Sallie Phillips

A wildfire near Rhandirmwyn in Carmarthenshire continues to burn across approximately 250 hectares, prompting a major incident response, precautionary home evacuations and road closures. Fire crews are working to contain hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading, although steep terrain has limited access to some areas and officials hope a firefighting helicopter can assist. The Llandovery Leisure Centre rest centre has returned to normal hours because no evacuees required its services. Authorities are urging people to stay away, keep doors and windows closed when affected by smoke, avoid drones and outdoor fires, and report flames or suspicious behavior.

A major incident was declared after a wildfire in Rhandirmwyn near Llandovery spread across approximately 250 hectares. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews continuously to contain and monitor the blaze, while a multi-agency coordination group managed the emergency response. Some homes were evacuated, and Carmarthenshire County Council opened a rest centre at Llandovery Leisure Centre. Residents were advised to avoid the area, remain indoors if affected by smoke, take care when driving, avoid flying drones, and call 999 if lives or property were at immediate risk.

The 2026 National Eisteddfod of Wales, held near Cardigan under the name Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, brought music, literature, theatre, art, debate and Welsh-language community events to north Pembrokeshire. The festival marked 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in Cardigan and featured a new musical, Sefyll ar y Sgwar, alongside performances, exhibitions and university discussions. Organisers also arranged additional bus services and encouraged visitors to plan their journeys as the event placed Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire at the centre of Wales’s cultural celebrations.

Cwm Grenig Cottage, a derelict property in Glanamman near Ammanford, sold at auction for £70,500 after attracting 95 bids from five individual bidders, far exceeding its £23,000 guide price. Listed by Paul Fosh Auctions, the cottage requires extensive modernization and was not available for accompanied viewings because of health and safety concerns, but its land and potential for extension attracted strong demand.

The A483 between Sugarloaf and Llandovery was closed in both directions after a collision, causing significant delays and prompting emergency services to attend. Dyfed-Powys Police and Traffic Wales South advised motorists to avoid the area while the nature of the collision and any casualties remained unconfirmed. The road reopened at approximately 8pm after several hours of disruption.

A broken-down vehicle caused delays on the westbound A48 between the Llanddarog junction and Nantycaws, affecting the westbound slip road. Dyfed-Powys Police advised drivers to use an alternative route or allow extra journey time. Delays of around six minutes and average speeds of 10 mph were reported in both directions near Pensarn and Pont Abraham, with the road cleared by 6:59pm.

The Whitehall, a 17th-century pub on Llandovery’s High Street, is praised by visitors and locals for its home-cooked food, traditional low-beamed interior, roaring fire and welcoming community atmosphere. Tripadvisor reviewers particularly commend dishes including pork belly bites, lamb burgers, steak pie, Sunday lunch and surf and turf, while the pub holds a 4.6-star rating. A July 30, 2025 food hygiene inspection found standards for food handling, cleanliness and management to be good. The pub also offers local ales, outdoor seating, a beer garden and community activities, including hosting the Llandovery Vintage Tractor Club and a darts league.

Llandovery Town Council has approved plans to apply for grant funding to upgrade Maesglas Play Park, informed by an online poll involving 134 residents. If the grant succeeds, the council may take out a short-term bank loan to avoid delays while funds are released, with requested improvements including climbing frames, swings, better seating and safer surfacing. The council is also completing improvements to a coach park flower bed and relocating a beehive planter.

A two-vehicle crash near Margret Street in Ammanford closed the A483 for about two hours on Tuesday afternoon. Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m.; the road was closed for vehicle recovery and reopened by 6:50 p.m., causing heavy congestion and prompting drivers to use alternative routes.

A Ghanaian restaurant in Llandybie, Baobab Cymru, hosted a visit from MP Anne Davies and local councillors, marking a milestone for the growing business. Owner Adisa Amanor-Wilks showcased traditional Ghanaian dishes and emphasised the restaurant’s role in sharing culture and strengthening community ties. The venue has become a distinctive presence in the village’s evolving food scene, offering both a full restaurant menu and a daytime café, and continues to attract interest from locals and visitors exploring new culinary experiences.

Forecasters expect a return of hot weather to west Wales, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C or higher in mid-July and continuing into early August. High pressure is set to bring settled, sunny conditions, with inland areas feeling the greatest heat while coastal regions stay slightly cooler. Public Health Wales warns of health risks for vulnerable groups during prolonged hot periods. The warm spell may boost tourism but could also strain emergency and transport services.