News

Renovation works at Carmarthen bus station completed

Published

12 months ago

December 27, 2023

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says that it is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Carmarthen Bus Station Improvement Scheme, a transformative project aimed at enhancing public transportation infrastructure and improving the accessibility of Carmarthen Town for residents and visitors.

The comprehensive improvement scheme, funded by the Welsh Government Local Transport Fund grant, demonstrates the Council’s commitment to providing a high-quality public transport experience for residents and visitors alike. The funds were awarded through a National competitive bidding process, and are designated solely for the purpose of public transport infrastructure improvements.

Users of the bus station will now benefit from the widening of the Blue Street bay, as the expansion provides additional space for waiting and alighting passengers, This will reduce pedestrian and passenger congestion and ensure a safer and more accessible environment.

Brand new high specification shelters with sustainable green roof systems have been erected at every bay, whilst trees have been relocated within the street to enhance the overall aesthetics of the area.

Each bay has been fitted with new shelters along with electronic passenger information screens to provide real-time updates for passengers, in addition to this large passenger information screens have been installed at the north and south entry points of the bus station.

Complementing these improvements is the introduction of a raised crossing point and safety railings to improve pedestrian safety at the bottom end of Blue Street, directing pedestrian flow to the opposite side of the road and thereby increasing footfall along Blue Street shop frontages, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of local businesses.

The aims of the project align with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Well-being Objective 2 – to enable its residents to live and age well, and Well-being Objective 3 – to enable its communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous.

The scheme ensures that Carmarthen Bus Station will provide a high-quality public transport offering to residents and visitors of the town and county, and enhance the integration between bus, rail, and active travel.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said: “This modern and upgraded bus station is a wonderful gateway into Carmarthen Town and provides a safe, attractive and accessible bus station to passengers with readily available service information.

“The County Council would like to extend its gratitude to local businesses for their patience and support during works. It is our hope that the benefits of improved transport facilities and the enhanced streetscape will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

“I would also like to thank the local councillors, representing the Carmarthen Town ward, for ensuring that the concerns of local businesses were effectively communicated to the project team.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

1 hour ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.