Elizabeth Birt

Carmarthenshire County Council approved the removal of a Foxglove Tree from a property on Quay Street in Llandeilo’s conservation area. It also discharged planning conditions for agricultural land south of Parc Bryers in Dryslwyn and for Castell Howell Foods in Cross Hands, covering remediation and monitoring requirements, an uncontrolled crossing, biodiversity enhancements and external materials.

Carmarthenshire County Council has received several planning applications across the Amman, Towy and Gwendraeth valleys. Proposals include changes to planning conditions in Ammanford and Saron, a single-storey side extension, temporary mobile-home accommodation in Upper Brynamman, commercial polytunnels and a potting shed supporting an orchard, vineyard and nursery, and a two-storey house in Ammanford designed to retain and enhance existing greenery and wildlife features.

Carmarthenshire County Council approved several planning applications across the Towy and Gwendraeth valleys. The decisions cover replacing a concrete silo with a domestic garage and ancillary accommodation at properties in Llanwrda, a 28-metre polytunnel in Gorslas, renovations at Blaenblodau in Dryslwyn, a retrospective nutrient store at Greengrove in Llangadog, and retrospective approval for solar PV panels at Cenarth in Cwmdu. Several approvals include conditions on construction deadlines, ecological mitigation, pollution prevention and compliance with the approved plans.

Carmarthenshire County Council has received several planning-related applications in the Amman and Towy valleys. Proposals include retaining an incomplete field shelter and workshop at Waunhwyad Farm in Glanamman, constructing an agricultural storage building at Tyn y Waun in Llandovery, certifying a property at Penybont Farm in Llangadog as a lawful residential use after it was occupied as a home rather than a holiday let, and building a single-storey side extension in Tycroes to provide a bedroom and wet room for a disabled resident. The Tycroes proposal also includes bird and bat boxes as biodiversity measures.

Carmarthenshire County Council approved the continued use of a shed at Llettyglyd Lodge near Llandeilo for stable activities and smallholding maintenance, subject to restrictions on commercial use and a tree-planting condition. The council also refused two glamping pods near Llansadwrn over concerns about water quality and biodiversity in the River Tywi protected area, discharged planning conditions for developments in Rhandirmwyn and Tumble, approved restoration of a dairy building at Ffynnonwen Farm for small-scale cheese and yoghurt production, and granted permission for a workshop at Cross Hands.

Carmarthenshire County Council is seeking urgent clarification from the Welsh Rugby Union after reported comments by chief executive Abi Tierney suggested that only one professional rugby licence might be granted in west Wales. Council leader Linda Evans warned that any predetermined outcome could undermine confidence in the regional rugby review and harm the Scarlets, whose presence is described as economically, culturally and socially important to Carmarthenshire and Llanelli. The council is calling for a fair, transparent and evidence-based process, confirmation that all team-allocation options remain open, and full disclosure of the evidence used in the review.

David Allen Murphy, 40, of Carmarthen, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Cora, an elderly Collie-German Shepherd cross, after failing to obtain treatment for her severe skin disease. Police found the dog tied to a tree in December, and veterinary evidence described prolonged, preventable physical and mental suffering. Murphy received an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 120 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements, a 10-year animal-keeping ban, costs and a surcharge. Cora has recovered and is receiving ongoing care from Hope Rescue.

Williams Electrical (Cymru) Ltd plans to build a new headquarters at the Cross Hands East Strategic Employment Site with £312,000 in Welsh Government funding. The expansion is expected to create up to 30 jobs over five years, including qualified electrician and apprenticeship positions, more than doubling the company’s workforce. The project is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council and Business Wales and is intended to increase capacity for larger commercial projects and further recruitment.

Ammanford Cricket Club’s first team suffered a four-run defeat against South Wales Premier Cricket League Division 1 bottom side Abergavenny. After dismissing Abergavenny for 204, Ammanford reached 195 for six but collapsed to 200 all out, with Imran Butt scoring 70 and Josef Davies 41. Ammanford’s second team beat Port Talbot seconds by nine wickets, helped by Matthew Davies’s six for 30 and Finnley Chapman Knight’s unbeaten 55, moving them to second in Division 3. Ammanford’s thirds and fourths lost their respective matches, while the firsts are due to visit Newport and the seconds host Maesteg seconds next Saturday.

Carmarthenshire County Council has approved, refused or recorded changes to a series of planning applications in Ammanford, Llandeilo, Llandovery and nearby communities. Proposals include a withdrawn cafe and sand play area in a former Ammanford bank, approved home extensions, roof works, a new house and garage replacements, and a refused rear extension in Ffairfach because of insufficient information about bats. Several approvals include conditions covering wildlife protection, access arrangements, glazing, construction safeguards and completion within five years.

Cancer patient Emma Masser raised £3,846 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli through a charity night and a 24-hour cyclothon. She organized the events while receiving treatment and donated the proceeds to thank staff for their care. Hywel Dda Health Charities said the funds will support improvements and activities beyond core NHS expenditure, including patient facilities and treatment research.

A comparison of the cheapest petrol and diesel prices around Ammanford, based on information from petrolprices.com. Tesco locations offer some of the lowest unleaded prices at 149.9p per litre, while Murco Llandeilo has the lowest listed diesel price at 156.9p per litre. Prices may change and reflect information available when the comparison was compiled.

A four-bedroom detached house called Highgrove, situated on approximately 9.51 acres in the Golden Grove estate near Llandeilo, is on the market for £950,000. The property includes extensive gardens, paddocks, an orchard, outbuildings, a greenhouse, a detached double garage, and versatile living spaces. Its rural setting offers access to countryside activities while remaining close to Llandeilo, Carmarthen and other West Wales attractions.

Carmarthenshire County Council approved several planning applications across Ammanford, Llandeilo, Llangadog and Llandovery, including a first‑floor bedroom extension, a micro energy storage project, a retrospective barn conversion, an outbuilding conversion, two non‑material amendments to previous applications, and a detached garage and storage outbuilding. Most approvals include conditions such as installation of bat, bird or bug boxes, adherence to approved plans, construction exclusion zones to protect ecological features, and restrictions on usage tied to the associated properties.

An eight‑bedroom U‑shaped barn conversion in Llandybie is listed for £750,000, offering five acres of land including paddocks. The home is divided into three sections, two of which operate as holiday lets, and features multiple living areas, a master suite, and extensive amenities. The estate agent highlights its suitability for multigenerational living, income potential, and smallholding use due to its size, layout, and location near Ammanford and local services.

The Trap Show celebrates its 60th anniversary with a full day of rural-themed attractions at Cilmaenllwyd Farm, featuring livestock classes, vintage vehicles, pet competitions, domestic and horticulture exhibits, and heritage crafts. New additions include a Pimm’s Bar and a family competition, while children’s activities and evening entertainment—such as an It’s a Knockout contest and live music—round out the event. Supported by community members and presidents Dai and Bronwen Williams, the show aims to offer a relaxed and enjoyable gathering for attendees.

Carmarthenshire County Council will introduce a phased separated recycling system in western areas of the county from mid to late autumn as part of the Welsh Government’s Collections Blueprint. Households shifting to the new setup will receive reusable sacks for different materials, while food waste and recyclables will continue to be collected weekly and non-recyclable waste every three weeks. Residents not included in the first phase will remain on the blue bag system. The council says the transition will be supported to ensure a smooth changeover.

Large crowds attended Ammanford’s second annual food festival, featuring more than 30 stalls, live music and free parking that boosted turnout and local trade. Organised by Ammanford Town Council with support from The Means, Carmarthenshire County Council and UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the event delivered strong demand for vendors and created a lively atmosphere. The town now looks ahead to the upcoming Vintage Vehicle Show in August.

Two Members of the Senedd, Nerys Evans and Cefin Campbell, met with the Farmers’ Union of Wales to discuss challenges facing the agricultural sector, including regulatory pressures and the impact of bovine TB. The meeting highlighted new Welsh Government initiatives such as low‑interest loans for farm improvements and a review of farm paperwork, introduced to support farmers following the Senedd election. FUW president Ian Rickman welcomed the opportunity to address key issues and gain clarity on policies aimed at providing greater certainty for Welsh farmers.

A Garnant student, Sophie Rockey, graduates with a BA in Primary Education with QTS from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and prepares to start her teaching career. She praises supportive lecturers, strong course balance, and meaningful classroom placements. After working part‑time at Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn y Glowyr and completing her final placement at Birchgrove Primary School, she secures a Year 3 teaching position there and feels well prepared for the role.

Carmarthenshire County Council has begun a four‑week surface dressing programme intended to improve road safety and extend the lifespan of local roads. The work covers roughly 25 miles of carriageway and uses hot bitumen and stone chippings to prevent water damage, reduce potholes and restore skid resistance. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow temporary speed limits, avoid sharp manoeuvres on newly treated surfaces, and take care with fresh bitumen. The council highlights the method’s cost‑effectiveness and ability to keep roads open to traffic shortly after treatment.

Two obese Jack Russell dogs, Cai and Lily, were found in severe distress, leading the RSPCA to intervene. Cai, suffering from heart failure, was euthanised, while Lily, weighing 14.2kg, was seized after her owner, William Johns, failed to follow dietary advice. Johns, whose own health issues limited his ability to care for the animals, pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences and received a 15‑year animal ownership ban, a suspended eight‑month sentence, and financial penalties. Lily has since lost weight and will be rehomed.

Scarlets officials visited Llandovery College to reaffirm their long‑standing partnership and recognize the school’s major contribution to developing Welsh rugby talent. The college, credited with producing numerous international players and supporting Scarlets’ development pathways for over two decades, received praise from both Scarlets leadership and the WRU. College representatives expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration, highlighting shared goals to develop young athletes academically and athletically.

Carmarthenshire County Council issued two planning decisions affecting the Amman Valley and Llandovery areas. An application to place a log cabin mobile home at Bryn Bach Road was refused because the structure’s proposed location fell outside the limits set by permitted development rules. Approval was granted for a like‑for‑like replacement of a decayed 33kV electricity pole at Llwyn Jack, located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with work to follow relevant industry and safety regulations.

A new Gerald Jones Memorial Award has been established at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to support a postgraduate piano student while honouring the legacy of musician Gerald Jones. College director Tim Rhys-Evans and Julia Jones highlighted his long-standing contributions to nurturing young talent. The first award will be presented in September 2026.

Oxford Speedway postponed its home meeting against the Poole Pirates due to England’s upcoming World Cup knockout match, citing expected fan, rider, and volunteer interest in the football game. Refunds will be issued automatically and a new date will be set, with the next home fixture scheduled for July 8 against the Plymouth Gladiators. Oxford Speedway thanked Poole for cooperating with the change.

Weekend fixtures across the Monmouthshire Bowls Association and Gwent Bowls League produced multiple shifts in league standings, with postponed matches, narrow victories and dominant wins influencing positions from Division 1 to Division 5. Crosskeys, Bedwas & Trethomas, Abercarn and other leaders saw mixed outcomes, while several lower‑ranked teams secured important upsets. In the Gwent Bowls League, notable results included Monmouth’s strong win over RTB Ebbw Vale and a draw between Cwmbran Park and Chepstow, maintaining tight competition at the top of Division 2.

Teams across Gwent competed in multiple divisions of the South Wales Premier and South East Wales Cricket Leagues, with results spanning victories, defeats, and ties. League leaders in several divisions maintained strong positions, while lower-placed teams saw mixed outcomes. Matches covered Divisions 1 through 15, highlighting significant wins, narrow finishes, and shifts in league standings across the region.

Newport County AFC will face AFC Wimbledon away in the first round of the 2026–27 Carabao Cup, scheduled for August 7–9. The competition features 70 participating clubs in regionalised northern and southern sections. Key dates for subsequent rounds extend through early 2027, with the final set for March 21, 2027. Fixture details and ticket information will be released later.

Christian Doidge expresses enthusiasm after signing for Newport County, fulfilling his ambition to play for his hometown club. He reflects on his career resilience, aims to contribute goals and leadership to a young squad, and looks forward to the club’s progress. The move follows his departure from Forest Green Rovers, and he may debut in an upcoming friendly before the League Two season begins.

Pupils from Milford Haven School joined a Sailing into Science voyage aboard the tall ship Faramir, combining sailing training with hands-on marine biology activities. The partnership between the Darwin Centre, the Cirdan Sailing Trust and the Tall Ships Wales Trust allowed students to collect and study plankton samples, learn sailing skills and view new wind turbines at Dragon Energy Park. Organisers plan further collaborations to expand opportunities linking sailing, STEM learning and environmental awareness.

Canolfan Maerdy in Tairgwaith received the Community Group of the Year award at the Neath Port Talbot Celebration of Volunteering, while volunteer Evan Downs was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Staff highlighted the centre’s emphasis on community support and developing volunteers into paid roles. The centre offers childcare, youth programs, gardening, transport services and assistance for vulnerable residents across the Upper Amman and Swansea Valleys.

A charity car wash at Leekes Cross Hands raised more than £1,300, with funds split between supporting two‑year‑old Liwsi, who has rare genetic conditions, and The Fire Fighters Charity. The event, organised by Tumble Fire Station and supported by local businesses, featured firefighters washing cars and engaging with the community while acknowledging sponsors for their contributions.