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

A new project team has been appointed to drive forward plans for a Wellness and Life Science Village in Llanelli. The project, which is estimated to cost in excess of £100million, is being delivered through the Swansea Bay City Region partnership. Work has begun to detail what will be included at the site, but elements which may be included are a wellness/leisure centre, hydrotherapy pool, Institute of Life Science@ Hywel Dda, expansion of the Joint Clinical Research Facility to recruit for clinical trials, a Health and Wellbeing Centre, hotel and conferencing and high spec business facilities. The new team tasked with delivering the vision is being headed by project manager Sharon Burford, supported by Steffan Jenkins and Bjorn Rodde. Sharon, originally from Aberdare, lives with her husband in Mynydd Y Garreg and works for Hywel Dda University Health Board. Her career began with the Welsh Development Agency focused on economic regeneration and inward investment. Recently she was ma...

Daniella Diana is starting an apprenticeship in Costume and Wardrobe after a spell of work experience at a Llanelli-based firm. The 24-year-old was employed by Costumes to Go at Delta Lakes through Jobs Growth Wales before being taken on as a Creative Apprentice. Costumes to Go, co-founded by Maureen Rhys and Deborah Barron, offers a complete costume service from dressing whole theatre companies to providing a unique one-to-one bespoke design and making service. Deborah said: “Daniella has studied textiles and was working in retail. We have had a very busy season which has included expansion into a second unit – Dani is coping really well and contributes significantly to the day to day running of Costumes To Go.” Daniella said: “It has definitely given me experience and improved my skills. I do a variety of tasks from sewing to assisting to set up show hires.”

Visitors to Delta Lakes are being warned to keep away from blue-green algae in the water. Carmarthenshire County Council public protection department has been informed of the presence of the algae by Environment Agency Wales. Council head of public protection Philip Davies said: “Visitors, and people that normally use the area for recreation, are asked to look out for the warning signs and not to come into contact with water where the algae might be present. “It is important to note that people and animals can become ill after coming into contact with the algae.” Selby LeRoux, from Environment Agency Wales said: “We will continue to monitor conditions at the lake closely and will be taking regular samples to test for levels of the algae in the water. “We are working closely with all the relevant authorities to advise them on how to minimise the risk to both the environment and local people.”

Letting the grass grow has led to a new home for endangered water voles in Llanelli. The population of the species has declined by over 90 per cent in the UK, but they are hanging on in the ditches and wetland areas around Llanelli. A partnership of organisations – Carmarthenshire County Council, the Countryside Council for Wales and Environment Agency Wales - are working together in the Llanelli area to help one of the most endangered mammals in the UK. Loss and fragmentation of their habitat have been significant causes of their decline and now water voles and their habitat are protected by law. Recently, there were signs of water vole burrows at an unexpected site in the grassland alongside Delta Lakes, adjacent to the A484. The grassland is managed by the council and is regularly mown. However the best solution to help the water voles was to stop mowing the grass alongside the lake. This will allow a habitat to form that will help the water voles and provide them with valuable feed...

Young business owners in need of offices and workshops are being offered a home at a flagship development, designed to nurture the talents of budding entrepreneurs. Over seventy five per cent of the accommodation at the £2million Delta Lakes Enterprise Centre, at Llanelli’s southern gateway, has been let out to flourishing businesses. But with three offices and three workshops still available, there are further opportunities for people aged 18-39 who are looking to take their next steps towards a long-term business. Offering competitive rates and a supportive business environment, they provide a great opportunity for people aged between 18-39 whose activity is business-to-business. The hi-tech centre, comprising of 14 high quality offices, eight workshops and three industrial units, was launched in April this year. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the development, as part of a major youth business support programme. Businesses who have already taken up space at the state-of-the...