#ammanford — Public Fediverse posts

Harrison sent off as leaders Saints win at Airbus

Airbus UK 0-2 The New Saints Saints manager Craig Harrison was sent off as his side consolidated their…
#France #FR #Europe #EU #Airbus #Ammanford #CaernarfonTown #CraigHarrison #CymruPremier #DanielWilliams #FlintTownUnited #Llandudno #penaltyspot #saints #TheNewSaints
https://www.europesays.com/france/77805/

Harrison sent off as leaders Saints win at Airbus

Airbus UK 0-2 The New Saints Saints manager Craig Harrison was sent off as his side consolidated their…
#Netherlands #Nederland #NL #Europe #Europa #EU #Airbus #Ammanford #CaernarfonTown #CraigHarrison #CymruPremier #DanielWilliams #FlintTownUnited #Llandudno #penaltyspot #Saints #TheNewSaints
https://www.europesays.com/netherlands/45135/

Welsh football club jumps into the unknown as historic day arrives

Excitement has built and everyone at the club hopes the town of Ammanford will enjoy the ride Ammanford…
#Football #Soccer #News #Ammanford #Carmarthenshire
https://www.europesays.com/football/42923/

https://www.europesays.com/videos/54781/ Teenager who took nitrous oxide and drove car into woman jailed for her murder | ITV Cymru Wales #Aberfan #AberfanDisaster #Ammanford #banks #barry #CARDIFF #itv #ItvNews #ITVNewsInFull #Lloyds #LoveTrails #news #Wales #WalesRugby #WalesVsFiji

SWANSEA: ‘Swansea still gets to see me in a dress this year’ — Kev Johns returns to Grand panto as the Dame in the Mirror

Kev Johns will be part of Swansea Grand’s pantomime this Christmas after all — returning as a digital “Dame in the Mirror” as the theatre unveiled a star-studded cast for Snow White.

The much-loved entertainer suffered a stroke in February, and made an emotional first public appearance in May — but was determined not to let his panto fans down.

He said: “I am delighted to have a very different role in this year’s panto playing the Dame in the Mirror. Panto is so special to me, so although I can’t be there giving my usual performance this is the next best thing, and I am thrilled to still be involved.

“The people of Swansea still get to see me in a dress this year! Snow White is one of my favourite stories and this will be another fantastic production. There’ll be a few surprises, with a great script and lots of boos and cheers.”

The role caps three decades of panto sparkle at the Grand for Kev — and there’s a neat symmetry to it, as he starred in the theatre’s last Snow White in 2021.

Kev has been doing panto since 1992, and told Swansea Bay News last Christmas that stepping out at the Grand still felt “like a dream come true” — because it was the theatre he grew up watching panto in.

That day-in-the-life interview revealed the staples of the dame’s trade: a make-up kit “bigger than my wife and daughters put together”, lightning quick-changes in the wings — and a firm rule that “you can’t be a Welsh dame unless you enjoy cockles and lava bread”.

He also shared the maxim that has carried him through more than three decades on stage: “It might be your last show of the season, but for the audience, it’s their first.”

He’ll share the bill with a cast led by BBC presenter Owain Wyn Evans, CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw, Swansea-born actor Christian Patterson and comic Steve Walls.

Evans — the Ammanford-raised presenter who wakes the nation with his Early Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, appears daily on Homes Under the Hammer and fronts Wales Home of the Year — takes on the role of the Spirit of the Forest in his first panto at the Grand.

He said: “Drumroll please! I can’t wait to be spending Christmas in Swansea for Snow White! The Swansea Grand has always had a place in my heart, and to be taking to the stage there for Panto this year is going to be very special.”

The drumroll is no idle boast — Evans famously went viral drumming along to the BBC News theme from his attic in 2020, then raised more than £3.8m for Children in Need with a record-breaking 24-hour drumathon the following year.

He is also a Celebrity Mastermind champion — specialist subject: the musical works of Britney Spears.

The homecoming caps an eventful stretch for the presenter, who was back on air within weeks of emergency surgery last autumn — and who went public in March with a hearing scare, warning he had been “missing conversations”.

Rebecca Keatley — who grew up in Port Talbot, and is one of the longest-serving presenters in the CBeebies House with twelve CBeebies pantomimes to her name — plays the title role.

“I am thrilled to be heading to Wales this Christmas and returning to the stage at The Swansea Grand Theatre as Snow White,” she said. “I am super excited to be working with such an incredible cast and crew.”

Her voice will be familiar to CBeebies households too — she narrates the Bafta-winning shows Time for School and My Family, and has presented the CBeebies Proms from the Royal Albert

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Kev Johns makes emotional first public appearance since stroke
The moment Swansea had been waiting for, at the opening of CK Foodstores in Bynea.

‘I was just hooked’ — the Kev Johns podcast that’s become even more poignant since his stroke
A lifetime of Swans memories, in his own words.

Star-studded midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence at Swansea’s Copperworks Distillery
The night Welsh stars including Owain Wyn Evans gathered in the city.

Swansea Grand prepares for festive panto adventure Aladdin
Last year’s award-winning production, with Joe Pasquale leading the bill.

AMMANFORD: County’s only nursery school to close — taking Carmarthenshire’s last full-time nursery places with it

Carmarthenshire’s only council-run nursery school is to close, after county councillors approved a shake-up of early years education in Ammanford.

Full council agreed on Wednesday to discontinue Ammanford Nursery School and extend the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from 4-11 to 3-11, allowing both schools to take children from age three.

The change ends something unique in the county: the nursery school was Carmarthenshire’s only setting offering full-time nursery education, and under the plans children will instead receive part-time provision at the two primary schools.

All children in Wales are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours of nursery education a week from the term after their third birthday — which is what the two schools will now provide.

Around 81 children aged three to five were on the nursery school’s roll when the closure was first proposed last summer.

The school was set up by the former Dyfed County Council, alongside nursery schools in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion — and its most recent Estyn inspection, published in January, did not place it in any follow-up category.

The nursery occupies a wing of the larger Ysgol Bro Banw building and sits less than a minute’s walk from Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman — a point the council has used to argue children will not have far to go.

Cllr Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education, said the decision would “modernise education provision in Ammanford, enabling pupils to attend Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from three years of age”.

“This will allow Carmarthenshire County Council to deliver a more balanced education provision in Ammanford, in line with other schools across Carmarthenshire,” he said.

The plan has not been without concern. When the proposal went before a scrutiny committee last June, Cllr Betsan Jones — a governor of the nursery school who lives in the area — said it worried parents and staff, though she understood the council’s reasoning.

The committee heard the schools’ headteachers and governing bodies were supportive in the main, and Cllr Davies promised the consultation process would be “very thorough”.

The change is tied to the council’s decision in March 2024 to scrap its “Rising 4s” policy, under which children started school full-time at the start of the year they turned four. Since September, children instead start the term after their fourth birthday.

The council’s own consultation document acknowledged that change means children stay in nursery and childcare settings for a term longer than before — potentially increasing demand for early years places even as the county’s only dedicated nursery school closes.

The Ammanford changes are part of a wider reshaping of early years provision, with the council also having proposed extending the age range to 3-11 at four other primary schools — Ysgol Cwrt Henri, Ysgol Llanybydder, Ysgol Y Tymbl and Ysgol Y Ddwylan — as it grapples with declining pupil numbers across the county.

Discussing those plans last year, Cllr Davies admitted there was no guarantee parents would take up the new places, saying: “Sometimes you have to take a gamble and hope that it will prove its worth.”

The decision also lands while a bigger question about education in the town remains unanswered.

The council bought land in Ammanford for a new school back in 2023, with Welsh-medium provision described as a priority — but there has been no public update on when, or whether, it will be built, prompting Green Party councillor Rob James to demand answers earlier this year.

Ammanford Nursery School also runs a breakfast club each morning — the council says both Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman offer breakfast clubs and after-school provision.

When the plans went before councillors last year, implementation was planned for September 2026 — though Wednesday’s announcement did not confirm the date the nursery school will close its doors.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

AMMANFORD: Questions raised over future of school land as council stays silent
The council bought land for a new school in 2023 — but has gone quiet on when it will be built.

LLANELLI: Consultation opens on £35m Ysgol Heol Goffa rebuild — two years after council scrapped the last one
The county’s other big education decision this week — a special school saga reaches formal consultation.

LLANELLI: £35m new Ysgol Heol Goffa to open in 2029 after years of uncertainty
Scrutiny councillors unanimously backed the special school scheme — with a funding question for the new Plaid Cymru government.

COAL MINING: Plans for UK’s last outstanding opencast mine rejected near Ammanford

Plans to extend an opencast coal mine in Carmarthenshire have been thrown out — the last outstanding proposal of its kind anywhere in the UK.

Carmarthenshire Council refused the application for the Glan Lash site near Ammanford, where Bryn Bach Coal Ltd had wanted to dig for 85,000 tonnes of what it called “premium quality anthracite”.

According to planning documents, the company had applied to extend the mine across 10.03 hectares — around 25 acres — and said the scheme would have created 11 jobs.

It is the second time the company’s plans have been turned down since the opencast mine closed in 2019.

The refusal notice, signed by the council’s head of place and sustainability Rhodri Griffiths and dated 4 June, sets out seven reasons for refusal — almost all centred on the environment.

It says the scheme would adversely affect protected woodland and hedgerows, with the council pointing to the permanent loss of woodland it described as an “irreplaceable habitat”.

Council ecologists said the woodland on the site was 138 years old and supported an “exceptional” number of breeding birds, and that new planting could not replace it.

The council also raised concerns about peat, saying the proposal would cause “the unacceptable disturbance, degradation and loss of peat soils and associated irreplaceable peatland habitat”.

It warned this would harm “biodiversity, ecosystem resilience and carbon storage functions, contributing to climate change and the loss of an important carbon store”.

A further reason concerns a rare butterfly. The notice says the council was not satisfied, “beyond reasonable scientific doubt”, that the Caeau Mynydd Mawr Special Area of Conservation marsh fritillary population would not be harmed.

The marsh fritillary is one of the UK’s most threatened butterflies, a European-protected species for which the area is considered one of the best sites in Britain.

The council’s own landscape officer also weighed in. While he judged the visual impact of the smaller, revised scheme would be limited, he warned the loss of mature woodland was “of greater concern” and could not be readily mitigated in the short term.

The company’s consultants strongly disputed key findings. Its hydrogeologists argued there was no peat on the site at all — a certified soil scientist’s survey, they said, found “peaty loam”, which is not peat — and that the protected area was fed by surface water, not by groundwater the mine would disturb.

They also argued the scheme would ultimately benefit nature, restoring rare grassland and managing it for 17 years in a way that could help the marsh fritillary return.

In its application, Bryn Bach Coal said it had developed “a niche non-thermal market for premium quality anthracite”.

It said there was demand for its coal from industries ranging from water filtration and battery production to green steelmaking.

The campaign group Friends of the Earth Cymru welcomed the refusal.

“This brings to a close years of campaigning, but it also brings a stop to Wales’ last opencast coal mine,” its representative Jenny Lloyd told the BBC, adding it was now an opportunity to remediate the land “for nature and the community”.

Coal Action Network said there were now no live applications for new coal mines anywhere in the UK.

The decision follows the closure of the UK’s largest opencast coal mine, Ffos-y-Fran above Merthyr Tydfil, which shut in 2023 after its operator was refused an extension.

Wales now has one remaining deep mine, at Aberpergwm in Neath Port Talbot.

Bryn Bach Coal has six months to appeal. The BBC reported it had been approached for comment.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Landmark coal tip safety law comes into force in Wales
New legislation paves the way for a dedicated authority to manage disused tips.

£3.6m secured to make more than 620 coal tips safe in Neath Port Talbot
One of the largest tip-safety programmes of its kind in Wales.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/962142/ Woman missing for almost two weeks spotted in Swansea bank #Ammanford #Britain #Carmarthenshire #GreatBritain #MissingPeople #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Two Debenhams buildings, two very different outcomes — as Senedd candidates question council’s town centre spending priorities

Two former Debenhams buildings sit at the heart of two Welsh town centres – but their stories could not be more different, and the contrast is drawing scrutiny from candidates standing in Thursday’s Senedd election for Sir Gaerfyrddin.

In Swansea, the former Debenhams building in the Quadrant was sold this week to Centurion – the company that already owns the shopping centre – with three major new tenants set to be announced within days. The sale was brokered by Swansea Council after the Welsh Government helped fund the purchase of the building.

In Carmarthen, the picture is more complicated. Carmarthenshire County Council purchased the town’s former Debenhams building and announced plans to transform it into Atriwm, a cultural and community venue – part of a strategy to repurpose large vacant units left by departing chains.

But opening has been pushed back to 2027 after a structural defect was discovered in the building following purchase – a complication the council says forms part of its £146 million capital programme.

Calum Higgins, Welsh Labour’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the situation raised serious questions about spending priorities across the county. “There have been some poorly thought out purchases in Carmarthen by the Plaid Cymru led Carmarthenshire County Council, and a lack of investment in towns like Ammanford and Llanelli because money is being sucked up by white elephants,” he said. He is calling for a Senedd inquiry into how local authorities spend money on town centres.

The spending in Carmarthen comes against a backdrop of contested town centre plans for Llanelli and Ammanford set out by the council in September last year.

The masterplan acknowledged that both towns face significant challenges – in Llanelli, the Murray Street multi-storey car park and indoor market beneath it are nearing the end of their structural life, while Ammanford’s plan focused on reconnecting the town centre with surrounding communities and tackling the leakage of shoppers to larger centres.

Llanelli Market has been at the centre of significant controversy since plans emerged in July 2025 to demolish the existing building and relocate to the former Woolworths site, with traders and Labour councillors raising concerns about the process.

A Bake Off star who opened a bakery in the market quit after just a year, blaming the council’s handling of the situation.

Carl Peters-Bond, Mayor of Kidwelly and independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the pattern of spending reflected a wider failure of priorities. “Councils and Welsh Government must start listening to people rather than ploughing blindly on with vanity projects,” he said. “Money seems to be no object when it comes to Carmarthen – yet other market towns across the county are left to survive on whatever grant funding they can find, with all the restrictions and conditions that come with it.”

Peters-Bond said the Llanelli Market move illustrated the problem. “The proposed move to the former Woolworths site is only happening because refurbishment of existing retail is a condition of the grant the council has applied for – not because it is the best outcome for the town or its people,” he said. Carmarthenshire Council has not publicly addressed this specific claim.

Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Mari Arthur, pointed to a different root cause – arguing that the business rates system was working against town centres across Wales, not just in Carmarthenshire. “A café owner on Stepney Street pays rates that bear no relation to the advantages enjoyed by a big-box retailer on the edge of town,” she said. “That is not a fair system – it is a rigged one.” Plaid’s manifesto commits to restructuring business rates to level the playing field between high-street businesses and out-of-town retail.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s position, as set out in its capital programme, is that the Atriwm project remains a long-term investment in Carmarthen’s cultural offer, with the 2027 opening date reflecting the work required to address the structural issues identified after purchase.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Cllr Hazel Evans said in September that the placemaking plans for all three towns would “only succeed if they’re driven by the communities they affect.”

Related coverage

Carmarthen’s old Debenhams reborn as Atriwm — but opening pushed back to 2027
Our report on the delays and structural issues affecting the Carmarthen project.

Swansea: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named
This week’s news on Swansea’s former Debenhams — a very different outcome.

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park
Our original report on the Llanelli Market controversy.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out in new plans
The council’s own vision for town centres across Carmarthenshire, published September 2025.

13 militants killed in #Pakistan in foiled infiltration -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Yemen

19th century Rhydamman Chapel, #Ammanford, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#Microsoft Flagged 83B Phishing Emails in Q1 as QR -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#2

Two #Democrats running for eastern #US #House seat say -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Ghana

#Iran slams #US military campaign as "act of aggression" -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Russia

View all latest news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news.html

13 militants killed in #Pakistan in foiled infiltration -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Yemen

19th century Rhydamman Chapel, #Ammanford, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#Microsoft Flagged 83B Phishing Emails in Q1 as QR -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#2

Two #Democrats running for eastern #US #House seat say -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Ghana

#Iran slams #US military campaign as "act of aggression" -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Russia

View all latest news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news.html

13 militants killed in #Pakistan in foiled infiltration -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Yemen

19th century Rhydamman Chapel, #Ammanford, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#Microsoft Flagged 83B Phishing Emails in Q1 as QR -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#2

Two #Democrats running for eastern #US #House seat say -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Ghana

#Iran slams #US military campaign as "act of aggression" -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Russia

View all latest news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news.html

13 militants killed in #Pakistan in foiled infiltration -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Yemen

19th century Rhydamman Chapel, #Ammanford, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#Microsoft Flagged 83B Phishing Emails in Q1 as QR -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#2

Two #Democrats running for eastern #US #House seat say -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Ghana

#Iran slams #US military campaign as "act of aggression" -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Russia

View all latest news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news.html

13 militants killed in #Pakistan in foiled infiltration -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Yemen

19th century Rhydamman Chapel, #Ammanford, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#Microsoft Flagged 83B Phishing Emails in Q1 as QR -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#2

Two #Democrats running for eastern #US #House seat say -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Ghana

#Iran slams #US military campaign as "act of aggression" -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#Russia

View all latest news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news.html

Find the cheapest petrol near you in #Northern #Ireland -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc-states.html#7

#UAE 's Opec exit seeks to hit #SaudiArabia where it -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Nicosia

#BBC announce major schedule shake-up for beloved show -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#lpool_echo

#US Navy Awards #HuntingtonIngallsIndustries First -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news.html#5

#Ammanford mum named among UK's top 100 -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

View all news from Canada https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news-from-canada.html

Find the cheapest petrol near you in #Northern #Ireland -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc-states.html#7

#UAE 's Opec exit seeks to hit #SaudiArabia where it -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Nicosia

#BBC announce major schedule shake-up for beloved show -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#lpool_echo

#US Navy Awards #HuntingtonIngallsIndustries First -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news.html#5

#Ammanford mum named among UK's top 100 -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

View all news from Canada https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news-from-canada.html

DRUG DEALING: Ammanford pair used ‘Chinese’ as codeword for cocaine orders — jailed after being caught waiting for a delivery in Swansea

Two men from Ammanford have been jailed after being caught supplying cocaine on the streets of Swansea — with an examination of their phones revealing drug users were ordering their fix by asking for a “Chinese.”

Jac Cadman, 23, of Florence Road, Ammanford, and Jamie Cook, 31, of Tabernacle Road, Glanaman, were spotted by officers on patrol in the Blaenymaes area of Swansea on March 13 this year, sitting in a parked Renault on Pentregethin Road. The officers noted the pair appeared “overly nervous and fidgety” and that the vehicle was registered and insured to a provisional licence holder.

A search under the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered 28g of cocaine and £470 in cash in Cadman’s pockets, and 5g of cocaine and £880 in cash on Cook. Three mobile phones were also seized.

Subsequent searches of the defendants’ home addresses revealed further cash — £1,620 and an additional $1,330 in US currency were found at Cadman’s property.

Swansea Crown Court heard that messages on Cadman’s phone showed “clear evidence of involvement in the supply of cocaine,” and that he had been waiting in Pentregethin Road to collect a delivery for onward supply at the time of his arrest.

Cook’s phone told a more colourful story. Caitlin Brazel, prosecuting, told the court that a large number of messages from known drug users referred to buying “Chinese” — which she said appeared to be a codeword for cocaine. The prosecution said police concluded Cook’s phone was being used as the drugs line.

Investigators were also able to link messages from a phone seized in a separate drugs investigation in 2025 to Cook, suggesting he had been involved in supplying cocaine since at least 2024. Cook had previously been convicted in 2022 of possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine after being caught operating as a street dealer in the Penlan area of Swansea by a plain-clothed police officer.

Both men answered “no comment” to all questions in interview, save for Cadman telling officers he worked in tarmacking.

The court heard that Cadman, who has no previous convictions, had begun drinking and taking drugs as a teenager as an escape from the pressures of being a carer for his parents. His barrister said he had found himself in debt and turned to dealing as a result, and that he was “deeply ashamed” of the impact on his family — including an unborn child.

Cook’s barrister told the court his client had experienced adverse childhood experiences linked to his mother’s addiction issues, and that the breakdown of a relationship following his 2022 imprisonment had seen him turn back to drugs. While on remand, the court heard, Cook had reflected on his situation and hoped to undertake the 12 Steps addiction programme upon release.

Recorder Greg Bull KC, sentencing, said those who involve themselves in Class A drug supply are “dealing in human misery” and that the courts would always treat such offending seriously.

With one-third discounts for their guilty pleas, Cadman was sentenced to 28 months in prison and Cook to 40 months. Both will serve no more than half their sentences in custody before being released on licence.

Sergeant Luke Tucker, of South Wales Police, said: “Both Jac Cadman and Jamie Cook will have felt great when they thought that their Class A drug dealing was going to net them a quick windfall. However, unfortunately for them, that feeling was quickly shattered when officers caught them in the act.

“Both will now follow in the footsteps of other drug dealers who have plagued the streets of Swansea as they rightfully head to prison.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Drug gang busted: Swansea man jailed as cocaine network smashed in multi-area operation
More of our coverage of Class A drug supply sentences from Swansea Crown Court.

Five jailed after street brawl saw family arm themselves with nail-studded plank in revenge attack
Another recent sentencing story from Swansea Crown Court.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/902586/ Shane Williams coaches son’s team to stunning Welsh Cup win at Principality #Ammanford #Britain #GreatBritain #PrincipalityStadium #ShaneWilliams #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

Ammanford dad to take on London Marathon in memory of son who died before his second birthday

Jason Morris from Ammanford is one of a group of ten people taking on this epic challenge to raise money for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice. 

Here Jason, whose son Alfi-Jay, died on 1st March 2015 just before his second birthday, explains his motivation for taking on the TCS London Marathon.  

Alfi was born with Neonatal Marfan syndrome, a rare condition that meant his life would be a short one.

“This is a deeply personal journey for me. As a bereaved father who has been supported by Tŷ Hafan for the past 12 years, taking on this challenge is an opportunity to honour my son, Alfi‑Jay, while also showing my daughter Besi-Jane, Alfi’s twin sister who is now 12, that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.  

“It’s also an opportunity to raise much‑needed funds for a wonderful charity that has helped shape our family’s life over the years. 

“For me, it represents a personal achievement. Running in the purple Tŷ Hafan running vest will make the experience even more meaningful as I support such a wonderful cause. 

“The London Marathon is such an iconic race with breathtaking views and famous landmarks. It’s been a lifetime ambition and something I’m proud to finally tick off my bucket list. 

“Just over four years ago, I decided to channel what had been overwhelming grief into something positive. I’ve since become a keen triathlete, using exercise to support my mental wellbeing.  

“Physical activity has helped me navigate the challenges of grief, giving me a healthy outlet and the chance to push my body and mind to their limits. 

“I want to prove to myself that I can keep pushing my limits. Completing the marathon is just one part of my bucket list, and I hope to keep ticking off many more goals in the future.” 

James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said:

“We’re hugely thankful to Jason for everything he’s doing to support Tŷ Hafan. The TCS London Marathon is such an iconic event, and seeing Jason, alongside all our amazing runners, proudly wearing our logo for over 26 miles around London means so much to us.  

“By sharing why they’re taking on this immense challenge and raising vital funds, they’re making a real difference for the children and families we care for.

“No family should have to live their child’s short life alone, and thanks to Jason and his fellow Tŷ Hafan TCS London Marathon 2026 runners, Tŷ Hafan can walk alongside more families through life, death and beyond.” 

To read more about what’s motivating Tŷ Hafan’s TCS London Marathon 2026 runners go to: Meet our Tŷ Hafan London Marathon 2026 runners – Ty Hafan 

AMMANFORD: Questions raised over future of school land as council stays silent

A Carmarthenshire councillor is demanding answers over land purchased for a new school in Ammanford, after years of promises with no sign of building work on the horizon.

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed in 2023 — following questions from Green Party councillor Rob James — that it had bought land for a new school in the town, with Welsh-medium provision described as a priority. At the time the purchase was seen as a significant step forward after more than a decade of discussion about modernising education in the area.

But despite the land acquisition, there has been no public update on when — or whether — a school will actually be built there.

Recent council decisions have focused on reconfiguring nursery provision within existing schools, with no corresponding announcement on the new build. That silence has prompted Cllr James to write formally to the Cabinet Member for Education seeking answers.

He wants the council to confirm whether it still owns the land, whether the project remains active, and whether alternative brownfield sites have been fully considered as part of a sustainable approach to development.

Cllr James, who is also the Welsh Green Party‘s Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said residents had been hearing about new school plans in Ammanford for years without seeing any results.

“The council has even gone as far as purchasing land, yet there is still no clear timeline for when a new school will be built,” he said. “People deserve to know what is happening with the land that has been purchased and whether this long-promised investment is still going ahead.”

The Green councillor said the condition of existing school buildings made the lack of progress all the more frustrating.

“Having visited the schools in Ammanford, I know that the environment in which pupils are being taught in is not fit for purpose,” he said.

The need to modernise education provision in Ammanford has been recognised since at least the early 2010s, when proposals for new and reorganised schools first featured in the council’s Modernising Education Programme. More than a decade on, the community is still waiting for a clear plan — and Carmarthenshire is not alone in facing questions about the future of its schools, with rural communities across the county facing the threat of closures as the council presses ahead with its wider modernisation programme.

Cllr James has form for holding the council to account on infrastructure and investment. He has previously challenged transport plans he said left west Wales communities behind, and the Ammanford area has featured in broader debates about investment in the region’s towns and transport links.

Cllr James said the issue was ultimately one of transparency and accountability.

“After more than a decade of discussion, the community deserves clear answers,” he said.

Carmarthenshire County Council has responded to say that they are not able to provide a comment to Swansea Bay News on this during the pre-election period for May’s Senedd election

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Rural schools under threat: Carmarthenshire communities face piecemeal closures as council defends tough decisions
Carmarthenshire communities have been fighting to keep local schools open as the council presses ahead with its modernisation programme.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out in new plans
New plans set out the council’s vision for the future of Carmarthenshire’s main town centres.

Metro row: Carmarthenshire councillor blasts ‘Swansea-centric’ transport vision
Cllr Rob James challenged transport plans he said left west Wales communities behind.

Labour candidate backs metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over west Wales transport
The debate over transport investment in west Wales intensified as candidates staked out their positions.

Former Carmarthenshire Labour leader defects to Green Party
A high-profile defection boosted the Green Party’s growing presence in Carmarthenshire politics.

Labour candidate backs Metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over West Wales transport

Welsh Labour’s lead Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Calum Higgins, says new Metro proposals linking Swansea to Ammanford, Llanelli and the wider Amman Valley could deliver long‑awaited improvements for Carmarthenshire communities.

The plans, published by Transport for Wales as part of a major long‑term investment programme, outline new stations across Swansea and upgraded rail corridors stretching west. Supporters say the project could transform travel across South West Wales, while others argue Carmarthenshire needs clearer commitments to ensure it receives its fair share.

‘A major opportunity for West Wales’

Higgins, who lives in Tycroes, said the proposals show a commitment to improving public transport beyond Swansea.

“It’s great to see Welsh Labour’s commitment to investing in public transport being extended to West Wales, including Llanelli, the Amman Valley and West Carmarthenshire,” he said.

He added that strengthening the Heart of Wales line and the Swansea–Llanelli–Carmarthen corridor should be a priority, arguing that better links to Swansea’s major employers and attractions would support the Carmarthenshire economy.

Different views on how far the Metro reaches

The latest proposals follow comments from Green Party councillor Rob James, who argued the Metro vision remains too focused on Swansea and does not go far enough for rural Carmarthenshire. He said communities west of the city needed firmer commitments and clearer timelines.

Higgins did not offer a direct response to those concerns when approached, but pointed to the benefits he believes the project could bring to the county.

Long‑running questions over transport investment

The discussion forms part of a wider debate over transport priorities in West Wales. Residents and councillors have repeatedly called for better rail and bus connections, while campaigners continue to push for progress on the long‑promised St Clears railway station.

For many communities, the issue is not the ambition of the Metro vision, but whether investment will reach far enough west — and how quickly improvements will be delivered.

‘I’ll push for delivery if elected’

Higgins said he would work to ensure Carmarthenshire sees tangible improvements if he is elected in May.

“If elected in May I’ll be pushing for this project to be delivered for the people of Carmarthenshire as soon as possible so we are even better connected and can benefit from the growth in jobs it would bring,” he said.

What happens next

Transport for Wales is expected to refine its Metro plans over the coming months, with further detail on routes, timelines and funding still to be confirmed.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Metro row as councillor blasts ‘Swansea‑centric’ vision
Concerns raised over whether the Metro reaches far enough into Carmarthenshire.

£14bn Metro dream for Swansea
Questions over how much of the investment will reach West Wales.

Calls for action on stalled St Clears station
Five years of promises — and still no progress on the long‑awaited rail stop.

HEARING FEAR: Ammanford star Owain Wyn Evans warns “I was missing conversations”

The Ammanford-born broadcaster and drummer says he first noticed something was wrong when he started missing parts of conversations — after years performing in loud environments.

“It was a shock,” he admitted. “I realised I was turning the volume up more and missing things people were saying.”

Now the 42-year-old is fronting a campaign with Specsavers — urging people not to ignore the warning signs.

The new research paints a worrying picture.

A staggering 45% of adults in Wales say their hearing has changed in recent years — yet more than a quarter haven’t taken any action and don’t plan to.

Even more concerning, over a third say they’ve never taken steps to protect their hearing at all.

For Owain, the issue goes beyond health — it’s about identity.

“Sound is such a huge part of who we are in Wales,” he said. “From the countryside to the sea — those sounds connect us to home.”

And the data backs him up.

• 72% say a Welsh accent makes Wales feel like home
• 60% say it’s the sound of a choir
• 73% say singing at rugby and football matches brings people together

But those sounds could be at risk.

More than a third of people report ringing ears or muffled hearing after gigs — a key warning sign of damage.

Experts say hearing loss often happens gradually, meaning people delay getting help — sometimes for years.

Owain is now urging people to act early before it’s too late.

“Protecting our hearing means protecting those connections,” he said.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Owain Wyn Evans recovering after emergency surgery
The Ammanford presenter updates fans after a sudden health scare.

Star‑studded celebration of Welsh excellence
Famous faces gather at Swansea’s Copperworks Distillery for a midsummer showcase.

Owain Wyn Evans: “Feel the fear and take the plunge”
The TV favourite shares a powerful message during a live Swansea appearance.

AMMANFORD: Town named among Wales’ top spots for Mother’s Day celebrations

A study of Google search habits has revealed that residents in the two towns are among the most likely to be hunting for the perfect gift or celebration.

Ammanford ranked second in the whole of Wales, with a staggering 704 searches for every 1,000 people.

Carmarthen followed closely in third place, recording nearly 700 searches per 1,000 residents.

The research, conducted by Geraldo’s, analysed over 42 million searches across the UK to see which areas celebrate the day the most.

It estimated that around 60% of the UK public took part in Mother’s Day last year, spending a combined £1.4 billion on gifts and treats.

In Llanelli, more than half of the population — 510 per 1,000 people — were found to be searching for ways to mark the occasion.

Port Talbot also showed strong results, with 488 searches per 1,000 residents.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said: “Family runs through the core of our business.”

She added: “We know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.”

The data suggests that despite the rising cost of living, recognizing the “care, advice, guidance and love” of mothers remains a top priority for locals.

Ms Dawson noted that for those missing their mothers, the day can be difficult, but remains an important time for “recognising the memories you have.”

The study found that Wales as a whole saw nearly 1.6 million Mother’s Day searches, averaging around one search for every two people.

The findings highlight the deep-rooted family values held across Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.

The data was compiled by comparing search volumes against local population figures to find the true “Mother’s Day capitals” of the country.

With the big day arriving this Sunday, March 15, local businesses are bracing for a busy weekend as residents finalise their plans.

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

#Ammanford house with six bedrooms, four bathrooms
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

St James #Parish deputy fired after computer-aided
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/us-capitals.html#BatonRouge

Stunning north #London family home goes on sale for
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#4

#Arkansas basketball looking to continue scoring
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#23

#US Ambassador Gor meets FS Misri, says many
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#3

#UK decided to destroy the Conservatives and vote in
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#newsletter

Ammanford named the UK’s most romantic town

Ammanford has beaten every city, town and village in Britain to take the number one spot in a nationwide analysis of Google searches linked to Valentine’s Day. The study looked at how often people searched for romantic terms in February 2025 and compared it to local population size.

With a population of just 7,380, Ammanford recorded 8,400 Valentine’s‑related searches — meaning, on average, every person in the town searched more than once.

Wales dominated the rankings, taking five of the top ten places, including Wrexham, Bridgend and Carmarthen. Only Chichester, Truro, Walsall, Nottingham and Newry broke into the list from outside Wales.

Top 10 most romantic places in the UK

1. Ammanford
The Carmarthenshire town tops the UK for Valentine’s searches per person.

2. Wrexham
Wales takes the second spot with another strong showing.

3. Chichester
The highest‑ranking English location in the top 10.

4. Bridgend
Another Welsh entry, placing firmly in the UK’s top tier.

5. Truro
Cornwall’s cathedral city takes fifth place.

6. Walsall
The West Midlands town ranks sixth for Valentine’s enthusiasm.

7. Bangor
North Wales secures yet another place in the top 10.

8. Nottingham
The East Midlands city is the only major urban area in the list.

9. Newry
Northern Ireland’s entry places ninth overall.

10. Carmarthen
A fifth Welsh town rounds off the UK’s most romantic top 10.

The findings suggest Wales is officially the UK’s most love‑struck nation, despite England recording the highest total number of searches overall.

The analysis was carried out by Scottish chocolatier Geraldo’s of Largs, who say the results show smaller towns are leading the way when it comes to Valentine’s enthusiasm.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said many people feel pressure to get Valentine’s Day “right”, but added that romance doesn’t need to be complicated.

“I’m sure we’ve all had a moment of Valentine’s panic in the past. Did I get the right gift, book the right restaurant, will they like these flowers, but the truth is, there’s no need to worry,” she said.

She suggested keeping things simple, adding that a home‑cooked meal can often beat a busy restaurant.

“Valentine’s in a restaurant can sound like a great idea, but fighting to get a reservation on one of the busiest nights of the year adds stress that can kill the romantic vibe,” she said.

She also encouraged people to choose handmade gifts where possible.

“Chocolates or treats which are hand decorated, or in some way bespoke, show that you’ve put a little more thought and effort into some of the simpler options available.”

And her final tip was the simplest of all.

“The most important, and also the most overlooked thing about Valentine’s Day, is your Valentine themselves. No matter what you get them as a gift, make sure you give them your time first and foremost.”

With Ammanford topping the UK list — and Bridgend and Carmarthen also making the top ten — Wales appears to be the true home of romance this year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea ranked most affordable city in the UK for a Valentine’s meal
New research shows Swansea offers the best value romantic dinner in the UK.

Rugby passion meets Parisian romance as Air France launches Cardiff–Paris flights
Special flights combine Six Nations travel with Valentine’s getaways.

A Valentine’s to remember at Swansea’s top‑rated hotel
Morgans Hotel opens bookings for its romantic Valentine’s dinner.

Wales hit hard by dating scams as romance fraud tops £400 million
New figures reveal the rising cost of online dating scams across Wales.

Trapped between warring fronts, civilians in #Syria's
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#15

#SaintLouis could be a real threat come March
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#24

What's next for the #US and #Iran following preliminary
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#10

Guy Carries #Dogs Around #NYC To Get Them Adopted | The
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/youtube.html#18

This Creamy Cola Bev Is Going to Win the #SuperBowl
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/food.html#4

Red bench unveiled in #Ammanford Park to honour
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Trapped between warring fronts, civilians in #Syria's
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#15

#SaintLouis could be a real threat come March
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#24

What's next for the #US and #Iran following preliminary
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#10

Guy Carries #Dogs Around #NYC To Get Them Adopted | The
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/youtube.html#18

This Creamy Cola Bev Is Going to Win the #SuperBowl
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/food.html#4

Red bench unveiled in #Ammanford Park to honour
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Trapped between warring fronts, civilians in #Syria's
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#15

#SaintLouis could be a real threat come March
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#24

What's next for the #US and #Iran following preliminary
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#10

Guy Carries #Dogs Around #NYC To Get Them Adopted | The
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/youtube.html#18

This Creamy Cola Bev Is Going to Win the #SuperBowl
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/food.html#4

Red bench unveiled in #Ammanford Park to honour
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Trapped between warring fronts, civilians in #Syria's
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#15

#SaintLouis could be a real threat come March
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#24

What's next for the #US and #Iran following preliminary
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#10

Guy Carries #Dogs Around #NYC To Get Them Adopted | The
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/youtube.html#18

This Creamy Cola Bev Is Going to Win the #SuperBowl
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/food.html#4

Red bench unveiled in #Ammanford Park to honour
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Trapped between warring fronts, civilians in #Syria's
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#15

#SaintLouis could be a real threat come March
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#24

What's next for the #US and #Iran following preliminary
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#10

Guy Carries #Dogs Around #NYC To Get Them Adopted | The
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/youtube.html#18

This Creamy Cola Bev Is Going to Win the #SuperBowl
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/food.html#4

Red bench unveiled in #Ammanford Park to honour
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

I Tested the ‘Thermometer of the #Future,’ and I Think
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/infotech.html#17

I tested 35+ ultraportable #Windows #PCs last year, but
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/infotech.html#11

Reliance #Consumer Products acquires majority
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/sports.html#14

#Afghanistan wicketkeeper Withdraws from PSL Ahead of
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/infotech.html#93

Another #Bristol caravan torched in arson attack on
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#22a

#National Grid confirms power cut in #Ammanford
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Ammanford teen jailed after raping 12‑year‑old girl he met on Snapchat

Jake Richards was 17 at the time of the offence, which happened after he and the girl exchanged messages on Snapchat before meeting in person. Swansea Crown Court heard the victim thought they were going to talk as they walked to a secluded tunnel — but Richards initiated sex and continued even after she repeatedly told him to stop.

The girl reported what happened in August 2024 after confiding in a friend. Police launched a detailed investigation involving forensic and digital evidence, which led to Richards being charged with rape. He later pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced today (Wednesday, January 21) to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution.

Police praise victim’s bravery

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed‑Powys Police said the victim had shown “remarkable courage” in coming forward.

He said officers carried out a thorough investigation, with DNA and digital evidence helping secure an early guilty plea and sparing the girl the trauma of a trial.

DS Pocock added that the case highlighted the importance of talking to young people about online safety, the law around consent, and what to do if someone continues sexual activity without consent.

He said specialist officers would “listen to, support and seek justice for victims of all ages”.

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock, Dyfed‑Powys Police, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim, who was just 12 years old when this offence happened, for her courage in coming forward and for her cooperation throughout the investigation.

“Rape, or any form of sexual abuse, is incredibly difficult to talk about, especially at such a young age, and she showed remarkable bravery in saying no when she felt uncomfortable and in later reporting what happened.

“Our specialist officers explored her account thoroughly, and forensic and digital evidence helped secure an early guilty plea, sparing her the additional trauma of a trial.

“This case highlights the importance of talking to young people about staying safe online, understanding consent, and knowing what to do if someone continues sexual activity despite a lack of consent.

“We want victims of all ages to know that we will listen, support them and seek justice.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Teen who researched how to carry out a terror attack jailed
Police uncovered disturbing online activity that led to the teen being jailed after a major investigation.

Waunarlwydd man jailed for online child sex offences
A decade-long sentence was handed down after officers traced a series of serious online offences.

Newcastle Emlyn father jailed for 35 years after shocking attack
A father received one of Wales’ longest sentences after a violent assault on his infant child.

Tumble man jailed for child sex offences
The offender was jailed for more than ten years following a detailed police investigation.

Intoxicated teenage thug sentenced after glass tankard attack

Swansea Crown Court heard that Thomas Brady launched the attack on his victim on October 18 when the victim was walking past Lloyds Bank on Quay Street at around 2.30 am. In an unprovoked attack, Brady smashed the victim in the face with a Staropramen tankard pint glass, knocking him to the ground.

While the victim was on the ground, Brady relentlessly carried on the callous attack, bludgeoning the victim multiple times, leaving the victim drifting in and out of consciousness.

Witnesses fetched security staff from the nearby pub, who stepped in after seeing the victim covered in blood.

Brady fled the scene and discarded the tankard when he saw the police arriving. He was arrested in a nearby car park and told police he ran because his friend had been involved in a fight.

The court heard he had drunk alcohol and taken cocaine that night.

Prosecuting, Hannah George said the victim was an “acquaintance” of Brady, and it was unclear what sparked the attack.

The victim attended the A&E department at Morriston Hospital and underwent a CT scan. He had cuts and bruises to his head, one tooth had been knocked out, and two teeth had been fractured.

Brady, of Bridle Road in Eastham, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The 19-year-old had one previous conviction for common assault and a public order offence. He was also on bail at the time of these offences.

Addressing Brady, Judge Catherine Richards said:

“You plainly shouldn’t drink or take drugs when it has such a harmful impact on others.”

She sentenced him to three years detention in a Young Offender Institution. The victim was granted a 10-year restraining order.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/633208/ ‘People think my daughter is just a daydreamer – they couldn’t be more wrong’ #Ammanford #Health #UK #UnitedKingdom

Swansea woman and ex‑husband jailed after cocaine bust

Dramatic footage released by South Wales Police shows the moment Lisa Regan, 53, from Portmead, Swansea, was arrested as she stepped off a plane — bringing down a drugs empire she ran with her ex‑husband.

Regan and Phillip Jones, 44, from Brynhyfryd, Swansea, oversaw a cocaine supply chain that flooded Swansea and Ammanford. Investigators found images on their phones showing Jones cutting up a kilo of cocaine, while the pair laundered their profits through a café in Blaenymaes.

At Swansea Magistrates Court in October, Jones admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to supply, concealing criminal property and driving while disqualified. He was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. Regan admitted similar offences and was handed seven years and four months.

Police also uncovered a Carmarthenshire link. Tracy Lewis, 54, from Llandybie, was buying large amounts of cocaine from Regan and running his own operation in Ammanford.

He admitted multiple offences including supply of cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis, possession with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for six years.

Sergeant Luke Tucker said:

“Between them, Lisa Regan, Phillip Jones and Tracy Lewis were responsible for flooding our local communities with significant quantities of Class A and B drugs.

“They thought they were above the law – but they will have been devastated to discover their operations weren’t as impenetrable as they thought. Their removal from society has made our streets far safer and better off.”

#Ammanford #BlaenYMaes #Brynhyfryd #cocaine #drugDealer #DrugDealing #drugs #Llandybie #Portmead #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea

“She’s our Christmas miracle”: Ammanford family urges blood donors this winter

Hannah’s fight for survival

Hannah Poole from Ammanford was just three when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2013. After months of chemotherapy, her family thought the worst was behind them. But five years later, the cancer returned.

To survive, Hannah needed countless transfusions of red blood cells and platelets to keep her strong enough for treatment. Now 15, she’s fully recovered and looking forward to spending Christmas at home.

“I love Christmas. It’s my favourite time of year, even when I was unwell,” Hannah said. “I want to say a huge thank you to every single blood and platelet donor in Wales. Because of you, I get to make more Christmas memories with my family.”

A father’s 230 donations

Her dad Adam became a platelet donor after Hannah’s first diagnosis. Since then, he’s made more than 230 donations — each one involving a 100‑mile round trip.

“Christmas is special for most families,” Adam said. “But for us, it means everything. We never forget that Hannah wouldn’t be here without the generosity of blood and platelet donors.”

Mum Katrina added:

“When you donate, you give the ultimate gift — time together. Without you, we wouldn’t have Hannah. It saved us as a family.”

Why donations matter now

The Welsh Blood Service say they need more than 21,000 donations over the winter to meet demand across the 19 hospitals it supplies. Around 70% of these help patients like Hannah who are fighting cancer and blood disorders.

Platelets are especially vital — but they only last seven days, meaning the need is constant. Stem cell donations can also be the best, sometimes only, chance of survival for patients with blood cancers.

“Seeing is believing”

Last Christmas, Adam received a text message confirming his donation had reached a hospital. He was one of 126 donors to get that message on Christmas Day.

“We were sat on the sofa after dinner, already feeling grateful,” Katrina said. “Adam looked at his phone and was in awe.”

“I couldn’t believe it,” Adam added. “We’ve received so many gifts that gave us more Christmases with Hannah. To think I might be doing the same for someone else was overwhelming.”

Call to action

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said:

“Stories like Hannah’s remind us why donations matter. Without blood and platelet donors, we can’t have happy endings like this. Winter is one of the most challenging times for the NHS. That’s why we’re asking people to come forward and donate with us.”

You can book a blood donation at wbs.wales/xmas25 or find out more at wbs.wales/SeeingIsBelieving2526.

Related stories on Swansea Bay News

Council chief exec urges blood donations
Martin Nicholls received lifesaving transfusions during a cancer battle and now calls for more donors.

Swansea father saves son with stem cells
A local dad was a perfect match for his child’s rare blood disorder, showing the power of stem cell donation.

Donation rules updated in Wales
Landmark changes lift restrictions and widen access to eligible donors.

More blood donation coverage
Explore our latest reporting on blood donation across Swansea Bay.

#acuteLymphoblasticLeukaemia #ammanford #bloodDonor #chemotherapy #leukaemia #platelets #redBloodCells #walesBloodService #welshBloodService

#CBC #News: #American podiatrist leaving #Nova #Scotia over burea https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/canada.html#12

Real Clear #Politics: #Americans Finally Waking Up - Much of Higher Ed Is https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#3

#NewYork Times: #Americans Won’t Have Faith in the Rule of #Law Unti https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html#5

#USA #News: #Americans spending more for the holidays despite d https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/news.html#3

#Cardiff #News: #Ammanford family thanks blood donors for https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#CBC #News: #American podiatrist leaving #Nova #Scotia over burea https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/canada.html#12

Real Clear #Politics: #Americans Finally Waking Up - Much of Higher Ed Is https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#3

#NewYork Times: #Americans Won’t Have Faith in the Rule of #Law Unti https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html#5

#USA #News: #Americans spending more for the holidays despite d https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/news.html#3

#Cardiff #News: #Ammanford family thanks blood donors for https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#CBC #News: #American podiatrist leaving #Nova #Scotia over burea https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/canada.html#12

Real Clear #Politics: #Americans Finally Waking Up - Much of Higher Ed Is https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#3

#NewYork Times: #Americans Won’t Have Faith in the Rule of #Law Unti https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html#5

#USA #News: #Americans spending more for the holidays despite d https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/news.html#3

#Cardiff #News: #Ammanford family thanks blood donors for https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

#CBC #News: #American podiatrist leaving #Nova #Scotia over burea https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/canada.html#12

Real Clear #Politics: #Americans Finally Waking Up - Much of Higher Ed Is https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/politics.html#3

#NewYork Times: #Americans Won’t Have Faith in the Rule of #Law Unti https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html#5

#USA #News: #Americans spending more for the holidays despite d https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/news.html#3

#Cardiff #News: #Ammanford family thanks blood donors for https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#34a

Ammanford minister walks 100 miles to raise funds — and spirits

Rev Emyr Gwyn doesn’t consider himself an athlete. But over the past few weeks, the 60‑something minister from Gellimanwydd Church in Ammanford quietly clocked up 100 miles on foot — raising more than £1,100 for international charity Christian Aid and bringing together friends, congregations and communities along the way.

His challenge took him across rural Carmarthenshire, along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, and beside the River Towy. He walked with friends from local churches, shared stories over footpaths and flask breaks, and ended the final stretch with a celebration at Gellimanwydd Chapel.

“Quite an achievement for someone 60+”

Rev Gwyn said the walks were a chance to reflect, connect and give back:

“I loved the quiet rural roads and the beautiful scenery. There were no major challenges but one needed to be disciplined; there are harder tasks than this but walking 100 miles – which took almost 40 hours to complete – is quite an achievement for a person who’s 60+ and a good way to keep fit.

My thanks to everyone who sponsored me for such a worthy cause.”

A cause close to home

While the fundraising total — £1,172.50 — will support Christian Aid’s global work, the challenge itself was rooted in local connection. Gwyn’s walks were joined by friends from Ammanford churches, and the final gathering at Gellimanwydd Chapel was a moment of shared pride.

Christian Aid’s Church Engagement Officer, Llinos Roberts, joined the celebration to thank the group and speak about the charity’s latest appeals.

From Ammanford to the world

Founded in 1945, Christian Aid supports communities facing poverty, injustice and climate crisis. Last year, it worked with 260 partners to reach 4.5 million people worldwide.

But for Rev Gwyn, the challenge was about more than numbers. It was about showing that small steps — taken with purpose — can make a difference.

#ammanford #carmarthenshire #charity #christianAid #emyrGwyn #gellimanwyddChurch #walkingChallenge

Ammanford deputy mayor tops Labour’s Senedd list for Carmarthenshire

Higgins brings legal and union background to the top of the list

Labour members in the new “super constituency” of Sir Gaerfyrddin, covering the Westminster seats of Caerfyrddin and Llanelli, have backed Higgins to head the party’s closed list under the expanded Senedd arrangements.

A fluent Welsh speaker, Higgins told members he wanted to “represent Sir Gaerfyrddin to make a difference on the ground, ensuring national policies deliver for our communities.” He pointed to his experience as a Citizens Advice lawyer during austerity and later as a manager for a health trade union representing members across Wales during the pandemic.

Currently deputy mayor of Ammanford, Higgins also sits on Ammanford Town Council and Lliedi Community Council. He has lived in Tycroes all his life, trained as a barrister, and worked for Citizens Advice Cymru before joining an NHS trade union as a policy officer. Away from politics he plays rugby for Tycroes RFC 2nds and is active in local groups including Tycroes Local Aid.

Teacher from Burry Port takes second place

Second on Labour’s list is Dawn Evans, a teacher from Burry Port. In her pitch she described herself as “a proud Welsh speaking woman, rooted in Carmarthenshire,” and spoke of her personal experience when her son Iwan was left with lifelong disabilities following ambulance delays.

“That experience shaped me,” she said. “I promised myself that if I ever had a chance to improve health and care services for others, I would.”

County councillor and consultant joins the slate

Third on the list is Martyn Palfreman, Labour County Councillor for the Hengoed ward. He is also a consultant specialising in improvement across social care, health and public services, with a career background in practice development and service transformation.

Llanelli architect and town council leader makes his bid

Fourth is David Darkin, an architect and leader of Llanelli Town Council, who launched his bid for the Senedd list in July. He has combined his professional expertise with civic leadership, and has been active in local politics and community design.

Advisor to Lee Waters MS takes fifth spot

Fifth is Lewis Eldred Davies, Labour County Councillor for Kidwelly & St Ishmael. He works as an advisor to Lee Waters MS, the controversial former transport minister who is not standing again at the next election.

Llanelli councillor and mental health campaigner completes the list

Sixth on the list is Andre McPherson, Labour County Councillor for Tyisha ward and a member of Llanelli Town Council. A qualified personal trainer, he also chairs the Board of Trustees for MIND’s Llanelli branch, supporting mental health services in the community.

Electoral outlook

While Higgins heads the slate, Labour’s prospects in Carmarthenshire are far from certain. Our previous poll reporting suggested the party is in line for just one seat in this constituency, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK both gaining ground as Labour’s support edges back.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Council leader ranked second on Labour’s Senedd list for Gŵyr Abertawe
Rob Stewart placed second on Labour’s candidate list for the Swansea “super constituency”.

BAME and union activist tops Labour’s Senedd list for Neath, Swansea East and Brecon
Labour confirmed its candidate line‑up for the neighbouring “super constituency”.

David Darkin launches Senedd bid for Carmarthenshire
Llanelli architect and town council leader announced his candidacy earlier this year.

Reform UK pulls ahead as Plaid slips and Labour edges back in new Senedd poll
Latest polling shows Labour under pressure in Carmarthenshire and across Wales.

#ammanford #ammanfordTownCouncil #andreMcpherson #caerfyrddin #calumHiggins #carmarthenshire #cllrMartynPalfreman #davidDarkin #dawnEvans #kidwelly #lewisEldredDavies #llanelli #llanelliTownCouncil #senedd #seneddElection #seneddElections2026 #welshLabour

Mum’s tribute to ‘little gentleman’ who died aged just 12

Harrison Angell-Chapman, a much-loved member of his local community, died suddenly. His mother Sarah has remembered him in…
#NewsBeep #News #UnitedKingdom #Ammanford #Carmarthenshire #GB #GreatBritain #Health #UK
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/235992/

Ammanford man jailed for controlling behaviour and assaults in Tenby and London

Assaults in Tenby holiday let

Jack Griffiths, 23, of High Street, Ammanford, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted multiple offences committed in both west Wales and London.

The court heard that on 17 May this year, Griffiths assaulted his partner and another man at a holiday let in Tenby. When police were called to the address, he also attacked an officer.

Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini told the court Griffiths had subjected his partner to a campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour between October 2023 and May 2024. He dictated what she ate, who she spoke to, and even what she was allowed to watch on television.

Violence in London

Griffiths also admitted three separate assaults in the London Borough of Haringey on 30 November 2023, where he attacked three men.

Guilty pleas and sentencing

Griffiths pleaded guilty to:

• Engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour
• Two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
• Assault by beating of an emergency worker (Tenby offences)
• Two counts of assault by beating
• One further count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (London offences)

Judge Huw Rees sentenced him to a total of three years and nine months in prison.

Griffiths’ ex‑partner was also granted a 10‑year restraining order to protect her from further contact.

Earlier proceedings

The case was first heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in May, where Griffiths faced charges of coercive control, intentional strangulation, and multiple assaults. He was remanded into custody before being committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing.

#Ammanford #assault #coerciveControl #DyfedPowysPolice

https://www.europesays.com/uk/448730/ Lloyds Bank to close another 49 branches including some in Wales #Ammanford #Britain #Carmarthenshire #Chepstow #Gorseinon #GreatBritain #HalifaxPartnership #LloydsBankingGroup #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

https://www.europesays.com/uk/329401/ Alex Jones left emotional after guest halts BBC’s The One Show #AlexJones #Ammanford #BBC #Carmarthenshire #Entertainment #UK #UnitedKingdom

https://www.europesays.com/uk/71444/ Tiny and bizarre property going to auction for just £1 #Ammanford #Britain #Carmarthenshire #GreatBritain #PropertyAuctions #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

Carmarthenshire company to create new jobs after purchase of Welsh Government factory

Morgan Marine plans to invest £1.25m to refurbish the building at Cilyrychen Industrial Estate, near Ammanford, as it pursues new growth aspirations.

Skilled welders will manufacture fabricated steel products from the site, which will also house an onsite training facility.

The business currently employs 211 people, and will create 20 new jobs over the next three years.

Morgan Marine plans to invest £1.25m to refurbish the building at Cilyrychen Industrial Estate, near Ammanford, as it pursues new growth aspirations.

Skilled welders will manufacture fabricated steel products from the site, which will also house an onsite training facility.

The business currently employs 211 people, and will create 20 new jobs over the next three years.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “Morgan Marine provides quality employment opportunities and is committed to developing the skillset within its community.

“I am delighted the purchase of our business unit means that Morgan Marine can continue to grow and expand its skilled workforce without abandoning its roots.”

Morgan Marine is also planning to develop a renewable energy source at the premises, potentially via installation of solar panels and wind turbines. 

Rhydian Jones, Managing Director of Morgan Marine, said: “As the company celebrates the significant milestone of 60 years in business in 2025, this development will mark a new chapter in the company’s history. The unit will allow us to meet our growth aspirations and to continue to be a major contributor to the local economy, and to help us to develop Welsh manufacturing across UK and World markets.”

“Morgan Marine are delighted to acquire a new unit from the Welsh Government. This further reinforces our commitment to Llandybie and the surrounding area, as we look to create further skilled jobs for people in our community.

“Morgan Marine provides quality employment opportunities and is committed to developing the skillset within its community.

“I am delighted the purchase of our business unit means that Morgan Marine can continue to grow and expand its skilled workforce without abandoning its roots.”

Morgan Marine is also planning to develop a renewable energy source at the premises, potentially via installation of solar panels and wind turbines. 

Rhydian Jones, Managing Director of Morgan Marine, said: “Morgan Marine are delighted to acquire a new unit from the Welsh Government. This further reinforces our commitment to Llandybie and the surrounding area, as we look to create further skilled jobs for people in our community.

“As the company celebrates the significant milestone of 60 years in business in 2025, this development will mark a new chapter in the company’s history. The unit will allow us to meet our growth aspirations and to continue to be a major contributor to the local economy, and to help us to develop Welsh manufacturing across UK and World markets.”

#Ammanford #Business #CilyrychenIndustrialEstate #MorganMarine #WelshGovernment

This Reddit poster's response to the #Rhydaman #Ammanford stabbings got me. I think some people need to sit up and pay attention.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/s/VNbuswYKu5

This Reddit poster's response to the #Rhydaman #Ammanford stabbings got me. I think some people need to sit up and pay attention.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/s/VNbuswYKu5

This Reddit poster's response to the #Rhydaman #Ammanford stabbings got me. I think some people need to sit up and pay attention.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/s/VNbuswYKu5

This Reddit poster's response to the #Rhydaman #Ammanford stabbings got me. I think some people need to sit up and pay attention.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wales/s/VNbuswYKu5

Took a spin up to the Black Mountain yesterday. The A4069 from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llangadog is our very well-used shortcut from home to Mid Wales, but as a result, we haven't actually stopped to look at the view in a while, or gone there specially to see it.

I'm sure there's competition, but it must be one of the few places where you can see this much of Wales all in one go.

#GwaunCaeGurwen #Brynamman #Ammanford #Llangadog #BlackMountain #Mountain #Landscape #Wales #VisitWales #Cymru #Family

Took a spin up to the Black Mountain yesterday. The A4069 from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llangadog is our very well-used shortcut from home to Mid Wales, but as a result, we haven't actually stopped to look at the view in a while, or gone there specially to see it.

I'm sure there's competition, but it must be one of the few places where you can see this much of Wales all in one go.

#GwaunCaeGurwen #Brynamman #Ammanford #Llangadog #BlackMountain #Mountain #Landscape #Wales #VisitWales #Cymru #Family

Took a spin up to the Black Mountain yesterday. The A4069 from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llangadog is our very well-used shortcut from home to Mid Wales, but as a result, we haven't actually stopped to look at the view in a while, or gone there specially to see it.

I'm sure there's competition, but it must be one of the few places where you can see this much of Wales all in one go.

#GwaunCaeGurwen #Brynamman #Ammanford #Llangadog #BlackMountain #Mountain #Landscape #Wales #VisitWales #Cymru #Family

Took a spin up to the Black Mountain yesterday. The A4069 from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llangadog is our very well-used shortcut from home to Mid Wales, but as a result, we haven't actually stopped to look at the view in a while, or gone there specially to see it.

I'm sure there's competition, but it must be one of the few places where you can see this much of Wales all in one go.

#GwaunCaeGurwen #Brynamman #Ammanford #Llangadog #BlackMountain #Mountain #Landscape #Wales #VisitWales #Cymru #Family

Took a spin up to the Black Mountain yesterday. The A4069 from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llangadog is our very well-used shortcut from home to Mid Wales, but as a result, we haven't actually stopped to look at the view in a while, or gone there specially to see it.

I'm sure there's competition, but it must be one of the few places where you can see this much of Wales all in one go.

#GwaunCaeGurwen #Brynamman #Ammanford #Llangadog #BlackMountain #Mountain #Landscape #Wales #VisitWales #Cymru #Family

I've lurked for a day, so now it's time to make my #introduction toot.

I'm Sean, Head of IT and Compliance at Platfform for Change, the #Welsh charity for #mentalhealth and social change.

I live in #Ammanford #Carmarthenshire South #Wales

I enjoy #photography in my spare time and seem to spend much of my time walking the #Pembrokeshire coastline these days.

I'm a Twitter refugee and hope that many of the good people I follow there will come here.

I've lurked for a day, so now it's time to make my #introduction toot.

I'm Sean, Head of IT and Compliance at Platfform for Change, the #Welsh charity for #mentalhealth and social change.

I live in #Ammanford #Carmarthenshire South #Wales

I enjoy #photography in my spare time and seem to spend much of my time walking the #Pembrokeshire coastline these days.

I'm a Twitter refugee and hope that many of the good people I follow there will come here.