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

A new social lettings policy has been introduced in one of Llanelli’s most deprived areas in a bid to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Carmarthenshire County Council has made the unusual move as part of its efforts to help the community in the Tyisha area. The standard Access To Social Housing Policy allows the council to exercise a Local Lettings Policy on a temporary basis to help alleviate problems of anti-social behaviour, deprivation and crime in a particular area. The Local Lettings Policy which has been approved in the Tyisha ward will be in force for 12 months, and enables single person flats and three bedroom maisonettes to be allocated outside the usual criteria. The policy will be enforced at eight council estates in the area, including Ty Stafford, Ty Howard, Ty Elisabeth, Ty Cydwel, Ty Meriel, and Lakefield Place, and flats at Clos Sant Paul and Dillwyn Street. Rachel Davies, Area Housing Manager, said: “We have been working closely with local residents and tenants ...

Problems are still being experienced with telephones and the internet at Cross Hands Library following the replacement of a telegraph pole near the building by BT. The library is open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm to borrow or return items but it is not possible to contact them by phone or to use the internet there. Staff hope the problem will be resolved soon and apologise for any inconvenience.

Llanelli Leisure Centre is enjoying a bumper summer with around 1,000 people visiting it every day. The Free Swim sessions, in particular, are proving very popular with children and families. The Welsh Government-funded scheme provides free swimming for everyone aged under 16 during school holidays and at weekends. More than 500 children use the swimming pool and holiday club every day, and a further 500 people use the other facilities at the leisure centre including the Fusion fitness gym, cafeteria, squash courts, dance studio, Astroturf and multi-use sports hall. Activities at the centre include aerobics, badminton, volleyball, boxercise, martial arts, trampolining, table tennis and more. It also has conference facilities, meeting rooms and hosts birthday parties and celebrations. Area Facilities Manager Andrew Sellick said: “We have enjoyed a really busy summer holidays, with approximately 1,000 adults and children coming here every day. Most popular with the children are th...

There's an 'Evening with David Campese' coming up at Parc y Scarlets. Australian rugby union legend Campese will be at Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Wednesday 10th October 2012. The evening will consist of a two-course dinner and Campese as guest speaker. Australian comic and MC Justin Karcher will host the evening, which will also include a raffle and auction. Campese is a household name in the rugby world. Many view him as one of the greatest and most entertaining rugby players to have ever graced the field. Representing Australia for 15 years, he achieved and still holds the world record for the most tries in a Test match. He was the first man in Australian history to play 101 tests for his country. Despite being retired for almost 10 years, his impact on the game is still evident in his controversial yet consistently accurate opinions, which continue to entertain throughout the international rugby world. Corporate tables of 10 available at just £450. A quan...

Plans for an Eco Park at Machynys in Llanelli have been put forward by Carmarthenshire County Council. The scheme drawn up by the council’s regeneration department goes hand in hand with an application for housing on neighbouring land. The Eco Park will have a network of footpaths, ponds and landscaping. It is planned to enhance the appearance of the area through landscaping and planting, and to make the site more accessible. The proposed scheme will enhance former industrial land to create an area of historical, environmental and ecological value. Physical Regeneration Manager Stuart Walters said: “The proposed development will enhance the local landscape and character of the area by creating a high quality environment to support local ecology and provide a valuable amenity space for the existing and future communities of South Llanelli.” Planting in the landscaped area will offer many tones of colour and textures. Rank grass land/tall herbs are to remain intact as these provide a var...

QualitySolicitors Redkite has given cash support to the 21st annual Tenby Arts Festival. The law firm, which has offices in Tenby and throughout Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, will be putting £500 into the festival funds. Managing Partner Luke Smith said the firm was delighted to be able to lend its support to the festival. He added: “It is very much a key event in the Tenby calendar and we wish the festival every success. “As usual, the festival organisers have worked very hard to ensure there is a varied and attractive programme of events. We hope the festival proves a delight to residents and visitors alike.” The festival runs from September 22-29. There are two outstanding one man shows – Richard Elfyn portrays Lloyd George in the aptly-titled The Wizard, the Goat and the Man that Won the War.  Jenny Coverack tells the fascinating life story of Kathleen Scott who was married to Scott of the Antarctic.  The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be marked with a special...

Cllr Tegwen Devichand is Carmarthenshire’s new 50+ Champion with responsibility for promoting the interests of older people in the county. She has taken over the role from new Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge who had been Champion since the 50+ Forum was established five years ago. During that time the Forum has steadily grown and now has a membership of 1,350. Cllr Devichand said: “I am looking forward to working with the Forum. I think it is a very worthwhile project.” 50+ policy officer Dr Kevin Pett said: “The 50+ Forum is going from strength to strength with new members joining all the time.” Contact the 50+ Forum to join – it’s completely free. As well as exclusive offers, you get copies of Carmarthenshire Community Life, plus a chance to have your say on public services. The 50+ Forum can be contacted on 01267 234567 or on email at 50+Forum@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Parents of children in Carmarthenshire who do not qualify for free school transport are being reminded that some spare seats will become available from half term. Pupils who cannot have free transport because they live within the statutory walking distance of schools may be able to use any spare seats which may become available on some vehicles. Free home to school transport is usually provided for children attending their nearest or designated catchment school. Those living within the statutory walking distance of the school, however, are not entitled to it unless there is no safe walking route available for a child (and if necessary an accompanying parent). In some areas of Carmarthenshire, public transport is available for school journeys. Where there is no suitable public transport bus the council has a small number of spare seats available on some contract vehicles which can be made available free of charge temporarily on a concessionary basis, providing the distance to school ...

Communities First is asking residents – are you ready for the future? A workshop day has been organised by Tyisha, Felinfoel, Llwynhendy, Pantyffynnon and Bigyn 4 Communities First. The event will give residents an opportunity to make a difference in their community and help shape environmental projects in their Communities First area. The workshop day at the Felinfoel Resource Centre, Recreation Ground, Felinfoel, on Thursday August 23 will run from midday until 3pm. A free buffet will be available from midday. There will be children’s play activities provided on the day.

Round-up of latest Tweets . . .  Smashing picture story in the Western Mail today about architect David Ward being promoted by the Lewis Partnership @Lewis_Architect Nice feature about the hard-working volunteers at Burry Port RNLI lifeboat station in the Llanelli Star today. Nice picture story in the Llanelli Star today about Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen welcoming a VIP visitor to the club's meeting. Smashing picture story in the Llanelli Star today about the Jenkins Bakery @JenkinsBakery sponsoring Llanelli Squash Club. Smashing piece in the Llanelli Star today about the latest successes for Ashburnham Golf Club brother and sister Aled and Nia Greville. Nice piece about the new apprentice at Burry Port firm Amcanu @AmcanuLtd in the Llanelli Star today. Bit surprised to see my London 2012 Olympics 'GamesMaker' tales in the Llanelli Star today. Nice to see the latest Aberglasney gardening column by Joseph Atkin in the latest edition of the Carmarthen ...

Communities First has organised a Community Groups and Residents Information Day in Llanelli tomorrow. The event will be held in the Lliedi Suite of the Selwyn Samuel Centre on Wednesday August 22 from 2:30-6:30pm. Drop in for information and advice on any issues and concerns you have in your community in relation to the environment, community safety, housing, training, children and young people, and grants. Specialist staff will be on hand to talk to you and inform you on how they can help you directly in the future. Children’s activities will be available. For further information please Contact Communities First on 01554 784847.

Taste Local, an innovative new food tourism project, has been launched with the aim of improving South West Wales’ food offer by exploring how delivery partners across the EU develop their local food culture. This will help businesses in rural areas to develop potential markets both locally and trans-nationally. The Carmarthenshire Local Action Group (LAG) has been successful in securing the funding of £219,640 to run this transnational project and the South West Wales Tourism Partnership (SWWTP) will deliver it over the next 15 months. Along with partners in Italy, Denmark, Greece and Spain, the partnership will develop a joint project which will give the tourism sector opportunities to build on food tourism through sector skills development, marketing, branding and cultural activities. Core components of the initiative will be the hosting of an international Food Tourism Conference, the development of a multilingual digital platform linked to a bursary scheme for food producers ...

An £8million investment at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has been welcomed by Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board. Council Leader Kevin Madge arranged for members to visit the Ammanford comprehensive which is undergoing major refurbishment work. It includes a new extension, the refurbishment of one of the existing buildings plus two new buildings. Cllr Madge said: “We were given a tour of the school and were very impressed with the work being carried out. I am delighted that pupils in the Amman Valley area are to benefit from a new and improved; modern secondary school. “The council is committed to providing first-class accommodation and facilities for every child in Carmarthenshire.” The extension plus remodelling and refurbishment of the existing building will become the new science block. A Special Educational Needs facility - including therapy room, medical inspection, and hygiene room, will be located in one of the new buildings. The headteacher’s office, administration facilities...

The Recycle for Carmarthenshire website has been shortlisted in the CIPR Wales PRide Awards 2012 . The awards, run by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, recognise excellence in public relations and communications. The council’s recycling website www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling has been shortlisted in the category for Best Digital Campaign. The winner will be announced at the Hilton Cardiff Hotel on Friday, October 19. The website was launched earlier this year to help residents to recycle and reduce their rubbish. It is packed full of information, news and advice as well as quick links to order more blue bags; request a replacement green bin or find your nearest recycling centre. There is information on all of the council’s waste services as well as advice on real nappies, home composting and reducing your food waste. The Greenies and Meanies – the 3D characters made out of everyday rubbish such as paper, cans and bottles – are also featured and with four online games to...

A Carmarthen man has been fined £800 for fraudulently claiming Council Tax Benefit . Ronald Kendrick pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates last week to two offences contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 of making false statements. The court was told that Kendrick had been awarded Council Tax Benefit at Cilgwyn-Isaf, Trawsmawr, Carmarthen, on the basis that he and his wife were receiving DWP benefits and an occupational pension. A file was raised in November 2011 as a result of the National Fraud Initiative data-matching exercise. This identified that Kendrick’s wife was receiving an occupational pension from Wolverhampton Council. It was confirmed that the pension had been paid since February 2005 into a bank account which had not been declared. Further enquiries revealed a number of other undeclared bank accounts. The investigation also established that Kendrick owned a property in Harbone, Birmingham, which he had purchased in 1988 and had been ren...

An Ammanford sales assistant has admitted selling cigarettes to an underage person. Sasikumar Sankaran pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates Court last week to the offence committed on November 1 last year. The court was told that the case was part of Operation AMEC – the on-going survey into whether traders are complying with the law on the sale of age-restricted products in Carmarthenshire. It resulted in the successful test purchases of alcohol and tobacco by one child volunteer at Amman News, 31 Station Road, Tirydail, Ammanford. The Premises Licence holder (PLH) and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) Mr Bala Pulendrathasan was not present at the time of the sale. Carmarthenshire County Council trading standards officers James Lee witnessed the sale and conducted a brief interview under caution with the seller 53-year-old Sasikumar Sankaran, immediately afterwards. During the initial interview Sankaran said that he had not been trained regarding the sale of alcohol and cigare...

Top 10 jokes from this year's Edinburgh Festival - 1. Stewart Francis – “You know who really gives kids a bad name? Posh and Becks." 2. Tim Vine – “Last night me and my girlfriend watched three DVDs back to back. Luckily I was the one facing the telly. ” 3. Will Marsh – “I was raised as an only child, which really annoyed my sister.” 4. Rob Beckett – “You know you’re working class when your TV is bigger than your book case.” 5. Chris Turner – “I’m good friends with 25 letters of the alphabet … I don’t know why.” 6. Tim Vine – “I took part in the sun tanning Olympics – I just got Bronze.” 7. George Ryegold – “Pornography is often frowned upon, but that’s only because I’m concentrating." 8. Stewart Francis – “I saw a documentary on how ships are kept together. Riveting!” 9. Lou Sanders – “I waited an hour for my starter so I complained: ‘It’s not rocket salad.” 10. Nish Kumar – “My mum’s so pessimistic, that if there was an Olympics for pessimism … she wouldn’t fancy her ch...

Enjoyed this in the Telegraph today Daniel Hannan quoting Bernard Levin - If you cannot understand my argument, and declare "It's Greek to me", you are quoting Shakespeare; if you claim to be more sinned against than sinning, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you recall your salad days, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you act more in sorrow than in anger; if your wish is father to the thought; if your lost property has vanished into thin air, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you have ever refused to budge an inch or suffered from green-eyed jealousy, if you have played fast and loose, if you have been tongue-tied, a tower of strength, hoodwinked or in a pickle, if you have knitted your brows, made a virtue of necessity, insisted on fair play, slept not one wink, stood on ceremony, danced attendance (on your lord and master), laughed yourself into stitches, had short shrift, cold comfort or too much of a good thing, if you have seen better days or lived in a fool's paradi...

QualitySolicitors Redkite, the biggest law firm in West Wales, has announced two new promotions.  Solicitors Lucy Morris and Dymphna Powell have both been made ‘Associates’ with the firm. Managing Partner Luke Smith said he was delighted to announce the promotions. “We are a growing West Wales business keen to encourage and develop all our staff to fulfil their potential. The promotions to ‘Associate’ level are well deserved for Lucy and Dymphna.” About Lucy Morris  Lucy is a solicitor specialising in all aspects of commercial property transactions, including leases, sales and purchases of business premises, agricultural matters, mortgages and guarantees. She also has broad experience in commercial and business affairs and in employment law. She acts on behalf of a wide variety of clients, including sole traders, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited companies. She joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2006 after studying at Cardiff University an...

Two nurses from Hywel Dda Health Board are trekking the Grand Canyon to fundraise for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Dawn Alberto and Christina Newton from Amman Valley Hospital will be crossing the bottom of the Canyon in a six day camping trip next March. The Ward Sister and Staff Nurse will be hiking six hours each day, travelling from Phoenix to Las Vegas and covering a total distance of 81 kilometres. Staff Nurse Christina said: “This is going to be an arduous task as there is one day where we have to cover 25 kilometres; we also have to absail down a waterfall and worst of all sleep with the snakes!” The nurses decided to fundraise for the cancer charity after seeing the Marie Curie nurses at their hospital. Christina continued: “At Amman Valley palliative care beds so we see the use of Marie Curie nurses there all the time. “It’s about giving people the choice rather than thinking that hospital is the only option. There is a lot more nurses out there with charity in the community.” To...

Six one-year Master's Studentships are being offered at Aberystwyth University for the Creative Media Practice MA programme at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies. During the year the successful students will follow an MA course at the University and spend a period working with one of six creative companies in Wales which are part of the scheme. The Access to Masters programme is part-funded by the European Social fund through the European Union’s Convergence Programme (West Wales and the Valleys) administered by the Welsh Government. The companies and the respective projects that form part of the scheme are all based in the Convergence Programme area and as part of the course, the students will be expected to complete a project that will contribute to the future of the company, and in turn add economic value to the region in which the company is based. The companies and the respective projects that form part of the scheme are: Theatr Arad Goch (Aberystwyth): a...

Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and Ultra violet radiation may provide unexpected benefits to wild berry species according to a study in the Swedish sub-arctic conducted by scientists at Aberystwyth University. Such berries are an important food harvest for the people of Northern Europe during late summer and autumn. They also represent a vital source of nutrition to birds at high latitudes. In findings from a 20 year experiment just published in the journal Ambio, the team discovered that when plants were exposed to a combination of enhanced UV and elevated CO2, the antioxidant content of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) increased, together with the quantities of berries produced. UV radiation also increased levels of seed fertility. Enhanced levels of UV remain an environmental concern at high latitudes since the discovery of the ozone ‘hole’ in 1985. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 continue to rise contributing to future climate warming. However, this study suggests pot...

Hywel Dda Health Board wants to establish a modern, state of the art Level Two Neonatal Unit to provide specialist care to sick babies for the first time within our own area, giving them the best possible start in life. The unit, which would be co-located with a Complex Obstetric Unit, would be an improvement on the level of care currently provided, resulting in less babies being transferred out of the health board area. It would also allow those who are in need of intensive care (at a level three neo-natal unit) to return more quickly, bringing families closer together. This would provide the care necessary for premature and sick babies and for the small number of pregnancies where a risk has been identified, ensuring the best long-term outcomes for babies and their families. Hywel Dda Health Board’s Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Health Dr Simon Fountain-Polley said: "The health board wants to establish a level 2 neo-natal unit to provide all aspects of high dependen...

Bank Holiday entertainment at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley - 27th August Bank Holiday Monday – Chapterhouse Theatre Company present ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at 7:30pm Adults £13.50 Students & Children £9 Families (2 adults and 2 children) £40 10% discount for parties of 10 or more Grounds open for picnics from 6:30pm. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. To book tickets please ring the ticket office on (01558) 667958. Come along in your favourite fancy dress outfit and join the fairytale parade during the performance! Magical theatre in magical surroundings for all the family.

Sign to National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne. Whoops!

Hospital beds will be included in the Cardigan healthcare development, health chiefs have pledged. Hywel Dda Health Board Chief Executive Trevor Purt has confirmed intentions to make the Cardigan integrated health and social care development the ‘diamond in the ring’ of community investment projects. He said: “There has been some speculation in the community, so I would like to make it clear that this health board is committed to providing to the Cardigan development, and beds will be included as part of the business case currently being developed. “Our project board and GPs are discussing the detail, including the requirements for how many and what type of beds are required as well as the design and layout of the building, and there is also involvement from the stakeholder board, which has wide local representation.” Land for the development has been secured and contracts have been exchanged. The project board is now developing the Outline Business Case, which is due to be submitt...

Llanelli Football Club vow to tackle taxman's petition to wind up club | This is South Wales Llanelli Football Club is facing legal action from HM Revenue and Customs. But officials at the club say they are confident the dispute with the taxman will soon be resolved and will not affect the future of the club.

There's a music festival at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli, this Bank Holiday weekend. Details - AUGUST 26 12:00 PM COME RAIN OR SHINE Our annual outdoor MUSIC FESTIVAL is upon us again! This Sunday will see live entertainment all day from 12pm @ Diplomat Hotel. Bar facilities available and our traditional BBQ (sunday lunch available in the restaurant). Live entertainment comes in the form of international performers Jacqui Dankworth, Steve Waterman, Chica Chica plus many more... So bring the family for a great day out! STEVE WATERMAN  JACQUI DANKWORTH  www.diplomat-hotel-wales.com The Best Western Diplomat Hotel Felinfoel Road Llanelli Carmarthenshire, Wales SA153PJ

Five representatives from Carmarthenshire’s Youth Council  (CYC) recently attended an all Wales Funky Dragon Grand Council residential at Bangor University. The event was hosted by Fun ky Dragon, Wales’ children and young people’s assembly, with the aim of highlighting issues important to young people across Wales and to bring about positive change. At the residential, the CYC raised all the views and opinions of young people living in Carmarthenshire. Funky Dragon confirmed that their priorities for this year will be education, health and the environment. Jamie Davies, aged 18, of Glanamman, Ryan Davies, aged 15, of Llanelli, Celt Whitburn, aged 12, of Newscastle Emlyn and Adam Cousins, aged 15, of Newcastle Emlyn, have all been elected by their peers as the CYC’s new Funky Dragon representatives. Ryan Davies has also been elected by Funky Dragon as one of the co-chairs for education, and Jamie Davies has been elected to represent the over 18s group on Funky Dragon’s Manageme...

Young people from the Gwendraeth Valley have been learning about waste and what they can do to reduce their impact on the planet. Pupils from Ysgol Y Gwendraeth visited the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnstown, Carmarthen, to find out what happens to the rubbish we recycle in Carmarthenshire. All our blue bags are taken to the facility, which is run by CWM Environmental , and the contents sorted so that the plastic, paper, cans and cardboard can be processed and turned into something new. The youngsters also visited the landfill site at Nantycaws as part of a project with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth and funded by Oxfam called ‘Connect’. MCG youth worker Rebecca Storch said: “We learnt that we buy things that we don't really need and that a lot of those things are designed to be thrown away, like water bottles, coffee cups, plastic cutlery, and plastic wrapping. “The young people saw that everything they buy makes a difference to the earth in a positive or negative way. They rea...

Two people have been fined £75 for dropping litter in the Pensarn area in Carmarthen. A 47-year-old man from Johnstown and 24-year-old woman from Blaenycoed were caught throwing cigarette ends onto the ground by the council’s environmental enforcement officers. The officers were on patrol in the area at the time of the offences and issued fixed penalty notices. If they don’t pay, they could be prosecuted in court and fined up to £2,500 by magistrates. Smoking-related litter makes up the largest proportion of litter found on Carmarthenshire streets at 85%. Cigarette ends are also one of the most difficult and costly types of litter to clean up, as it falls into grates and cracks in the pavement and cannot be removed by normal cleaning. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Hopefully, these fines will help to warn people that if they are caught dropping any type of litter, they too will be fined. “Our enforcement officers carry put patrols ...

Welsh learners have the chance to attend one last summer school to help them get a head start on classes in the autumn. It will be held in Canolfan Griffith Jones in St Clears and will run from August 28-31 from 9.30am to 4pm on all day. It is an opportunity for people to start learning, or to revise, before the regular community education courses start week commencing September 24. There will six groups at different levels. Group one is aimed at absolute beginners who have not been on any course previously. It is ideal for anyone who needs extra support at the beginning as it will give a good basic foundation ready. Groups two and three are for Mynediad level, groups four and five Sylfaen level, and group six for people who have succeeded in learning Welsh to GCSE level and are hoping to progress on to higher levels in the autumn. A children’s club will be provided in partnership with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth. Children must be booked in advance and the cost will be £5 per day. The c...

The past few years has seen a major rise in young people aged 16 – 24 who are either unable, or are taking longer, to make the first move from education into work. The skills now required for first jobs have made it harder for many young people to get a foot in the jobs market and they need help to get connected to today’s world of work as they leave school. They need personalised guidance, introductions to business networks and training opportunities, as well as work experience which leads to paid employment. One Carmarthenshire/Un Sir Gar is a new and unique project, designed to bring together all advice, information, training, voluntary and employment opportunities in Carmarthenshire. It is a first stop shop, FREE phone number of 0800 9173 408, which aims to make life a lot easier for those young people who want to obtain work, education and training, or are unsure of the right path for them. Un Sir Gar advisers, who have knowledge of opportunities and services available, will iden...

There's a warm welcome to Kevin Marsh, who has joined the team at Morganstone, the Llanelli-based construction firm. Kevin will be working as small works manager with Morganstone. He will be working with Chris Weaver, the Carmarthenshire Housing Standard site manager, pictured left with Kevin outside Morganstone's Llanelli HQ.

Llanelli construction firm Morganstone Ltd has given the popular Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre a facelift. The forest park is one of the leading tourist attractions in the Neath and Port Talbot area, catering for walkers, leisure cyclists and expert mountain-bikers. “It’s a hugely popular venue and we were delighted to win the contract with Neath Port Talbot Borough Council to carry out the refurbishment and extension of the visitor centre,” said Morganstone managing director Ian Morgan. “There is a great deal of pride in the area about the forest park and it is widely recognised as one of the leading mountain-biking attractions in the UK. “The works we carried out are very important to the future success of the forest park.” The renovation was part of ‘Cognation mtb trails South Wales’, an exciting new partnership project between Neath Port Talbot CBC, Caerphilly CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC and Forestry Commission Wales. It was funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Developm...

Students across Carmarthenshire have achieved exceptional standards in this year’s WJEC “A” & "AS" Level GCE results. The results have shown a continuation of the high standards set in previous years, with 100% pass rates in many subjects. In particular, there is a continued positive trend of pupils gaining an A* to E grade with 97.9% passing compared to the Welsh average of 97.6%. Again very good results are shown in the combined top grades of A* and A grades, with 23.7% of Carmarthenshire pupils gaining these grades compared to 23.6% nationally. Pupils gaining a grade B or above also show good results with 54.5% gaining these compared nationally to 49.9%. There was also continued success in subjects such as geography, media studies, drama and economics. Carmarthenshire’s success is reflected in the positive comparison to the all-Wales figures in many subjects: Positive features at ‘AS’ level show the continued success at music, and art and design. Again these result...

RDP Sir Gâr’s Mentro project held a free three-day business course for rural Carmarthenshire’s young entrepreneurs last week in Carmarthen Library. Mentro is run by Menter Bro Dinefwr and is part of the RDP Sir Gâr Rural Entrepreneurship project*, providing free business support to young people aged between 16 and 30. They offer a free advice and guidance service on starting your own business and start-up loans and financial support available. They can also help with the creation of business plans and budgets. Colin Walters from Antur Teifi delivered the course for Mentro which aimed to provide the participants with the skills to start their businesses. Mentro Officer Tomas Marks said “We wanted to equip our clients with a tool box of information that would help them in all aspects of setting up a business and make the process as easy as possible for them.” One of the attendees, Nickolas Llewellyn, is thinking of setting up his own business as a carpenter. He said: “There was lo...

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being asked for their views on flooding. The council is preparing a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) to address the risk of flooding in the area. Residents and businesses across the county are invited to give their views as part of a consultation exercise and help shape the strategy. Widespread flooding across the UK in the summer of 2007 resulted in the country’s largest peacetime emergency since World War Two. The Government commissioned an independent review of the lessons learned during the flooding emergency. The review was undertaken by Sir Michael Pitt, and is widely known as the Pitt Review. It called for urgent and fundamental changes in the way flood risk is managed across the country. As a result, the Flood and Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 came into force and local authorities have been tasked with leading and co-ordinating local flood risk management. Carmarthenshire County Council is a designated Lead Local Flood Authority (...

News in brief from Burry Port delivery firm Celtic Couriers . . .  We are closed Monday 27th August, back open Tuesday 28th August. We are open as normal on the Saturday. All deliveries sent Friday for 'Next Day Delivery' will arrive Tuesday. Saturday deliveries are available with a surcharge. ------------------------------------- We have a 2008 LDV Maxus short wheel base van for sale. Give us a ring on 01554 835490. ------------------------------------ Many thanks to friends old and new who visited our Celtic Couriers and APC Overnight stand at the Pembrokeshire County Show in Haverfordwest. It was great to meet everyone and we look forward to doing business with all our new Pembrokeshire customers. Picture of our stand -

Former Wales footballer Robbie Savage has toured Llanelli to see the work being done to regenerate the local economy. Robbie, now also well known as a Strictly Come Dancing competitor and a business partner are pursuing ventures in Carmarthenshire including a hotel development close to the Ffos Las Racecourse, which recently received outline planning permission. Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell hosted Robbie, business partner and former Wales nutritionist and equipment manager Tony Quaglia, planning consultant Stuart Owen, and architect Paul Hutchinson on a visit to the Hub in Stepney Street, where Town Centre Manager Andrew Shufflebotham outlined the projects the county council is involved with. Mr Shufflebotham said: “We have £60m in investment coming together. There is the £4m investment in the Library, the cinema in East Gate where the Odeon has bought the interest and it could become their flagship in the region, there’s Nando’s, and a br...

Burry Port delivery firm Celtic Couriers is helping to sponsor a prestigious vintage show in Carmarthen. The Orllwyn Teifi 24th Vintage Show is taking place at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen, between August 24 and 27. Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins said: "We are delighted to be lending our support to the show. It is a major attraction in South West Wales and should pull in bumper crowds over the Bank Holiday weekend." Orllwyn Teifi Vintage Show started in 1989. At first, it was held on the Kings Meadow at Henllan, but soon outgrew this 20-acre site. It then moved to Croesllan, Llandysul and took up nearly 115 acres! In its 24th year, the show moves to the United Counties Showground in Carmarthen, giving easier access to many supporters who live in South Wales. The show attracts exhibitors from all over the country and many famous "names" have attended over the last 18 years. The late Fred Dibnah, of Television fame, and the ...

An Ammanford man has been fined £220 for leaving cattle without water and at risk of injuring themselves. Daniel Fawcett, of Blaengweche, Llandyfan, pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates Court to two offences under the  Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007. The court was told that last year between May 15 and June 16 that being a person responsible for farmed animals he failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure that accommodation and fittings for securing animals was maintained so that there were no sharp edges or protrusions likely to cause injury to them. During the same period Fawcett also failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the cattle had access to a suitable water supply. The court heard that a vet and animal health officer visited the farm on November 12, 2010, after a welfare complaint and told Fawcett to improve conditions. Some improvements were made but issues still remained. On December 1, 2010, the vet and animal health officer visite...

Celtic Couriers will be taking delivery of another new Citroen van this week. The arrival at the firm's Burry Port headquarters takes the number of Citroens in the fleet to 11. Celtic Couriers have 17 vans delivering and collecting every day in the local area. The fleet also includes four lorries, ranging from 7.5t, 18t, 24t and 44t. The firm delivers and collects on average 1,300 parcels a day, and 55 pallets a day. Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins said: "There's always a bit of a buzz as a new vehicle arrives at our HQ. Keeping our fleet up-to-date is very important to us as we continue to deliver the best possible service to our customers."

A Llanelli woman has been prosecuted in court for putting non-recyclable waste in her blue bags. Deborah Gail Myhill, aged 45, of Cambrian Street, was convicted in absence at Carmarthen Magistrates Court for an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers received a complaint about a large amount of rubbish to the rear of Cambrian Street. On arrival, the officers found 14 bags of household waste as well as children’s toys, prams and other household items. The blue bags contained clothes and rotting food and evidence was found relating to Myhill. Council records showed that Myhill had previously been fined for a similar offence. She was fined £400 by magistrates and ordered to pay £204.74 prosecution costs and £15 victim surcharge. The council now hopes this fine will act as a warning to other residents to make sure they only use their blue bags to recyc...