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

A new social lettings policy has been introduced in one of Llanelli’s most deprived areas in a bid to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Carmarthenshire County Council has made the unusual move as part of its efforts to help the community in the Tyisha area. The standard Access To Social Housing Policy allows the council to exercise a Local Lettings Policy on a temporary basis to help alleviate problems of anti-social behaviour, deprivation and crime in a particular area. The Local Lettings Policy which has been approved in the Tyisha ward will be in force for 12 months, and enables single person flats and three bedroom maisonettes to be allocated outside the usual criteria. The policy will be enforced at eight council estates in the area, including Ty Stafford, Ty Howard, Ty Elisabeth, Ty Cydwel, Ty Meriel, and Lakefield Place, and flats at Clos Sant Paul and Dillwyn Street. Rachel Davies, Area Housing Manager, said: “We have been working closely with local residents and tenants ...

Problems are still being experienced with telephones and the internet at Cross Hands Library following the replacement of a telegraph pole near the building by BT. The library is open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm to borrow or return items but it is not possible to contact them by phone or to use the internet there. Staff hope the problem will be resolved soon and apologise for any inconvenience.

Llanelli Leisure Centre is enjoying a bumper summer with around 1,000 people visiting it every day. The Free Swim sessions, in particular, are proving very popular with children and families. The Welsh Government-funded scheme provides free swimming for everyone aged under 16 during school holidays and at weekends. More than 500 children use the swimming pool and holiday club every day, and a further 500 people use the other facilities at the leisure centre including the Fusion fitness gym, cafeteria, squash courts, dance studio, Astroturf and multi-use sports hall. Activities at the centre include aerobics, badminton, volleyball, boxercise, martial arts, trampolining, table tennis and more. It also has conference facilities, meeting rooms and hosts birthday parties and celebrations. Area Facilities Manager Andrew Sellick said: “We have enjoyed a really busy summer holidays, with approximately 1,000 adults and children coming here every day. Most popular with the children are th...

There's an 'Evening with David Campese' coming up at Parc y Scarlets. Australian rugby union legend Campese will be at Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Wednesday 10th October 2012. The evening will consist of a two-course dinner and Campese as guest speaker. Australian comic and MC Justin Karcher will host the evening, which will also include a raffle and auction. Campese is a household name in the rugby world. Many view him as one of the greatest and most entertaining rugby players to have ever graced the field. Representing Australia for 15 years, he achieved and still holds the world record for the most tries in a Test match. He was the first man in Australian history to play 101 tests for his country. Despite being retired for almost 10 years, his impact on the game is still evident in his controversial yet consistently accurate opinions, which continue to entertain throughout the international rugby world. Corporate tables of 10 available at just £450. A quan...

Plans for an Eco Park at Machynys in Llanelli have been put forward by Carmarthenshire County Council. The scheme drawn up by the council’s regeneration department goes hand in hand with an application for housing on neighbouring land. The Eco Park will have a network of footpaths, ponds and landscaping. It is planned to enhance the appearance of the area through landscaping and planting, and to make the site more accessible. The proposed scheme will enhance former industrial land to create an area of historical, environmental and ecological value. Physical Regeneration Manager Stuart Walters said: “The proposed development will enhance the local landscape and character of the area by creating a high quality environment to support local ecology and provide a valuable amenity space for the existing and future communities of South Llanelli.” Planting in the landscaped area will offer many tones of colour and textures. Rank grass land/tall herbs are to remain intact as these provide a var...

QualitySolicitors Redkite has given cash support to the 21st annual Tenby Arts Festival. The law firm, which has offices in Tenby and throughout Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, will be putting £500 into the festival funds. Managing Partner Luke Smith said the firm was delighted to be able to lend its support to the festival. He added: “It is very much a key event in the Tenby calendar and we wish the festival every success. “As usual, the festival organisers have worked very hard to ensure there is a varied and attractive programme of events. We hope the festival proves a delight to residents and visitors alike.” The festival runs from September 22-29. There are two outstanding one man shows – Richard Elfyn portrays Lloyd George in the aptly-titled The Wizard, the Goat and the Man that Won the War.  Jenny Coverack tells the fascinating life story of Kathleen Scott who was married to Scott of the Antarctic.  The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be marked with a special...

Cllr Tegwen Devichand is Carmarthenshire’s new 50+ Champion with responsibility for promoting the interests of older people in the county. She has taken over the role from new Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge who had been Champion since the 50+ Forum was established five years ago. During that time the Forum has steadily grown and now has a membership of 1,350. Cllr Devichand said: “I am looking forward to working with the Forum. I think it is a very worthwhile project.” 50+ policy officer Dr Kevin Pett said: “The 50+ Forum is going from strength to strength with new members joining all the time.” Contact the 50+ Forum to join – it’s completely free. As well as exclusive offers, you get copies of Carmarthenshire Community Life, plus a chance to have your say on public services. The 50+ Forum can be contacted on 01267 234567 or on email at 50+Forum@carmarthenshire.gov.uk