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

Works to build a new £1million bridge near the village of Rhandirmwyn in the Tywi Valley are progressing well. The structure will replace the existing Galltybere Bridge, which has been subject to a three tonne weight restriction since 2008. The project has been made possible thanks to funding made available through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI). The Galltybere Bridge was built in approximately 1925 and is the only means of access for a number of properties. The new two span bridge is 45 metres in length and is being built downstream of the existing bridge which will remain open until it is completed. The construction works began in August, and are being carried out on behalf of the council’s Street Scene section by TRJ (Betws) Limited. Works are progressing well, with both abutments and central pier nearly complete. It is anticipated that the steel beams for the new deck will be installed early February and the reinforced concrete deck slab will proceed after this. E...

A total of 500 street lights have been replaced in Carmarthenshire to date, thanks to funding made available through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative. Some £900,000 was earmarked over a three year period to replace lighting columns throughout the county. Using LED light technology, the new street lights not only give high performance but are also better for the environment and cheaper to run with typical savings of up to 50% in both electricity consumption and CO2 production. The new columns are made from aluminium which is corrosion-resistant so they last longer and with minimal maintenance also cost less. Aluminium has a lower carbon footprint to produce and transport (due to its reduced weight) and is safer, reducing the risk of death or serious injury in road traffic collisions. The lighting column replacement programme started last financial year with a total of 400 new lighting columns installed. A further 100 have been installed since April, and another 300 are es...

Carmarthenshire is to benefit from a £12.4 million cash boost for road improvements across the county. The money is being made available through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to fund capital highway projects over the next three years. Local authorities can draw down a total of £170 million as part of the borrowing arrangement, the first of its kind in Wales. The Welsh Government will then provide revenue support to finance the cost of interest and capital repayments over a 22-year time frame. The level of borrowing available to Carmarthenshire County Council is £4.3 million in 2012/13, £4.1 million in 2013/14 and £4 million in 2014/15. For 2012/13, the council plans to spend £2.5 to £3 million of the capital funding on resurfacing works, £0.5 to £1 million on footway repairs, £300,000 on lighting column replacements and £500,000 on bridge strengthening. Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said the funding would be used to target the existing backlog ...