AS the general election on July 4, 2024, approaches, the Caerfyrddin constituency in West Wales is witnessing an intense and diverse campaign. This newly formed constituency, which combines parts of the former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seat, has become a focal point for various political debates and promises.

Latest campaign developments

One of the key issues dominating the campaign in Caerfyrddin is the representation of rural interests and local governance. Ann Davies of Plaid Cymru, a farmer herself, emphasises her deep connection with the rural community. Drawing inspiration from Gwynfor Evans, Plaid’s first Westminster representative elected in Carmarthen in 1966, Davies aims to champion the needs of both the rural and post-industrial areas of Carmarthenshire. She highlights the unique position of Plaid Cymru candidates who live within their constituencies and understand local issues intimately.

Simon Hart, the Conservative candidate and former Welsh Secretary, is the only incumbent running in this election. He faces the challenge of campaigning in largely new areas following boundary changes. Hart’s focus has been on local concerns, such as the opposition to pylons in the Teifi and Towy Valleys, which he argues would mar the region’s scenic beauty. His experience and previous representation of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire play a crucial role in his campaign.

Martha Angharad O’Neil, representing Labour, brings a personal touch to her campaign by sharing her life experiences and emphasising the importance of empathy in politics. She believes that real change can be achieved by electing Labour MPs to bring transformative policies to Westminster. O’Neil’s campaign resonates with voters seeking compassionate and effective governance.

Mark Evans of the Workers Party of Britain presents his party as a true alternative to what he terms the “Conservative-lite” Labour Party. His campaign focuses on progressive economics and creating a fairer and more equitable society. Evans criticises both major parties for their perceived lack of distinction and offers a more traditional left-leaning perspective.

Keir Starmer’s Visit

On the final day of campaigning, Labour Leader Keir Starmer visited Caerfyrddin to bolster support for Martha Angharad O’Neil. Starmer’s visit underscores the significance of the seat for Labour, as he aimed to energise the local campaign and highlight Labour’s commitment to the area. Speaking to local residents and media, Starmer emphasised the need for change and urged voters to support Labour for a more compassionate and effective government. His presence in Caerfyrddin is seen as a strategic move to sway undecided voters and reinforce Labour’s message of empathy and transformation.

Candidates Standing in Caerfyrddin

• Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru): Focuses on rural and post-industrial issues, aiming to continue the legacy of Gwynfor Evans.
• Simon Hart (Conservative): Emphasises local issues like opposition to pylons, drawing on his extensive political experience.
• Martha Angharad O’Neil (Labour): Advocates for empathetic and transformative governance, supported by Keir Starmer’s recent visit.
• Mark Evans (Workers Party of Britain): Offers a traditional left-leaning alternative to Labour.
• Will Beasley (Green Party): Campaigns on environmental sustainability and social justice.
• Nicholas Paul Beckett (Liberal Democrats): Promotes education, healthcare, and progressive policies.
• Nancy Cole (Women’s Equality Party): Focuses on gender equality and women’s rights.
• Bernard Holton (Reform UK): Advocates for major reforms in immigration policies and national sovereignty.

With the constituency’s diverse demographic and the array of issues at stake, the upcoming election in Caerfyrddin promises to be a pivotal moment for its residents. Voters are looking for representatives who understand their unique needs and can effectively advocate for them at the national level.

Cover photo: Kier Starmer with Vaughan Gething in Whitland on Wednesday (Image: Marc Tierney)

A FAMILY farm business at Rhydsais Farm in Talgarreg, Ceredigion, has been prosecuted after a slurry store collapse resulted in the pollution of at least 12km of waterways.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) found Rhydsais Cyf guilty of environmental crime after the farm’s slurry store collapsed on February 16, 2022, which released between 60,000 and 70,000 gallons of slurry into an unnamed tributary of the Afon Clettwr Fach.

Water sample analysis from the subsequent investigation showed significant pollution levels extending from Rhydsais Farm to the confluence of the Afon Clettwr with the Afon Teifi, 12km away.

Rhydsais Cyf was found guilty of an offence under the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016.

It was ordered to pay a total of £13,035. This included a £5,000 fine, a victim surcharge of £190 and £7,845 towards NRW’s costs of bringing the prosecution.

The unnamed tributary flows into the Afon Clettwr Fach, which flows into the Afon Clettwr, which eventually flows into the Afon Teifi.

The collapse of the slurry store was initially reported to NRW by one of the directors of Rhydsais Cyf, and subsequent pollution reports were made to NRW by members of the public downstream of the farm.

Natural Resources Wales environment officers were diverted from other duties to investigate the incident on the farm and to assess the downstream impact.

On the day of the incident, the river downstream was found to be heavily discoloured and covered in foam, with a strong odour of slurry.

Six dead fish were discovered in the Afon Clettwr Fach the day after the incident. This likely underestimates the total fish kill as the pollution had caused poor visibility, and the rivers were in high flow following rain, NRW said.

Investigation
A day after the incident, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water alerted NRW to unusually high levels of ammonia detected at the Llechryd Water Treatment Works abstraction point which supplies water to properties in south Ceredigion.

The abstraction point was promptly closed until ammonia levels had dropped. The elevated level of ammonia may have been due to the Rhydsais slurry flowing through.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the collapsed slurry store had been in place since the 1970s and had not received any formal maintenance apart from visual inspections in the past decade.

NRW contended in court that the pollution was caused by the slurry store being beyond its lifespan and had not been maintained properly.

Team leader of the Ceredigion Environment Team, Dr Carol Fielding, said: “The impact of this incident was felt well beyond the stream that the slurry entered. It damaged water quality and local wildlife within the catchment of the Afon Teifi.

“Every farmer has a duty to ensure their slurry stores are structurally sound to prevent such disasters.

“We will not hesitate to take enforcement action – including prosecution – when we have evidence of serious environmental breaches.

“We regulate and work with farmers to avoid damage to the environment and we encourage them to contact us or Farming Connect for advice and support.”

IT’S been nearly a decade since all age groups attending the Torch Youth Theatre have appeared on stage together. This July’s production of The Wind and the Willows will bring over 40 young people to the stage in this wonderful, endearing show with a modern Torch Theatre twist and including the Torch Voices Choir.

The British classic is inspired by the well-known children’s novelist Kenneth Grahame, who first published Wind and the Willows in 1908. Since then, the much-loved family favourite has been adapted to film and theatre and everyone has fallen in love with the heroic Badger, Ratty, Mole and of course the utterly splendid Toad of Toad Hall.

Celebrating friendship, loyalty and adventure, the actors aged eight to 18 will delight every member of the family this July, with a classic tale filled with picnics, ‘poop poops’ and a few unexpected twists.

Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager for Youth and Community is eagerly looking forward to this adaptation of The Wind and the Willows by Glyn Maxwell:

“It has been quite a while since our main house stage has been filled with a Torch Youth Theatre production, and what better way to do it than with this story of enduring friendship set beside the riverbank. In this version Mole, Ratty, Badger, and of course the world-famous Toad take on the villainous Wild Wooders, the dastardly Weasel and a mysterious yellow monster called ‘The Slurpex’. Come and see if our heroes can defeat them all,” said Tim.

He added: “We are incredibly excited to be providing this opportunity to our young people, we know that alongside a spectacular production our rehearsal room and theatre will be filled with memories being made and friendships being formed. Not only does this production provide irreplaceable lifelong memories, but also supports our young people with long term benefits for mental health and wellbeing. We are always on the lookout for individuals and businesses to support this vital work so if this is something you are interested in please do get in touch.”

Torch Youth Theatre cannot wait to welcome you all along for a Toadaly-tastic time! POOP POOP!
 
Book your tickets online or call 01646 695267.

The Wind and The Willows will be performed on the Torch Theatre stage from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 July at 6.30pm. Ticket prices: £10. £8 concessions. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.