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

It's not quite climbing every mountain – but Carmarthenshire’s Leader is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for local charities. Cllr Emlyn Dole is also welcoming people to join him – or set themselves their own challenges. He was spurred into action after attending an awards ceremony for participants in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, now in its 60th year. To mark the anniversary, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Diamond Challenge has been set up, which is open to all ages. People are asked to take on their own adventure, personal, or skill challenge, which can be anything from learning to knit to kayaking the Zambesi. Cllr Dole has chosen to take on the Three Peaks Challenge – Snowdon in North Wales, Cadair Idris in Mid Wales and Pen y Fan in South Wales. He will start with Snowdon on May 29, at 1085metres the highest mountain in Wales, a walk of around 10km. On June 1, Cllr Dole will climb Cadair Idris, a four to five kilometre walk, and a height of 893m. The last peak ...

Carmarthenshire’s Leader is gathering information on the impact of the Living Wage and is awaiting the outcome of work on the issue. Cllr Kevin Madge is keen to look at the introduction of the wage and wants to be in full possession of all the facts before the matter is discussed by the executive board. He has already asked the council’s HR staff to provide information on the effects of bringing the Living Wage into Carmarthenshire, and is awaiting the outcome of the Welsh Local Government Association’s work on the issue. Welsh Government Minister for Local Government and Communities Carl Sargeant has also set up a policy group to assess the implications of introducing the initiative, and of encouraging public sector bodies to become Living Wage employees. It means that the lowest amount staff would be paid would be £7.20 per hour, higher than the current statutory £6.08 minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over. Cllr Madge said: “I await with interest the outcome of all the work be...

The Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Kevin Madge has expressed his sadness at learning of the death of his friend and colleague former councillor Roy Harries. The two had served together on Cwmamman Town Council, Dinefwr Borough Council and Carmarthenshire County Council. Cllr Madge said: “Roy was the longest serving member of Cwmamman Labour Party until his sad passing earlier this week. “He served on Cwmamman Town Council for many years and subsequently became a member of Dinefwr Borough Council. He served on a range of committees and was the Mayor of Dinefwr from 1993 to 1994. “With the reorganisation of local government, he was elected to Carmarthenshire County Council and was chair of the planning committee from 1996 to 1999. “It is difficult to measure the full extent of his contribution to the local community. The village of Glanamman was very close to his heart and he was very proud to be able to represent the needs and aspirations of local people. “I learned a gr...