News and Press: Pages

Schoolboybinslitterandwinsprize

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:34:37 GMT

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Joshua Morgan has won a prize after doing the right thing and putting his litter in the bin.
Joshua, from Gorslas, has won an iPod Nano and iTunes voucher as part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Bin It campaign.
The council teamed up with fast food outlets including McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Cross Hands to encourage people to dispose of their litter more responsibly.
Customers who used the special bins provided in the restaurants were entered into a special prize draw.
Joshua was invited to County Hall in Carmarthen to receive his prize from the council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones and head of street scene Phil Williams.
Councillor Jones said: “Joshua did the right thing and put his litter in the bin and I am delighted he won a prize.
“Litter spoils the appearance of an area, it also takes years to degrade and can cause harm to wildlife. There really is no excuse for throwing litter, if there are no bins nearby, then take your rubbish home with you. Saying it keeps someone in a job is just an excuse for those who are too lazy or just don’t care about where they live.”
An average of 40 tonnes of litter is removed in Carmarthenshire every week costing the council – and taxpayers - more than £2.1 million a year.
Environmental enforcement offices also patrol the county and anyone caught dropping litter could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £75 or up to £2,500 if prosecuted through the courts.
Councillor Jones added: “I would like to thank McDonalds and all the other fast food outlets that supported the campaign.
“The council cannot tackle this problem on its own, we must work together if we are to improve the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire.”

CAPTION: Joshua Morgan, aged seven, from Gorslas, receives his iPod Nano and iTunes voucher from head of street scene Phil Williams and executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones.

Makesureit’sjustthefamilyyouspoilthisChristmas-nottheenvironment

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:38 GMT

HOUSEHOLDERS in Carmarthenshire are being urged to act responsibly this Christmas when it comes to disposing of old gadgets and games consoles.
With the UK public predicted to spend £7.3bn on electricals in the run-up to Christmas this year, a new survey from Recycle Now has revealed that more than a third of us (35 per cent) still believe we can’t recycle the small electrical and electronic goods we are replacing, such as kettles, games consoles, phones and garden power tools.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the most harmful waste streams still being sent to landfill as it contains hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, beryllium and cadmium. When disposed of to landfill these substances are released into the ground where they pollute the surrounding area. By keeping old WEEE separate from other household wastes it can be treated, the hazardous substances can be removed and a large proportion recycled rather than sent to landfill.
The council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “Whether it's an old mobile phone, electronic toy, power tool, kettle or toaster – we are urging people not to put them out with the general rubbish. At current rates, our landfill space in Wales will be exhausted in just eight years.
“Rather than throwing the item away, think first whether you could give it away or swap it with any of your relatives or friends. If not, why not try to sell it online, or put it on and online exchange site such as Freegle or Gumtree.
“Many large electrical retailers also provide take-back schemes where they will take away the item which you are replacing.
“If you have to get rid of an item however, you should always find out if it can be reused or recycled - the majority of electrical items contain a whole host of valuable materials that can be used in the manufacture of other products.”
WEEE can be taken to any of the county’s five Household Waste Recycling Centres for recycling, log on to www.carmarthernshire.gov.uk for opening times.
For more information on WEEE visit: www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk Waste Awareness Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government to promote waste reduction, reuse and recycling amongst all sectors of the community.

Workunderwaytorepairpotholescausedbycoldweather

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:20:38 GMT

WORKS are underway on roads across Carmarthenshire to repair dangerous potholes caused by the recent bad weather.
Highways maintenance teams are working hard to repair the damage - known as ‘freeze-thaw’, which damages roads in wet and freezing conditions, particularly in areas of weakness in the carriageway.
Water in cracks expand into ice, causing the surface of the road to break up and deeper-than-usual potholes.
The extent of the damage to the county’s roads is not yet known but repair works are being carried out on a priority basis and as resources become available.
Although the full cost of the works cannot be estimated, it is likely to put added pressure on already stretched resources.
In the meantime motorists are being urged to drive carefully.
The cold weather can also have the same effect on footways and so pedestrians are also being urged to take extra care.
The council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “Whilst it will take time to assess the true extent of the damage, we are prioritising the resources needed to make immediate repairs.
“The worst-affected roads will take priority, but some stretches will need more extensive resurfacing, and that will take time.
“As a result, we are asking drivers to exercise caution and be watchful for road surface damage. With any spell of exceptionally cold weather road surfaces will undoubtedly weaken. This is also happening in other counties where snow and icy conditions has hit.”
Residents are also being urged to report potholes to the council either by calling Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or online at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Manfinedafterthrowinglitterfromcar

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:16:21 GMT

A MAN has been ordered to pay more than £700 by the courts after throwing litter from a car near McDonalds in Llanelli.
Gary Leigh Lewis was convicted in his absence following a trial at Llanelli Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty on Saturday, September 5 at Llanelli’s Parc Trostre as part of the council’s ‘Bin It’ campaign when they saw litter thrown from a car which was parked next to two litter bins.
The officers approached the vehicle and spoke to the driver (Lewis) about what they had seen. However, he denied throwing the litter and refused to give the officers his name and address. As a result, the police were called. Lewis eventually gave his name and address but refused to accept a fixed penalty notice and was instead reported for prosecution through the courts.
Lewis, aged 20, of Dantwyn Road, Pontarddulais, was fined a total of £260 and ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £485.14.
The incident happened during a council campaign encouraging people to dispose of their litter more responsibly. Posters asking customers to put their rubbish in the bin were on display at the food fast outlets in Parc Trostre and staff wore ‘Bin It’ t-shirts to help council education and awareness officers spread the word to clean up the county.
The council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “Dropping litter is against the law, whether it is discarding rubbish from a vehicle, throwing cigarette ends or spitting out chewing gum.
“The council is determined to prosecute those that break the law and I hope this latest court case will act as a warning to others that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. There is no excuse for littering our streets.”

Teensincourtforlitteroffence

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:08:46 GMT

TWO teenagers have each been given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £90 costs after throwing litter from a car at McDonalds in Cross Hands.
Owain Joulin Clarke, aged 19, of Whitfield Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, and Joseph Lewis, also 19, of Gibson Close, Llanishen, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llanelli Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty in Cross Hands on Sunday, August 9 when they saw litter thrown from a parked car in the McDonalds car park.
The officers approached the vehicle and both the driver (Lewis) and front seat passenger (Clarke) admitted dropping the litter.
Both men were issued with fixed penalty notices for £75 but failed to pay them within the specified time.
Magistrates said the lenient sentences were solely due to the teenagers’ difficult financial circumstances as neither was working.
The council hopes this latest case will act as a warning to litterbugs in the county that if they flout the law they will be prosecuted.
The council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “Dropping litter is against the law, whether it is discarding rubbish from a vehicle, throwing cigarette ends or spitting out chewing gum.
“This will not be tolerated and the culprits will be punished. There is no excuse for littering our streets.”

Teenfinedforthrowinglitterinpark

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:04:12 GMT

THROWING litter in a local park has cost an Amman Valley teenager more than £300.
Jason King, aged 19, of Wern Road, Garnant, was convicted in absence for the offence under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty on Thursday, August 13 at Golwg Yr Aman Park in Garnant when they saw King walking in the park drinking from a bottle.
However, as the officers approached him they saw that the bottle had gone.
King admitted throwing the bottle on to the grass and as a result was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75.
However, he failed to pay it within the specified time
He was fined £175 by magistrates and ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs.
Carmarthenshire County Council is determined to clean up the county and prosecute those that break the law.
Executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “There is no excuse for littering our streets, if there are no bins nearby then take your rubbish home with you to dispose of.
“I hope this latest court case will act as a warning to others that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and the culprits will be punished. There is no excuse for littering our streets.”

OntheRoadwithDylanandEcoEli1

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:59:45 GMT

THE all-singing and all-dancing Gregory Brothers are back on the road with Dylan the Dragon and Eco Eli taking their fun-packed show to Welsh language primary schools across Carmarthenshire.
Eco Eli, the council’s eco-friendly elephant, and Dylan the Dragon, the healthy schools meals mascot, have teamed up with childrens’ entertainers Paul and Adrian Gregory to raises awareness of healthy living and the environment.
The show is full of fun and games, as well as singing and dancing and will be performed to hundreds of Welsh-speaking pupils in the county.
Eco Eli is hoping to raise awareness of environmental issues such as recycling, saving energy and litter amongst young people.
Dylan the Dragon will be spreading the word on the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise.
A joint initiative by the council’s street scene and catering services departments, the schools will be given a free CD featuring all the songs from the show to use as an additional educational resource as well as the chance to enter a prize draw to win a food hamper and compost bin.
The council has been successful in securing funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to help fund the roadshow.
Executive board member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “This show aims to raise awareness of healthy living and environmental issues in a fun and interactive way and will assist in the healthy schools initiative and the eco schools programme.
“The show stars Welsh singing duo the Gregory Brothers and also features our healthy dragon mascot Dylan and eco-friendly elephant Eli.
“I know the show will be a big success and help get these important messages across in a light-hearted way.”
Executive board member for education Gwynne Wooldridge said: “This is the second time the Gregory Brothers have toured the county’s schools and their new show is just as entertaining as well as educational.
“It is important we eat a balanced diet and take regular exercise for a long and healthy life and we all have a part to play in creating a safer and cleaner environment. This show is an excellent way of delivering these messages to children so that they learn and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Partnershipapproachtosubstancemisuseisworking

Sara M Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:46:00 GMT

A PARTNERSHIP approach to tackle substance misuse amongst young people in Carmarthenshire is working – but more needs to be done say councillors.
A report to the council’s Social Justice Scrutiny Committee outlined the vast amount of work being undertaken in the county in relation to alcohol and drug misuse by young people.
Since the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, police, and local health board, took over the responsibility for planning substance misuse services in 2003, there have been significant developments.
This has resulted in an improved and more co-ordinated approach to prevention and education as well as the provision of evidence-led and needs-based services specifically for young people.
One of the measures introduced includes the Youth Health Team, known as Iechyd Da, which is hosted by the local health board and is based at Llanelli’s Coleg Sir Gar, and works with young people up to the age of 25 who are not in mainstream schools. The team includes qualified nurses, youth workers, a community psyshiatric nurse and Terrene Higgins Trust worker and during 2008/09 the team supported 139 individual young people (referred clients), engaged with a further 367 young people through a number of Youth Health Panels and delivered 185 health workshops.
Community safety manager Kate Thomas said: “Partners are ensuring they do all they can to prevent young people becoming involved in substance misuse, but if they do need support and advice, that they receive the level of support they need and the service that is most appropriate for them.”
The report showed that overall alcohol-related crime had fallen – by 18 per cent over the last three years - and drug-related offences remained low – only 34 in three years.
In addition the number of alcohol and drug-related crimes caused by people under the age of 25 showed a steady decline; from 1,352 in 2006/07 to 1,115 in 2007/08 and only 1,101 in 2008/09.
Chief Inspector Mark Bleasdale told councillors: “If you look at this report it is a good news story; crime is on the decline in relation to alcohol and drugs and that is partly because of all the measures that have been put in place by the partnership.”
He added that police school liaison officers were delivering a substance misuse education programme across the county.
“We also have a dedicated team of detectives based in Llanelli specifically set up to catch dealers and reduce the availability of drugs,” said the Inspector.
Councillors were concerned about the results of a survey carried out in county secondary schools in 2006 which showed that over half of pupils said they were aged 11 or younger when they first tried alcohol. The vast majority also admitted trying drugs by the time they were 15.
Councillor Pam Palmer, the executive board member for community safety, proposed a month of zero tolerance on underage drinking. She said: “I think it's time we took this by the scruff of the neck and shook out the problem.”

The committee agreed to recommend Councillor Palmer’s proposal, as well as a targeted campaign to tackle alcohol abuse by young people working with licensees and other organisations in the county.

CarmarthenRoad

Roger Butler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:09:55 GMT

AN Amman Valley businessman has been ordered to take down unauthorised advertisement signs by February 17 or face enforcement action.
Hysen Muca was convicted at Llanelli Magistrates Court in his absence of failing to pay a fixed penalty notice imposed for having unauthorised advertisements at premises in Cwmamman Road, Glanamman.
The court was told that an officer from the planning department met the leaseholder on site, advised him that the signs were unauthorised and requested he remove them.
A planning contravention notice was issued asking for details of the business, such as ownership details. There is a 21-day period for returning the PCN. This was not complied with, and a seven-day reminder was sent. There was no response and a decision was taken by the council to prosecute. The department has since issued an advertisement enforcement notice to remove all signs by February 17.
Muca was fined £100 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £226.86.
The council’s executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “It is important that people have regard for the character of the area and road safety and do not put up signs without planning permission.
“The council will prosecute when people ignore planning contravention notices and will take enforcement action to ensure that the signs are removed.”

Burglarypreventionroadshow

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:22:44 GMT

RESIDENTS over the age of 50 in Carmarthenshire are being invited to a roadshow which will help them to beat the burglar.

A burglary prevention roadshow is being held at the Amman Centre on Thursday, February 11 between 10am and 2pm.

It is open to everyone aged 50 and over and there will be lots of information and advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of a distraction burglary, rogue traders or scams and how to make your homes safer and more secure.

The roadshow is being organised by Age Concern Sir Gâr in partnership with Carmarthenshire’s Community Safety Partnership and Amman Valley School.

Although the number of burglaries in Carmarthenshire is low, it is a key priority for the Community Safety Partnership which includes the council, police and fire and rescue service as well as a number of other agencies. The aim of the partnership is to make the county an even safer place to live, work and visit.

Pupils from Amman Valley School will be putting on a short drama and are looking forward to meeting the residents in a bid to work together to reduce crime in the community.

The event is being funded by Age UK from Home Office funding. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

If you would like to attend contact Age Concern Sir Gâr on 01554 784080 as places need to be booked in advance. Should the answerphone be on, then please leave your name, address and telephone number. If you would like to attend but have no transport, Age Concern Sir Gâr may be able to help.

Community Safety Partnership manager Kate Thomas said: “We are delighted to support this event. Although Carmarthenshire is one of the safest areas to live in the UK, we must not be complacent, we want to remind residents that by following some simple steps we can all reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.”

Badweathercausesestimated£25mroadsrepairbill

System Account — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:14:39 GMT

IT has been estimated that the recent bad weather has caused around £2.5 million worth of damage to Carmarthenshire’s road network.
The snow, frost and heavy rain has left a trail of destruction across the county as water in cracks expands into ice, causing the surface of the road to break up and deeper-than-usual potholes.
The damage adds to an already substantial highways maintenance backlog running into millions of pounds.
The Welsh Assembly Government has announced extra funding of £2.75 million to help local authorities repair their weather-beaten roads; however, it is not known how much of a share Carmarthenshire will receive as yet.
The council’s executive board member for technical services Councillor Haydn Jones said: “Whilst it will take time to assess the true extent of the damage caused to our roads by the recent bad weather, initial reports suggest it could be in the region of around £2.5 million.
“The worst-affected roads will take priority, but some stretches will need more extensive resurfacing, and that will take time.
“We welcome this extra money from the Welsh Assembly Government but like all local authorities in Wales we already have a substantial highways maintenance backlog and the recent damage caused to the roads in Carmarthenshire undoubtedly puts added pressure on already stretched resources.”
Carmarthenshire is in a similar position to other local authorities across Wales with highways repairs running into millions of pounds.
Back in 2002, the highways maintenance backlog for Carmarthenshire was estimated at around £31 million.
Although the current level of backlog has not been calculated, a significant amount of money has been spent targeting the worst affected roads and footways. In fact, up to the end of March 2010, an additional £7.725 million (above the annual revenue budget) has been spent on the highways network, of which £4.4 million came from the Welsh Assembly Government.
However, with continuing deterioration of the highways and increasing construction/ treatment costs as well as weather damage the maintenance backlog in Carmarthenshire remains a challenge.
Councillor Jones added: “Although we greatly appreciate this contribution, clearly it is not enough to address the huge amount of repair work that needs to be carried out in Carmarthenshire.
“We would like to reassure residents that we will continue to direct resources as and when they become available, however, it is going to take time.”

Discoveringtoymakingathalfterm1

Sara M Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:41:19 GMT

DESIGNING and making a toy is the opportunity for children and adults at the Discovery Centre on Llanelli North Dock this half term holiday.
More community use is being made of the flagship venue of Llanelli Millennium Coast to which thousands of holiday makers flock annually because it doubles as a Tourist Information Centre, café and restaurant.
Running the toy making workshop on Thursday 18th February during the half term holiday, with sessions running from 11am to 1pm and 2-4pm at the Centre, is Pontaddulais mum and business woman Louise Evans.
The workshop will show children and adults of all ages how to make a simple soft toy or working mobile, and children can use their imagination to make whatever toy they wish.
Mrs Evans said: “I will be help to finish it into a soft toy that will be treasured forever. Older children will be shown how to add things like buttons and other materials to their toy.”
Mrs Evans said: “I run children’s themed crafting parties and after school craft club where children are taught numerous crafts and skills from sewing to felt making.
“I also run adult craft classes where adults can come along to day sessions where they will be shown how to make things from bags to toys to soft furnishings for the home.”
Busy Mrs Evans also runs a company called Rose and Rebellion which sells baby and toddler carriers that she designs herself myself and are produced in Wales website is – www.roseandrebellion.com
County executive board member for regeneration and leisure services, Cllr Clive Scourfield, said: “We already have monthly craft fairs running at the Discovery Centre.
“It is tremendous to see community use being made of this iconic and popular building that is visited by so many people to the Millennium Coastal Park.”
Anyone interested is asked to book in advance at the Discovery Centre. Costs of all materials are met with a £5fee for toy making and £7 for mobile making.

CAPTION:
TOY STORY: Daisy Evans regularly makes up a toy of her own design and even has made one dog with 12 legs! Her Mum will be running the toy making sessions at the Discovery centre over half term.

ThinkSafe,DrinkSafemessagetorugbyrevellers

Sara M Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:50:01 GMT

PEOPLE in Carmarthenshire are being urged to ‘Think Safe, Drink Safe’ while enjoying this year’s Six Nations rugby championship.
Match-days are traditionally very busy for the county’s pubs and for police so the Community Safety Partnership is encouraging fans to drink sensibly and look after their friends.
Wales take on England this Saturday (February 6) and free bottles of water and lollipops will be handed out in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford in a bid to cut alcohol-related crime.
Water helps to keep people hydrated and lollies boost blood sugar levels, both of which can combat the effects of alcohol.
Taxi marshals will also be based at Island Place in Llanelli and Blue Street in Carmarthen between 11pm and 4am to help residents get home safely.
In addition, there will be proactive, high-visibility policing and visits to licensed premises.
Community safety manager Kate Thomas said: “Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-induced violence can often occur once people leave late-night bars and nightclubs. By introducing marshals, we can try to make sure that people are able to leave the town centre by taxi as safely and quickly as possible to reduce this risk.
“It is one of a number of initiatives that we are working on to combat late-night anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in the town centres.”
The Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council and police as well as a number of other agencies, is committed to tackling violent and alcohol-related crime which has been identified as one of the partnership’s six priorities for the next three years.
Community Safety Inspector Tony Ward said: “We want to ensure that people have a safe and trouble-free night out; we want them to know their limits and to think about their own personal safety and the safety of others.”

Executiveboardkeepcounciltaxrisebelowthreepercent

Sara M Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:23:29 GMT

HOUSEHOLDERS in Carmarthenshire face a council tax rise of just 2.9 per cent from April.
The council’s executive board yesterday (Monday, February 1) agreed to a 2.9 per cent increase for 2010/11.
If approved by full council, this means the tax levied on a band D property would go up from £873.76 to £899.14 a year’ an increase of 49p per week.
Members wanted to keep the council tax increase as low as possible for residents given the current economic situation.
A report which went before the executive board back in December initially suggested a rise of 3.3 per cent.
However, councillors asked chief officers to investigate whether it would be possible to reduce this to below three per cent.
As a result efficiency savings of almost £3million have been identified for the forthcoming financial year.
It has also been agreed to draw on £1.494million from council reserves to help ease the pressures on budgets over the next two years caused by the recession.
Deputy leader Councillor Kevin Madge said: “I think that coming out of a recession we need to think of ratepayers and keep the figure as low as we can, but we have a lot of work to do over the next couple of years, it is going to be tough.”
Councillor Clive Scourfield warned: “We are not going to be able to continually dip into our reserves.”
Director of resources Roger Jones assured members that this was a “one off” as a result of the loss of income due to the economic downturn.
Council leader Meryl Gravell said: “The scrutiny committees have asked a lot of good questions, I think we have taken it as far as we can; 2.9 per cent is a really good level of council tax.”
Councillor Pam Palmer added: “2.9 per cent this year is low but we are coming out of a recession. Hopefully this time next year the recession will be in recovery and it will be that much better, so now is the time to keep it as low as we can realistically.”
The total council budget for 2010/11 comes to just over £312 million, with the taxpayer contributing around £60 million.
The authority is to receive an increase of just 1.8 per cent in its settlement from the Assembly.
In addition to the council tax on county council services, residents also contribute to the costs of both Dyfed Powys Police and their own local town/community council.

ReviewintoschoolcatchmentareasinLlanellitown1

Sara M Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:09:34 GMT

A REVIEW has been carried out into catchment areas for schools in the Llanelli town area.
It follows increasing demand for Welsh-medium and denominational education, and significant changes in the population of certain areas.
The county council needs to ensure there are sufficient places in its schools for all children and that the places available match the needs.
A report, which went before the executive board today (Monday, February 1), showed that at the moment, only 46 per cent of primary pupils are attending their local catchment school.
As a result, the catchment areas have now been revised in keeping with current and future need.
Consultation has taken place with all the schools involved, and new maps have been agreed with them.
The aim is to ensure enough places are available for those wanting either a Welsh first language, Welsh second language or denominational provision locally.
Executive board member for education Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee set up a Task and Finish Group two years ago to look at the issue of Welsh first language and denominational education in the Llanelli town area.
“This review was much needed and a lot of work has been carried out which now more clearly defines the catchment areas.”
The changes will not affect any child currently going to school, or their siblings, any more than it would at the moment. Any child will continue to be admitted to the school of choice provided there is room.
It may affect, from September, first born children who are starting school, but only if there is no room at their preferred school.
Council leader Meryl Gravell said: “It was very messy for a number of years, but now this makes a lot of sense.”
The executive board agreed to accept the report.

Librariesgiveawayfreegifts

CADMIUM\CCCSharepoint — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:25:24 GMT

FREE offers are available to people who join Carmarthenshire libraries in March, April and May.
They include ski sessions at Pembrey Ski Slope, either taster lessons for beginners or a free session for those who already ski; a free induction at Carmarthenshire Leisure Centre gyms for those who join and pay direct debit membership and free DVD hire.
Free theatre vouchers of £25, £15, and £10 will be available in a monthly draw, all new members for the month will be entered into it and three lucky winners will receive the vouchers to be used at Carmarthenshire theatres.
A free private ski lesson at Pembrey for a family of up to five people will also be offered in a monthly draw.
The offers are part of a county council libraries campaign to encourage more people to sign up.
Some 60,000 people are on the membership database already, and almost a million visits are made each year.
Education executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “These free offers will be available for three months to all new library members.
“There are lots of benefits to becoming a member, and we hope many people take advantage of the opportunity to sign up and qualify for the free gifts.”
Carmarthenshire has libraries at venues across the county, and five mobile libraries which also visit primary schools, residential homes and housebound readers.
Libraries are welcoming and accessible to people of all ages including children.
Babies are now signed up from birth through the Bookstart scheme, Rhymetime sessions are popular with pre-school children, summer reading challenges and other events are enjoyed by primary schoolchildren and Teen Zones encourage secondary school pupils to join.
All libraries offer free access to over half a million books (best sellers, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, large print titles, Welsh and English), as well as talking books on CDs and cassettes, audio CDs, and DVDs.
Free Internet access is also provided, plus advice and guidance on on-line courses.
Extensive reference collections include business directories, dictionaries, yearbooks, specialist publications, careers information and much more – including a wealth of local community information and local history publications – microfilm and microfiche- based information, and local newspaper archives.
For more information visit your local library or www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

FraudProsecution

Roger Butler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:09:02 GMT

A ST Clears man has been prosecuted for falsely claiming £2,640 in housing benefit.
Christopher Weeks pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates Court to failing to declare a change in circumstances, contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
The court was told that 35-year-old Weeks had claimed housing benefit with his partner and children at a rented property Ffawydd, Llangynin, St Clears, from November 2008.
In September 209, Carmarthenshire County Council commenced an investigation into his claim for housing benefit. It was established that Weeks had vacated the property in March 2009 and had since moved to Bishopswood, Brackla, Bridgend.
As a result, Weeks fraudulently obtained £2,640 in housing benefit. He was fined £115 and ordered to pay £307 costs. He will also have to repay all of the overpaid benefit.
This was the 10th successful prosecution achieved by the Council Investigation Section this financial year, six of which have been jointly undertaken with the DWP Investigation Section.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The Council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims that are a drain on the public purse, taking money that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. This offence is taking money from every Council Tax payer.”
Members of the public can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the Council website.

HousingBenefitFraud£15K

Roger Butler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:04:12 GMT

AN Ammanford man has been prosecuted for falsely claiming more than £15,000 in housing and council tax benefit.
Roger Hunter pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates Court to making eight false statements in order to obtain housing and council tax benefit, contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
Hunter had claimed the benefits as a single man at various addresses in the county from March 2002 onwards, based on a low income.
The case was highlighted as a result of the council’s participation in a nationwide data-matching exercise, which identified that Hunter was in receipt of an NHS pension that he had failed to declare to the council.
As a result, he fraudulently obtained £15,470 in benefit between March 25, 2002, and October 4, 2009.
Fifty three-year-old Hunter, of Heol Marlais, Llandybie, was fined £520 and ordered to pay £60 prosecution costs. He will also have to repay all of the overpaid benefit.
This was the second successful prosecution achieved by the Council Investigation Section from the exercise. A number of cautions have also been administered by the council in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Council executive board member for resources Cllr Wyn Evans said: “The Council is anxious that as many people as possible claim the housing and council tax benefit that they are rightfully entitled to.
“However, we are also determined to crack down on fraudulent claims that are a drain on the public purse, taking money that could otherwise be used for funding essential services. This offence is taking money from every Council Tax payer.”
Members of the public can report any suspicions of benefit fraud in the county via the Carmarthenshire County Council Fraud Hotline 0800 – 801116 or via the Council website.

WorkstepcelebratesoutstandingEstynreport

Laura Grime — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:58:03 GMT

Carmarthenshire’s Workstep service has received a glowing report from Estyn, the inspectorate for education and training in Wales.
The service, run by Carmarthenshire County Council, provides tailored support to find, secure and retain jobs for people who face barriers because of disability.
In six out of seven key areas, Workstep achieved inspection grade one for displaying outstanding features.
Amongst the areas that stood out to inspectors was the overall quality of training and assessment - described as outstanding - and the quality and range of support for Workstep clients - described as exceptional.
Leadership and management was also described as excellent, with clients and employers receiving a consistently high quality of service from staff.
All-in-all, the report found Workstep provides outstanding value for money.
Gareth John, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said: “We are very proud of the Workstep service, and are delighted that Estyn has recognised our commitment to helping people with disabilities to find and retain meaningful employment.”
The key focus of Workstep is to ensure all its participants have access to appropriate job support and development opportunities.
It helps people progress to open employment where this is the right option for them.
Longer term support continues to be available for those who need it, and is a main element of the programme.
Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I am delighted that Estyn has recognised the outstanding work that Workstep does to help people find and retain meaningful employment.
“I have seen for myself the commitment that the team shows to its participants, and have been inspired by the many stories I have heard about people overcoming their barriers to find employment.
“I congratulate everyone involved in Workstep, from the team to the service users, on this wonderful Estyn report.”
For further information about Workstep, call 01267 231991.

ScrutinysupportsTaskandFinishGroup’srecommendationonprovisionofluncheonclubs

Laura Grime — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:48:17 GMT

Members of Carmarthenshire’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee have supported a review of the county council’s luncheon clubs which recommends the authority discontinues its provision.
Six recommendations were put before the committee as part of a final report compiled by a Task and Finish Group, established to review luncheon club provision across Carmarthenshire.
The politically-balanced Task and Finish Group considered a wide range of evidence between October 2008 and June 2009 before compiling their report.
Its key recommendation is that the council works with independent and voluntary sector providers to expand the provision of luncheon clubs, thus allowing the council to divert resources to meet priority care services and their statutory responsibilities.
The committee sought assurance that before the closure of any local authority luncheon clubs alternative provision would be identified.
Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Cllr Jane Tremlett, said: “The authority does not have a statutory duty to provide luncheon clubs, and very few local authorities provide these services elsewhere in Wales.
“The clubs have been running at less than 60 per cent capacity for the last four years, and this cost is no longer sustainable.”
Currently, the authority operates 17 luncheon clubs as part of its overall provision of community services, at a net cost of £354,000.
The group concluded that by withdrawing the direct provision of luncheon clubs, the authority could save a minimum of £200,000, which could be re-directed to statutory and priority care services.
The group recommended that the authority works with the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services to provide advice and guidance to the independent and voluntary sector to ensure the sustainability of the current independent sector provision.
Cllr Tremlett added: “Throughout our review, we have visited many independently-operated luncheon clubs which are working very well, and probably better than our authority-run clubs.
“It is our view that the authority should support the independent and voluntary sector to expand their provision, and to set up a small fund to support one-off payments to help them establish.”
The Task and Finish Group’s report, following its approval by scrutiny committee, will now be presented at the next meeting of the Executive Board.

As part of their investigative role, Scrutiny Committees can establish a Task and Finish Group during each municipal year.
These are sub-groups of the main committee which are asked to investigate specific issues and report back findings and recommendations for approval before presenting them to the Executive Board.
The purpose of groups is to contribute to the development of new policy or to undertake a piece of investigative scrutiny work. Final reports are made available when the work of the group is completed.

SecurityFences

Roger Butler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:54:33 GMT

PLANS to put up security fencing at the site of two Carmarthen schools have been approved by Carmarthenshire councillors.
The county council had applied for permission to put up fencing at Ysgol y Dderwen and Myrddin CP Schools at Heol Spurrell.
The application was for full planning permission for the installation of a secure boundary fence around the entire perimeter of both schools.
The applicant said there have been a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, a failed attempt of arson and one of substance abuse on land adjoining the schools and following discussion with the ‘Secure by Design’ Community Safety Police Officer there was an urgent need to secure the whole site to ensure the safety of pupils and staff at the schools through the provision of a secure boundary fence.
A council spokesman said: “Both schools have recorded incidents of arson attacks, vandalism as well as incidents of unauthorised individuals traversing the school sites during school hours. Action was also necessary to ensure that the schools could allow the children to play in a safe and secure environment.”

HeolyFoelhousing

Roger Butler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:51:08 GMT

CARMARTHENSHIRE councillors have approved detailed plans for housing in Foelgastell.
Yesterday’s meeting of the planning committee looked at a reserved matters application by Tai Developments Ltd for residential development on land alongside Heol y Foel, Foelgastell. Outline planning permission was granted last November.
The reserved matters application is to build 40 dwellings with access to the site from Heol y Foel with traffic calming measures.
The developer has confirmed that the four apartment units at the north of the site will be allocated for affordable housing, and has agreed to make financial contributions towards the improvement of recreation provision and educational facilities within the local community.

MixedUseDevelopment

Roger Butler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:46:54 GMT

Carmarthenshire councillors are going to visit the site of a proposed mixed commercial and residential development in St Clears.
Yesterday’s meeting of the county planning committee voted to go on a site visit to Station Road on February 16 following a request to look at the site because of concerns over highway safety.
The outline application is for a mixed use redevelopment including employment, community, retail and specialist residential uses on land at Station Road.
If the application is granted the developer must enter into a Section 106 planning agreement to provide £35,000 towards a pedestrian crossing facility and raised plateau on Station Road and £5,000 towards the upgrading of the existing zebra crossing on Pentre Road.

Nantgaredig

Roger Butler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:42:15 GMT

CARMARTHENSHIRE councillors have approved plans for a house in the countryside at Nantgaredig under local needs.
Today’s meeting of the planning committee discuss an outline application for a house in a field near a row of houses at Tanybanc between Nantgaredig and Felingwm Isaf.
An officers’ report says: “The application is submitted as a local needs dwelling to support a local worker linked to agriculture and his young family.
“Evidence of available houses in the area along with their prices has been submitted with the application, along with details of the mortgage the applicant could realistically achieve based on the income of his business. It is clear that there is a large discrepancy between the money available and the much higher cost of dwellings in the area.
“As a result this application has been submitted on land already owned by the applicant under the Local Needs Policy.”
The applicant will have to sign a Section 106 agreement to keep the house as affordable housing for any subsequent buyers.

TycroesCPSchoolplans

Roger Butler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:38:55 GMT

PROPOSALS for improvements to Tycroes CP School have been approved at today’s meeting of Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee.
The local education authority submitted an application for full planning permission to remodel and extend the school in Pontarddulais Road, Tycroes.
The scheme includes including improvement work to roof of the existing building, site access and car parking facilities, erection of security fencing and additional playground areas.