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

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones visited Carmarthen to announce the expansion of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion’s award-winning Bwcabus service. The service, which provides on-demand transport for people living in rural parts of the Teifi Valley, will expand later this year to the surrounding areas of Lampeter, Llanybydder, Felinfach and Llangeithio. The Deputy First Minister said: “We are announcing the extension of the Bwcabus service into new areas of the Teifi Valley in both Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. “It is revolutionising public transport in rural west Wales – helping people to access key services, travel to work and take up training and other educational opportunities – which is an important asset to these communities in these tough economic times. “It’s already carried over 10,000 passengers, three months ahead of schedule – helping increase use of public transport in the area by more than 40 per cent.” Service user Adeline McGill Brown, of Rhydowen, said: “Bwcabus ha...

The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones AM will today, at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, officially launch a major new study led by Aberystwyth University to develop improved varieties of oats. The launch takes place at the Education Pavilion (next to S4C). Quality Oats (QUOATS), a £4.9m five year project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Government, is also expected to enhance health benefits as more and more people turn to oats as part of a healthier diet. Increased demand for safe, healthy and nutritious food or feedstuff, together with increased agricultural energy and fertiliser costs and the need to farm in a more sustainable manner are among the drivers behind the study according to Dr Athole Marshall, head of the Oat Breeding Programme at IBERS. “Oats are a valuable break crop in cereal rotations reducing disease and weed problems, require less fertiliser than wheat, perform ...