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

Carmarthenshire County Council has been recognised at a top award ceremony which celebrates good practice in the social care sector. Two of its projects were announced as finalists for the Social Care Accolades 2011, held in Cardiff recently. The council's work in recruiting and supporting newly qualified social workers in Adults and Children's Services was recognised in the 'Effective Recruitment and Retention' category. A joint initiative with Barnardo's Cymru to provide more support for children and families affected by drug and alcohol misuse was also recognised in the 'Supporting Effective Intervention with Children and their Families' category. The project employs a full-time social worker to work with families to provide direct, timely support and rapid access to specialist services. Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “It was a huge achievement to have two finalists in the strongest categories of the awards, and althoug...

A new Integrated Children’s Centre has been launched in Felinfoel, Llanelli. The modern centre, which provides range of family services to the local community, was developed alongside the newly constructed Ysgol Maes Y Felin – part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s £240million Modernising Education Provision programme. It provides key links and support for children and parents from early years. It also offers childcare provision, provided by Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin; family centre provision run by Plant Dewi; and Family Support services offered by Flying Start. Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge, Executive Board Member for Children’s Services, said: “This new integrated children’s centre will become a central point for families in the Felinfoel area, providing a range of support services which will help families to function together and engage with others.” For further information contact 01554 775390. Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Cllr Meryl Gravell; Executive Board Member for Children’...

Busy morning - farewell to Rotary world tour cyclists this am then down to Carmarthen. Lunch @Cwmcerrig. Back to Llanelli to get work done.

Splendid lunch with Llanelli Rotary Club at Stradey Park Hotel. Guest speakers: two round-the-world ShelterBox cyclists. Inspiring stuff! You can find out more - http://tandem10.wordpress.com/

A woman has been fined for failing to clean up after her dog at Llanelli’s Millennium Coastal Park. The council’s environmental enforcement officers issued the fixed penalty notice for £75 in the Festival Fields area. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of £1,000. The council hopes this fine will act as a warning to others that anyone caught failing to clean up after their dog will be prosecuted. Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk, the Festival Fields are used by families with young children and this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. “The majority of residents take their responsibilities seriously but there is still a small minority who do not listen. “The council is determined to stop the problem of dog fouling in Carmarthenshire and improve the environment for both residents and visitors.” Owners are being encouraged to always kee...

A man has been fined for failing to clean up after his dog at Burry Port harbour. The council’s environmental enforcement officers issued the man with a fixed penalty notice for £75. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of £1,000. The council hopes this fine will act as a warning to others that anyone caught failing to clean up after their pet will be prosecuted. Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk, the harbour area is used by families with young children for recreation and leisure and this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. “The majority of residents take their responsibilities seriously but there is still a small minority who do not listen. “The council is determined to stop the problem of dog fouling in Carmarthenshire and improve the environment for both residents and visitors.” Owners are being encouraged to always keep a supply o...

Residents in Pencader are being urged to have a good clear out and recycle any rubbish they have lying around the home. A waste amnesty is being held on Saturday, July 23 in the primary school car park between 8am and 10.30am. Householders can take advantage of this one-off chance to dispose of any large items of rubbish for free. Most household waste can be taken along including bulky waste items such as furniture and electrical goods. However, asbestos, tyres, paint, garden chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, construction waste and trade waste will not be accepted. The amnesty has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and the aim is to encourage residents to dispose of waste that may otherwise be fly-tipped as well as encourage them to recycle and/or reuse as much of their rubbish as possible. Executive member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “I hope residents take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any rubbish they may have. Bulky waste such as f...