VIRAL MOMENT: Hendy casting director Lauren Evans wins BAFTA for 'I Swear' with hilarious speech: "I'm going to enjoy it because my kids tomorrow will not give a damn!" Llanelli MS Lee Waters calls it "the most Hendy ever acceptance speech!"

#BAFTA #Hendy #Llanelli #Wales #ISwear

https://swanseabaynews.com/hendy-womans-chaotic-bafta-winning-moment-goes-viral/

CHILDREN'S COMMISSIONER STEPS IN: Rocio Cifuentes demands meeting with Hywel Dda Health Board over nursing crisis at Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli. Parents warned "lives may be at risk" as teachers forced to provide complex medical care.

#YsgolHeolGoffa #Llanelli #ALN

https://swanseabaynews.com/childrens-commissioner-steps-in-watchdog-demands-meeting-with-health-board-over-special-school-nurse-crisis/

CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER STEPS IN: Watchdog demands meeting with health board over special school nurse crisis

In a significant development, Rocio Cifuentes MBE has confirmed she will be writing to Hywel Dda University Health Board to “raise the issue and seek a meeting” regarding the lack of a dedicated, full-time nurse at Ysgol Heol Goffa.

The move comes just days after Swansea Bay News reported that campaigners, including parents and local councillors, had called for the commissioner to investigate, warning that “lives may be at risk” as teachers are forced to provide complex medical care to pupils with life-limiting conditions.

In a powerful statement, Ms Cifuentes said she had received correspondence raising “serious concerns” and understood the anxiety the situation was causing.

“I will be writing to Hywel Dda Health Board to raise the issue and seek a meeting. Estyn’s report clearly indicated the need for a dedicated school nurse so I hope that this issue can be addressed swiftly. I would also like to meet with the children, parents and staff affected at Ysgol Heol Goffa so that I can hear their views directly.”

The Commissioner’s intervention adds significant weight to the campaign, which has been backed by parents, school staff, and local politicians. Her statement directly references the Estyn inspection report which campaigners have pointed to as clear evidence that a full-time nurse is required.

Ms Cifuentes highlighted that the issue at the Llanelli special school is part of a wider, systemic problem across Wales.

“Children with complex and life-limiting medical needs have the right to feel safe and properly supported in school, and their best interests must always come first. Last year we published a report examining the experiences of children and young people with disabilities in Wales. Within it, we found that many parents feel schools do not always have access to the specialist knowledge and medical expertise required to fully support their children.”

She confirmed that her office has already been raising the issue with Welsh Government officials, asking them to “strengthen the role of health in meeting the needs of children who have Additional Learning Needs or who are disabled.”

As reported previously, parents and staff at the school have been calling for a full-time nurse for five years. Anxious parents said they were “horrified” to discover the provision was not in place, while Llanelli Town Councillor Shaun Greaney warned the authorities were playing “Russian roulette with pupils’ lives.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board previously stated that it provides a “dedicated school nurse to meet their universal health needs” and offers training to school staff.

Drawing a parallel with a previous successful intervention, the Commissioner noted her office’s involvement in securing a new, modern building for the school, which was approved in July 2025 after her office sought assurances that children’s voices were being heard.

She concluded with a message of optimism, stating: “I hope that we can reach a similarly positive conclusion for the children and young people at Ysgol Heol Goffa this time.”

Political battle erupts as Llanelli Rural Council approves 8% council tax rise – bringing three-year increase to 47%

The decision will affect residents across communities outside Llanelli town centre, including Llwynhendy, Pemberton, Five Roads, Bynea, Dafen, Felinfoel, Swiss Valley, and Glyn.

Opposition councillors from Plaid Cymru and Independent groups condemned the decision, warning it will place a further burden on households during the ongoing cost of living crisis, following an “eye-watering” 32% increase last year.

But Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans hit back, claiming the opposition councillors themselves were responsible for driving up the precept by insisting on ward-specific projects – and accused them of hypocrisy for criticising allowances while earning approximately £20,000 per year as County Councillors.

Cllr Alex Evans, Leader of the Opposition, said the decision shows “the administration is out of touch with the priorities of ordinary residents.”

“People are already struggling to get by. Forcing them to pay almost 50% more in council tax than just three years ago is just not on — that is why we had to vote against the proposed budget tonight. Residents are being asked to pay more while council leaders spend on luxuries,” he said.

Opposition councillors also criticised continued spending on councillor attendance payments, along with a leased car and chauffeur to escort the Chair of Council to events. An optional attendance payment allows councillors to claim £15 for each meeting they attend, with several meetings lasting less than 10 minutes in 2025, and the shortest lasting only three minutes.

“Opposition councillors and residents will rightly question the judgement and priorities of Labour councillors after refusing to scrap attendance payments and return the leased car,” Cllr Evans added.

Opposition councillors contrasted the move with neighbouring Llanelli Town Council which voted to freeze its tax.

The council has since moved from being Labour-run to a new Independent administration and has committed to scrapping councillor payments.

Cllr Sharen Davies, Independent member who also voted against the budget, challenged the administration’s claim that the tax rise was driven in part by the Canolfan Llwynhendy project.

“This development has been funded largely through grants and partner support. It should not be used as a smokescreen to justify excessive tax rises. Llwynhendy residents deserve investment and improvements in our community,” she said.

“This tax hike is completely unacceptable and will put serious financial pressure on our residents. Labour must rethink this further tax increase and start cutting back on unnecessary luxuries.”

However, Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans strongly rejected the criticism, pointing out that the Council’s administration is a coalition of Labour, Independent, and Plaid Cymru members – not a solely Labour-led authority.

He said the current Council has inherited a significant backlog of issues from the previous administration’s “lack of foresight” when adopting numerous new projects and asset transfers.

Cllr Evans explained that last year’s 32% increase was driven by unavoidable commitments, including £107,000 required in the Llwynhendy/Pemberton Ward to complete the new Canolfan Llwynhendy build and to fund unexpected drainage works at Gwili Fields in Cllr Sharen Davies’s ward, recruitment of additional staff to support growing community facilities, and replacement of a grounds maintenance vehicle.

He said this year’s 8% rise primarily reflects investment in Plaid Cymru and Independent wards, including £40,000 for refurbishing a play area for the Five Roads/Glyn Ward – Cllr Alex Evans’s ward – and further investment in Canolfan Llwynhendy.

“It is important to note that had Councillors Alex Evans and Sharen Davies not insisted on these additional ward-specific projects, this year’s rise would have been closer to the general cost of living and would have eased financial pressure on local households. For a Band D property, the increase equates to 28 pence per week,” Cllr Evans said.

On the Chairperson’s car, he said the Council continues to maintain a car and driver because the Chair must represent the Council at numerous civic events across the community, and not all Chairpersons are able to drive. “This support ensures the Chair can fulfil the role effectively and inclusively,” he added.

Regarding councillor allowances, Cllr Evans said Llanelli Rural Council is one of the largest and most ambitious town and community councils in Wales, and as a result, councillors face increasing demand on their time to meet governance and regulatory requirements.

“The role is no longer entirely voluntary in practice. Members dedicate substantial time to reading agendas, reports, and background papers, in addition to attending meetings. The meeting allowance ensures councillors are not out of pocket for fulfilling their duties,” he said.

He added:

“It must also be acknowledged that the councillors quoted in the opposition press release are themselves County Councillors. County Councillors receive a basic salary of approximately £20,000 per year, and for context this is more than the rural council’s entire budget.”

The council’s administration said it remains committed to transparency, responsible financial management, and ensuring that all communities within the Council area benefit from sustained investment and high quality services.

‘Lives may be at risk’: Watchdog probe demanded over Llanelli special school nurse crisis

Teachers and teaching assistants at Ysgol Heol Goffa are being forced to give lifesaving and urgent medical aid to pupils because of the lack of an on-site nurse at all times, according to parents and staff.

Despite having training, campaigners say education staff are not fully qualified to treat vulnerable children with life-threatening and complex medical needs.

Anxious parent Hannah Coles, herself a qualified nurse, said:

“I fear not just for the life of my son, but for those of my friends’ children every day. Parents should not have to have such awful anxiety because they send their children to school.”

She said parents had been “horrified” to discover there is no full-time nurse on site.

“It came as a complete shock. We all assumed the nurse who calls in from time to time was full-time and based in school. That is what we need and are demanding from the Hywel Dda University Health Board,” said Hannah.

School headteacher Ceri Hopkins said she had been calling for a full-time nurse on-site for five years.

“The staff are not happy to be dealing with emergencies that could jeopardise the children. They do their best at all times, and will do whatever is required, but school staff should be teaching, not nursing.”

Now Llanelli Town councillor Shaun Greaney, who represents Lliedi ward where the school is located, has written to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales calling for her to ensure there is no future tragedy at the school, where more than a dozen children have life-limiting or severely complex medical conditions.

“What alarms and angers me is that these children could be condemned to an early death,” he said.

“That is why I have written to the Commissioner, Rocio Cifuentes, who is the highest authority in Wales, urging her to bring much-needed pressure on Hywel Dda University Health Board to employ a full-time nurse at the school without delay,” said Councillor Greaney.

“The parents say they have been lucky to date that a child has not died but the authorities cannot keep playing Russian roulette with pupils’ lives. Should a preventable and foreseeable tragedy happen, I believe it would be their fault,” he added.

In her letter to the Commissioner, Hannah said:

“My son is tube fed and requires rescue medication for Dystonia. He is life limited and is medically complex. Every day I send him to school I put enormous trust in the systems meant to keep him safe.

“I want to sincerely thank Councillor Shaun Greaney for bringing this issue to your attention. Many of us as parents feel frightened and unheard, and we are grateful that someone has spoken up on behalf of our children.

“The staff at the school are compassionate, dedicated and do their absolute best. I cannot praise them highly enough. But they are not nurses. They are not medically qualified to deal with complex and potentially life-threatening emergencies.”

Llanelli MS Lee Waters has written to Lynn Neagle, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Education, stating that there had been “limited senior engagement until very recently”.

He calls for her “support in raising the issue with Welsh Government officials and ensuring the necessary steps are taken to provide the school with the clinical support its pupils urgently require”.

He has also written to the chair of Hywel Dda, Dr Neil Wooding, expressing “deep concern” that Carmarthenshire County Council had been raising the lack of a full-time on-site nurse with the health authority for “several years”.

He says in the letter that the situation “warrants urgent attention and decisive action”.

In response, Hywel Dda University Health Board have said they are working with the school and county council to “understand the additional needs” of the school and staff following Estyn’s recommendations.

Sharon Daniel, the health board’s Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience said:

“The health and wellbeing of all children and young people is fundamental to their ability to learn, thrive and reach their potential, and is a priority for the Health Board. We support the children and young people at Ysgol Heol Goffa with a dedicated school nurse to meet their universal health needs, and through the provision of training for staff at the school.

“The Health Board provides specialist support, ensuring each child and young person with healthcare needs can be cared for competently and confidently within the school environment.

“The Health Board has taken on board the recommendations made by Estyn to the school and Carmarthenshire County Council and is working to understand the additional needs of the school and the staff. Through continued partnership working and a shared commitment to improvement, the Health Board will support ongoing actions to strengthen provision and ensure the best possible outcomes for the pupils and staff at Ysgol Heol Goffa.”

Racist not racist enough for the racists in #Llanelli.

#ReformUK #racism 🐸

https://nation.cymru/news/farages-pick-for-shadow-chancellor-ignored-locals-concerns-about-stradey-park-asylum-plan/

MS warns against ‘fear and lies’ over Stebonheath housing plan

The Labour MS said the claim, being shared by the “far‑right group” Voice of Wales, is “not true” and is not supported by any of the documents submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council.

In a Facebook post, Mr Waters said a respected housing association is working with a local developer “to turn the empty old Stebonheath School in Llanelli into small flats for local people to have a home – especially single parents currently living in B&Bs”.

He accused Voice of Wales of “trying to stir up trouble” and “spreading lies that the plan is for asylum seekers”, adding in capital letters: “THIS IS NOT TRUE.”

He said he understood that some residents would prefer the old school not to be developed, but insisted the application “should be decided by facts and by planning law, not by fear, division and lies”.

What the plans actually say

The application, reference PL/10217, seeks permission to convert the former Stebonheath Primary School building into 21 affordable homes. Planning documents state that 20 flats would be created in the main building and one in an attached cottage.

The Design and Access Statement, submitted by Caredig housing association and Swansea‑based Castell Group, says the scheme would provide 11 one‑bedroom flats and 10 two‑bedroom flats. It describes the development as “100% affordable housing” to be managed by a Registered Social Landlord and notes that the building has been vacant since mid‑2024 after efforts to find new commercial tenants failed.

The document sets the proposal firmly in the context of local housing need and Welsh Government policy for the Swansea Bay and Llanelli growth area. It refers to national planning guidance that encourages new homes in accessible locations close to jobs, schools and services. Nowhere in the application or supporting papers is there any reference to asylum accommodation.

Mr Waters said that across Wales “3,000 children [are] living in bed and breakfasts today… because they are on the waiting list for a home”, and highlighted a particular shortage of one‑ and two‑bedroom flats for councils to use. He argued that converting the long‑empty building into small flats for local people is one way of easing that pressure.

Voice of Wales’ record in the area

Voice of Wales has been active around contentious issues in south‑west Wales for several years. Swansea Bay News has previously reported that group co‑founder Dan Morgan received a suspended jail sentence for an insurance scam, and that the group urged parents to boycott a Llanelli school’s mosque visit in Swansea, prompting widespread criticism.

We have also covered disputes where the group was involved in claims about religion lessons at a Swansea primary school which the council later moved to correct, and a racism row linked to Cinema & Co in which the group denied allegations made against it. During the 2023 row over Home Office plans to use Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel for asylum seekers, Voice of Wales appeared at protests and Mr Waters has previously said members used aggressive language towards politicians and campaigners.

The group has consistently rejected accusations of racism and has defended its activities in past controversies.

Residents urged to check the portal

The Stebonheath application sits within a wider Welsh Government strategy that identifies Swansea Bay and Llanelli as a national growth area where new homes and investment are encouraged. The planning statement argues the site is well placed for walking, cycling and public transport, with schools, shops and employment within easy reach.

Mr Waters has encouraged residents to look at the plans themselves on Carmarthenshire County Council’s online planning portal by searching for application PL/10217, rather than relying on social media claims.

He said the future of the former school should be decided “by facts and by planning law”, not by those seeking to “stir up trouble” over what the development is for.

Campaigners call for bleed control kits in every Carmarthenshire school

The military‑grade kits, which have saved lives on battlefields and in major trauma incidents, are already widespread across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Hundreds have been installed through an initiative led by former High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Melanie James and the Heartbeat Trust charity.

Llanelli town councillor Shaun Greaney says Carmarthenshire needs to catch up — and fast.

He said the kits could be rolled out across every primary school in the county for less than £10,000, adding that the price of a single kit is just £95.

“Llanelli and Carmarthenshire is lagging behind our neighbours,” he said. “The lives of adults and children here could be saved at a price of just £95 per kit. For less than £10,000 all 94 Carmarthenshire primary schools could get that extra protection.”

Thirteen secondary schools in the county have recently received kits thanks to sponsorship from Morgan Laroche solicitors. Several Llanelli businesses and residents have also bought kits for vehicles and private defibrillator cabinets.

Greaney said Llanelli Town Council had already installed kits in its nine defibrillator cabinets, most of them outside community centres and public buildings. He hopes other councils and community groups will follow.

‘These kits save lives’

The push for bleed control kits in Wales was inspired by the work of the Daniel Baird Foundation, set up after 26‑year‑old Daniel Baird was stabbed to death in Birmingham in 2017. It was later established that his life may have been saved if a publicly accessible kit had been available.

Melanie James, now a trustee of the Heartbeat Trust, said catastrophic bleeding can happen in many ways — not just violence.

She said: “Catastrophic bleeds can happen after a car accident, a work‑related injury or a fall. There are 30,000 bleed control kits in England and just hundreds in our part of Wales. I think they should be available in all secondary schools.”

James said the charity also provides awareness sessions to give people confidence in using the kits.

“In less than an hour people will be equipped with skills that could save a life,” she said.

Free training sessions announced

Free CPR, defibrillator and bleed control kit training will take place at:

• Wesleyan Community Hall, Campbell Street, Morfa – Tuesday 24 February, 6–7pm
• Paddock Street Hall, off Station Road, Llanelli – Monday 16 March

To book a place, residents can contact Llanelli Town Council on 01554 774352.

Llanelli groups urged to bid for Armed Forces Day funding as UK Government opens £500k pot

Dame Nia Griffith MP — a former Shadow Defence Secretary during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership — says she will support local organisations applying for a share of the funding, which is designed to help towns and communities celebrate serving personnel, veterans and military families.

Up to £10,000 available for local events

The UK Labour Government says the grants, worth up to £10,000 per event, are aimed at strengthening links between the public and the armed forces. According to the Government, Armed Forces Week is part of its wider plan to “deepen connection between society and our forces”.

Events can include community picnics, barbecues, musical performances, parades, stands run by local military units and veterans’ charities, hands‑on activities and talks from serving personnel. Applications close on 30 March 2026.

Dame Nia said she wants to see Llanelli groups take full advantage.

Dame Nia Griffith MP said:

“The people of Llanelli proudly back our armed forces community. I’m delighted this government is helping to fund these important events and I will do whatever I can to support local bids so our whole community can come together.”

She added that she regularly attends Armed Forces Day, Remembrance and other military events, and looks forward to celebrating again in June.

Government says funding is part of wider commitment

The Government says the grants form part of a broader package of support, including a £9bn programme to repair and renew forces’ housing, the biggest pay rise in two decades, and extending the armed forces covenant.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe. In June we look forward to coming together as a proud nation to celebrate Armed Forces Day, and I want this funding to help make this year the best yet.”

He urged groups to apply and register their events so the Government can help promote them.

Armed Forces Day returns after being halted in 2023

This year’s Armed Forces Day takes place on 27 June, following a week of celebrations starting on 22 June. It is only the second national event since 2023.

The Government says Armed Forces Day events bring tourism, investment and opportunities for people to learn more about military careers.

Local groups can find full details and apply for funding at: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-own-event/apply-for-funding/

Swansea man jailed after sending sexual messages to decoy accounts while in hospital

A judge said it was “mindboggling” that 43‑year‑old Adrian Fine had been engaging in sexual conversations from his hospital bed, and concluded the risk he posed could not be safely managed in the community.

Fine, originally from Llanelli but subsequently living in bed and breakfast accommodation on Oystermouth Road in Swansea, contacted three social media profiles in March 2025, believing they belonged to girls aged 13 and 14. The accounts were actually decoys run by members of an online “paedophile hunter” group, who later passed the material to South Wales Police.

Sexual messages sent from hospital

Swansea Crown Court heard that Fine sent a series of explicit messages over several days, discussed sexual acts, asked intimate questions and requested images. He repeatedly referred to himself as “daddy” and told the profiles to keep the conversations secret so he would not “get into trouble”.

He also suggested meeting one of the supposed girls once he was discharged from hospital.

Members of the online group later created a fake Facebook profile pretending to be an old school friend in order to obtain Fine’s address. Police arrested him shortly afterwards. He admitted the messages were “wrong”.

‘Clearly a threat to children’

South Wales Police said Fine believed he was speaking to children throughout the conversations.

Detective Constable Kelly Hurley, South Wales Police, said:

“Adrian Fine was fully of the belief that the accounts he was messaging belonged to children. It remains staggering that there are people like Fine out there who will be told that they are talking to a child and yet still persist in attempting to have a sexual conversation.

“He is clearly a threat to children and so it is therefore only right that he is going to prison.”

Judge: behaviour was ‘mindboggling’

The court heard Fine had no previous convictions and had worked in theatre production for more than a decade. His barrister said he had lost his home, relationship and family support following the offending and was now living in temporary accommodation.

Judge Geraint Walters said he had “rarely read such a disappointing pre‑sentence report”, noting Fine had offered “not a word of explanation” and denied having a sexual interest in children. The judge said he had been driven to the conclusion that Fine had a “deep‑rooted sexual interest in young teenage girls”.

Fine pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He was jailed for 12 months, with all sentences to run concurrently. He will serve up to half the term in custody before being released on licence.

He was also made subject to a 10‑year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the sex offenders register for the same period.

Much‑loved Llanelli taproom The Tinhouse to close this month as hospitality pressures mount

Craft beer taproom to shut just under three years after opening

The Tinhouse opened in March 2023 as the taproom for Tinworks Brewing Co., the Llanelli microbrewery founded in 2017 and based in Trostre. In the time since, it has become known for its craft beer, wood‑fired pizzas and smash burgers, building a loyal following in the town centre.

In a message to customers, the owners said the hospitality industry had become “an increasingly tough place to operate”, with higher costs and less disposable income hitting independent venues hardest.

They said the decision to close had “not been taken lightly” and thanked regulars, suppliers and staff for their support.

Sale agreed with Carmarthenshire Council

The owners confirmed they have agreed a sale of the taproom building to Carmarthenshire Council. They said the deal strengthens their position and will allow the site to be incorporated into the council’s wider regeneration plans for the town centre, including the redevelopment of the market.

Tinworks Brewing Co. will continue to operate from its Trostre brewery. Only the taproom is closing.

Another blow for Llanelli’s food and drink scene

The closure adds to a difficult period for hospitality in the town. Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants shut on the same day earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of memories from customers.

It also follows warnings from CAMRA that Welsh pubs still face closure despite new business rates relief, and comes shortly after the Welsh Government announced further support for pubs and restaurants following concerns about an unfair gap with England.

More food & drink news

Latest hospitality stories
Explore more updates on local pubs, cafés, restaurants and the pressures facing the food and drink sector.

“Come in, have a drink, share a memory”

The Tinhouse team said:

“We’ve made the incredibly difficult decision that the Tinhouse will be closing its doors on 21 February. The hospitality industry has become an increasingly tough place to operate, with rising costs, changing habits, and less disposable income affecting so many independent venues.

We’d love to see as many of you as possible over the next few weeks. Come in, have a drink, share a memory, and help us give the Tinhouse the send‑off it deserves.”

The taproom will continue trading until 21 February.

More news from Llanelli

Latest updates from Llanelli
Catch up with more stories from across the town, including closures, regeneration projects and community news.

Row erupts in Llanelli as councillors trade blows over ‘watered‑down’ Skip Day plan

The dispute follows Llanelli Town Council’s decision to back a pilot “Skip Day” scheme aimed at helping residents dispose of bulky waste and cut down on illegal dumping. But behind the scenes, the debate has turned into a full‑blown political scrap over who is to blame for the town’s mounting rubbish problem — and who should pay to fix it.

Labour group leader David Darkin, who submitted the original motion, said fly‑tipping in Llanelli had reached “unacceptable levels” and accused the Plaid‑led Carmarthenshire County Council of failing to get a grip on waste and enforcement.

He said the motion only passed after being softened by Independent group leader Sean Rees, whose members outnumber Labour on the town council.

“Labour does not hold a majority,” he said. “The motion could not have passed without Councillor Rees, who insisted on weakening the language calling out county‑level failure. I accepted the amended wording because securing action was better than letting the motion fall — but the underlying problem hasn’t gone away.”

Darkin said residents were being “let down twice” — first by fly‑tipping, and then by a county system he says isn’t working.

Labour colleague Shaun Greaney went further, accusing Plaid of being “to blame” for the mess and branding the Independent amendment “ineffective” and “feeble”.

“Residents are sick of rubbish piling up,” he said. “Plaid are in power in County Hall and seem oblivious to the concerns of residents. Councillor Rees and former Labour councillor Sarah Evans backed a scaled‑back plan that lets the county council off the hook. It’s a betrayal of residents’ real concerns.”

But Independents Sean Rees and Sarah Evans hit back hard, accusing Labour of proposing a scheme that would have landed residents with higher bills during a cost‑of‑living crisis.

They said the unamended Skip Day plan could have cost “up to £100,000 a year”, calling it “financially reckless”.

“Either Labour have found a magic money tree, or they were prepared to push the Town Council to financial ruin,” they said in a joint statement.

They also accused Labour of political timing, saying the party had “years to address fly‑tipping” and was only now treating it as an emergency “with elections on the horizon”.

“Residents already pay enough council tax for waste collection,” they said. “We were not prepared to see them pay twice for the same service. Our amendment was responsible, evidence‑led and sustainable.”

The Skip Day pilot will now go ahead — but the political fallout shows no sign of being tidied away.

Fried chicken frenzy as Popeyes lands in Llanelli with 14‑hour queue

Llanelli was buzzing long before sunrise on Saturday as Popeyes threw open its doors at Parc Trostre, drawing one of the longest fast‑food queues the town has ever seen. The US fried chicken chain officially opened at 11am — but the first customers had already been waiting for 14 hours.

Among them was Ernie, who turned up at 9pm on Friday armed with determination and an appetite.

“I arrived at 9pm,” he said. “I heard about the giveaways and was really excited to try Popeyes.”

He wasn’t alone for long. Henry, who spotted the opening on Instagram, joined the queue soon after.

“I saw Popeyes in America, so I thought I’d come down to see what it was all about,” he said. “I joined Ernie and we made friends in the queue.”

By the time the shutters lifted, the line stretched across Parc Trostre Retail Park, with fans shrugging off the rain for a taste of the chain’s famous Louisiana‑style chicken.

The Llanelli branch — the fifth Popeyes to open in Wales — sits at Unit 15, just a short walk from the Scarlets’ stadium. It seats 74 diners and has created 81 new jobs locally.

Inside, customers were greeted with the brand’s signature menu: the cult‑favourite Chicken Sandwich, hot wings, tenders and wraps, all made with fresh chicken marinated for 12 hours in Popeyes’ Louisiana seasoning before being hand‑breaded for what the chain calls its “shatter‑crunch”.

Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said the Llanelli launch showed once again how strong the appetite is for the brand in Wales.

“We’re really pleased to have opened our fifth restaurant in Wales,” he said. “Once again, fans in Wales have shown us how much love there is for Popeyes, and the Llanelli opening marks another exciting step in our growth journey. As always, the energy was amazing, and it’s a great feeling to bring the spirit of New Orleans to Llanelli.”

The opening follows recent launches in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, with the chain rapidly expanding across the UK.

For Ernie and Henry — and the hundreds who queued behind them — the wait was all part of the fun.

“It was worth it,” Henry said. “And we made friends along the way.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Popeyes confirms Llanelli opening date
The chain revealed launch plans — including free chicken for the first 100 customers.

Popeyes to open at Parc Trostre after Pizza Hut closure
The Louisiana‑style chain moved into the former Pizza Hut unit at Parc Trostre.

Popeyes marks 100th UK store with giveaway
Swansea fans were among those treated to freebies as the chain hit a major milestone.

18‑hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
Fans camped overnight as the US chain launched its first Swansea restaurant.

Popeyes to open Swansea restaurant in former Topshop
The brand transformed the old Topshop unit ahead of its city centre debut.

Llanelli backs ‘Skip Day’ plan to tackle fly‑tipping scourge — with councillors insisting: ‘Charge the offenders, not the community’

The plan, which will now be developed into a fully costed pilot, could see skips placed at key locations on set days to give people a simple, legal way to dispose of bulky waste. Councillors say the move could help cut down on the sofas, mattresses and household junk that regularly appear in hotspots across the town.

Town Council leader Cllr David Darkin, who brought the original motion forward ahead of this week’s meeting, said the scale of fly‑tipping had become impossible to ignore.

“Fly‑tipping and rubbish are blighting communities across Llanelli, and residents are rightly frustrated,” he said. “Waste services are a county council responsibility, but… we continue to see problems go unresolved locally.”

Cllr Darkin said the Town Council “cannot simply stand by”, adding that a Skip Day scheme “will not solve everything, but it provides a much‑needed outlet for residents and begins to tackle an issue that is being ignored at County level.”

His motion was co‑signed by Cllr Shaun Greaney, who said residents were being pushed into difficult situations.

“Residents want to do the right thing, but when services do not work properly, it leads to frustration and illegal dumping,” he said.

He added that councillors were “stepping up to try and bridge that gap and give communities some immediate relief.”

Cross‑party amendment tightens the plan

When the proposal reached the council meeting on Wednesday (4 February), Independent councillors backed the idea but pushed for a more tightly controlled pilot — one that is fully costed, time‑limited and evidence‑led before any long‑term commitment is made.

Their amendment, which secured support from across the chamber, also calls for safeguards to prevent commercial or illegal dumping and for officers to explore partnership working with enforcement teams.

Independent members said the principle was clear: “Charge the offenders — not the community.”

What happens next

Town Council officers will now draw up a detailed pilot scheme, including potential locations, costs, environmental considerations and enforcement measures. A report will return to councillors once the work is complete.

Shared frustration over fly‑tipping

Despite political differences over how the scheme should be developed, councillors from all groups agreed that fly‑tipping has become a serious and growing problem across Llanelli.

Members said residents deserve clean streets and fair treatment — and that those responsible for dumping rubbish should be the ones paying for it.

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Llanelli handed £20m lifeline as decade‑long regeneration drive targets town’s most deprived communities

Tyisha, Glanymor and Llanelli town centre will share the cash over the next decade in what ministers say is a bid to “rebuild community pride” and help neighbourhoods that have been left behind.

The area — home to nearly 14,000 people — ranks among the 20% most deprived in Wales, with Tyisha 1 listed as the sixth most deprived neighbourhood in Wales for community safety. Deprivation is also high across income, employment, health and education.

‘People here have been ignored for too long’

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said: “I am pleased to have been able to secure this additional £20m of long‑term investment for Llanelli which these communities can now use to address issues that they raise with me day‑in, day‑out.

“It will be for the people who live there to decide how this money will be spent, based on what they feel is most important — whether it be improving the places that their families live, work and grow up in, supporting better local facilities and community organisations, helping people access skills and training or making our streets safer, cleaner and more welcoming.”

She said residents had been “overlooked for far too long” and needed a fair deal that reflected their priorities, not someone else’s.

New Neighbourhood Board to take control

A new Neighbourhood Board will now be created to oversee the project. It will include Carmarthenshire Council representatives, Dame Nia Griffith, local residents, community leaders and businesses.

Griffith urged people to get involved. “I can’t stress enough how important it will be for everyone living and working in these areas — as well as the wider Llanelli community who want to help revive our town centre — to make their voices heard over the next few months,” she said.

“I will be insisting residents are involved in the decision‑making process throughout so that it properly reflects their needs and delivers the improvements and the fair deal they rightfully deserve.”

Crime, deprivation and a town centre in decline

The targeted area includes Tyisha, the core of Glanymor and Llanelli town centre — a stretch long associated with anti‑social behaviour, empty units and stalled regeneration schemes.

Officials say the town centre remains the “functional economic area” for the wider community, linking key regeneration sites including the route to Pentre Awel via Llanelli railway station.

The funding is expected to focus on community safety, cleaner streets, better facilities, skills and training, and support for local organisations — but the final priorities will be set by residents.

Part of a wider regional funding battle

The £20m for Llanelli comes from the UK Government’s Pride in Place scheme — a nationwide programme aimed at reviving struggling neighbourhoods and restoring pride in local communities. But across South West Wales, the rollout has already sparked fierce debate over how the money should be carved up and who gets to decide where it goes.

In Neath Port Talbot, councillors have backed a decade‑long regeneration plan for the Upper Afan Valley, while Carmarthenshire’s allocation has triggered political clashes over transparency and control. Swansea MPs have also warned that Pride in Place funding must be shaped by residents, not handed down from above, with calls for open decision‑making and clear priorities.

Against that backdrop, Llanelli’s £20m package becomes the latest test of whether the decade‑long programme can deliver real change — and whether local people will genuinely be put in charge.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Upper Afan Valley lined up for £20m boost
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Major overhaul planned for Llanelli’s Halfway lights as council sets out sweeping junction redesign

The A4138 is the main route between the M4 at Junction 48 in Hendy and Llanelli, carrying thousands of vehicles a day into the town. The Halfway lights sit right in the middle of that corridor — and the council says the layout has become a major choke point.

The authority has now published early designs for a full overhaul of the A4138 Halfway Traffic Signals, the crossroads linking the main road with Glyncoed Terrace, Llandafen Road and the Pemberton Retail Park. The junction is widely seen as one of the area’s worst pinch points, with long queues building in both directions during peak hours.

Road widening, new bus gate and redesigned signals

According to the council, the A4138 southbound would be widened to create a longer right‑turn lane into Llandafen Road — a move officials say would ease the regular tailbacks outside Morrisons and the retail park.

A new bus lane and bus gate is also proposed on the Parc Pemberton exit road. The council says this would give buses priority leaving the retail park, though the impact on general traffic has not yet been publicly detailed.

The junction itself would be reshaped, with kerbline changes, traffic island alterations and a revised signal layout designed to increase capacity and shorten waiting times.

New crossing and Active Travel link

One of the most visible changes would be a new controlled pedestrian crossing on Glyncoed Terrace, along with the removal and relocation of several guardrails, signal poles and lighting columns.

A new shared‑use walking and cycling path is also planned along the A4138 southbound, creating a direct link into the wider Llanelli Active Travel Spinal Route. That includes the recently opened Phil Bennett Active Travel bridge, now a key crossing point on the town’s growing walking and cycling network. The council says the Halfway junction upgrade is intended to “tie in” with that route and finally close a long‑identified gap in the area’s Active Travel connections.

Smart sensors already tracking traffic

Engineers from AtkinsRéalis, who have been appointed to design the scheme, are using data from smart traffic sensors installed at the junction since June 2024. The sensors track vehicle movements and pedestrian activity, giving designers a real‑time picture of how the junction currently behaves.

The council says the modelling shows how the extended right‑turn lane and revised signal timings could reduce delays at peak times, though full modelling results have not yet been published.

Design work due to begin within months

The council says detailed design work is expected to begin later this year. Construction would depend on funding approval from the Welsh Government and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.

Officials describe the upgrade as necessary to tackle congestion, improve safety and modernise the junction, though the final design and timeline remain subject to funding and public feedback.

Popeyes confirms Llanelli opening date – with free chicken for the first 100 customers

The US fried chicken brand announced the opening date today, confirming the new restaurant will launch at 11am at Parc Trostre Retail Park. Popeyes said the Llanelli site will be its fifth Welsh restaurant following openings in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.

To mark what the company describes as its “first Welsh opening of 2026”, Popeyes says it will offer a series of giveaways on launch day. According to the chain, the first three people in the queue will receive free Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches for a year. The first 50 customers will receive branded merchandise, and the first 100 will be given a free Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.

Popeyes said the queue will officially open at 9am. The company pointed to its Swansea launch last autumn, where it claims some customers queued for 18 hours to be among the first through the door.

The chain says the Llanelli menu will include its signature Chicken Sandwich, wraps, hot wings and tenders, all made with fresh chicken marinated for 12 hours in its Louisiana seasoning blend and hand‑breaded for what it calls its “shatter‑crunch”. Sides will include Mac & Cheese, gravy and smoky beans.

Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer Tom Crowley said:

“The excitement from Welsh fans never disappoints. Last autumn, our Swansea opening saw 18‑hour queues, following other successful launches in Cardiff and Newport. Opening our fifth restaurant in Wales is another key step in our growth journey, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Llanelli diners on the 7th February.”

The company says the new restaurant will seat 74 people and create 81 jobs locally. It will open in Unit 15 at Parc Trostre, replacing the former Pizza Hut site.

The Llanelli launch follows months of anticipation after Swansea Bay News first reported the chain’s plans for the town and its wider South Wales expansion.

Popeyes will hold a preview evening on 6 February, with the company inviting media and local guests to sample the menu ahead of opening day.

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Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day as customers share heartbreak

The Bryngwyn in Pwll, a family‑run favourite for more than 20 years, told customers this afternoon that its temporary January shutdown would now become permanent. The restaurant had closed on New Year’s Day, blaming rising costs and a quiet start to the year, but today confirmed it would not reopen.

The announcement triggered a wave of emotion online, with more than 200 comments from customers sharing memories of birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings held at the restaurant.

Joanne Palmer said her family had enjoyed “so many lovely meals” over the last decade, recalling how staff were “amazing” when they celebrated her father’s 80th birthday. Sarah Jayne Davies described The Bryngwyn as one of her family’s “favourite places”, while Teresa Kelly said it had been “a big part of Pwll for many years”.

Others spoke of the personal significance the venue held. Carla Walters said it had been her late mother’s favourite restaurant, with every family celebration held there. “It’s an end of an era for our family,” she wrote. “You will be missed.”

But in a double blow for the town’s hospitality scene, long‑established Indian restaurant Ali Raj also confirmed its closure today — marking the end of 26 years in business. The owners posted a simple video of the lights being switched off for the final time.

The reaction was immediate and heartfelt. Keith Thomas said he was “absolutely gutted”, calling Ali Raj his go‑to place for a fantastic meal. Jeff Evans described it as an “awesome restaurant” with attentive staff, while Sandra Davies said it had felt like “a second home”.

Many customers spoke of decades of memories. Eileen Milligan thanked the team for “happy memories” and friendships formed over the years. Alma Davies said she had been going there for 26 years, calling it her favourite Indian restaurant. Cheryl North said she and her family had been regulars since the first weeks of opening, becoming close friends with the owners.

The closures come amid mounting pressure on the hospitality sector, with rising costs, staffing challenges and changing customer habits hitting independent businesses across Wales. For many in Llanelli, today’s announcements mark the loss of two venues that shaped family traditions, celebrations and community life.

As customers continue to share memories and messages of thanks, both restaurants leave behind loyal followings — and a sense that a chapter of Llanelli’s dining scene has come to an end.

Rail chaos hits Swansea as 12‑day shutdown begins — passengers warned to expect long delays

The closure — running from Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, with an additional full shutdown on Sunday 8 February — has been confirmed by Network Rail, which says engineers will be working “around the clock” on the Landore Viaduct and the surrounding track.

Network Rail says the work involves renewing rails, sleepers, switches, crossings and points, as well as refurbishing the viaduct structure that carries trains over the River Tawe. The organisation describes the upgrades as “vital” to keeping services safe and reliable.

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales & Borders Route Director, said the closure was unavoidable:

“We’re carrying out vital track renewal work and refurbishing Landore Viaduct to improve the reliability of the railway for passenger and freight services. To complete this work safely, we need to close the railway between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea. We’re sorry for the disruption this will cause.”

The history of Landore Viaduct

Landore Viaduct first opened in 1850 as part of the South Wales Railway engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The original structure was built largely from timber and carried trains across the River Tawe into Swansea.

The viaduct was rebuilt in the late 19th century as rail traffic increased, replacing the timber superstructure with stronger materials. Further modernisation took place in the 1970s, leaving only a handful of Brunel’s original masonry piers still visible today.

For more than 170 years, the viaduct has remained a key route for passenger and freight services travelling in and out of Swansea, linking the city to the wider South Wales Main Line.

The shutdown means no trains at all between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea for most of the next 12 days. Both Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway say their services will be heavily affected, with replacement buses running throughout the closure.

TfW says passengers should expect longer journeys and changes to connections, with some early‑morning and late‑evening services diverted or curtailed. Services to West Wales will continue to run, but many will start or finish at different stations than usual.

Colin Lea, TfW’s Planning and Performance Director, said:

“These essential works are an important investment in making the railway more reliable for years to come. We know disruption is frustrating and we’re grateful to customers for bearing with us.”

GWR has confirmed that its London Paddington services will now start and finish at Port Talbot instead of Swansea for most of the closure period. Some trains will not run at all on Friday 6 February because rolling stock will be out of position.

Passengers travelling through Gowerton face additional disruption because a low bridge prevents full‑size coaches from serving the station. Smaller buses are being used, meaning passengers heading beyond Swansea will need to change vehicles at the station before continuing their journey.

The disruption will intensify again this coming weekend, with buses replacing trains between Cardiff, Bridgend and Swansea on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, and further changes on Sunday 8 February.

Despite the upheaval, Swansea Station itself remains open, with ticketing, toilets and refreshments available as normal.

With the closure now underway, thousands of commuters are bracing for delays, packed buses and longer journeys — and hoping the promised improvements will justify the disruption.

Jack and the Beanstalk. Y Ffwrnes. #tickets #llanelli #uktheatre #panto https://www.uktw.co.uk/L0435516649/