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

Carmarthenshire residents can now keep up to date with the latest council news on social networking site Twitter. The site will allow people to get instant updates on council news and services. Twitter users can get up to the minute news updates by following @CarmsCCPress. Executive Board member for communications, Cllr Pam Palmer, said: “Social networking sites are being increasingly used by people as a way of keeping up to date with the latest news, so it is exciting to be able to reach out to our residents in this way. “Being able to give instant news in this way is particularly useful when we need to report any disruptions in services, but is also a very useful avenue to communicate news about events.” Twitter is the second social networking site to be used by the council, which also has a strong presence on Facebook. Search for Carmarthenshire County Council and press ‘Like’ to leave comments and feedback about council news, services and events.

A third of firms switched on to using social networking - Business News - Business - WalesOnline Nearly a third (32%) of Welsh businesses are maintaining an online business presence on Facebook and Twitter, according to the latest Wales Business Watch from Deloitte in Wales and the Western Mail. In the survey, 300 top Welsh businesses were asked to discuss their involvement with social media and alternative methods of communication for business purposes.

Social networking sites are helping to shape a new vision for how council houses are let in Carmarthenshire. Housing chiefs are changing the way that homes are allocated in the county. They want to improve the current points system and make it fairer for people who need a home. A major consultation programme has been carried out on how people access council housing in the county. In a bid to reach as many people as possible, they have turned to sites like Facebook, and used digital television and text messages to gain people’s views. Online surveys, focus groups and roadshows have also been held and consultation was carried out at a recent tenant’s fun day. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move as part of a review into its Access to Social Housing Policy. Officers want to develop a simpler allocation process, reduce anti-social behaviour and prevent homelessness. They want to ensure that the county’s 9,200 homes and sheltered housing are appropriately let. The aim is to com...