; 2, Becky Harries, 74 + 01 = 75; 3, Sophie Anderson, 81 - 06 = 75. Hall of Fame Men’s Qualifier 1, Anthony Noel Rees, 42 pts (18); 2, Richard Brice, 41 pts (03); 3, Scott Johnston, 40 pts (0...