Pontyberem
Keith Evans
43 Brandyway, Pontyberem. 01269 871955 keithevans806@btinternet.com
Free flu vaccinations Prior to the Welsh Government’s official expansion of the NHS free flu jab winter scheme to include those aged from 50 the Coalbrook Road Surgery issued the following guide to begin in October: “Due to the pandemic the surgery has reorganised flu clinics. All eligible patients have had letters inviting them to make an appointment to have a flu vaccination. Eligible groups being over 65 or those reaching that age by March 31, 2021, and those under 65 in a clinical risk group.” The GP practice regretted the service is unable to run open clinics as in previous years. To adhere to social distancing rules flu clinics will be held in the Memorial Hall.
New pharmacy times The local chemist is to change trading hours from October 12. Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 1pm; open after lunch from 2pm to 5.30pm. Up to October 9 the store operates until 6pm. A queueing zone outside sets a limit of two customers in store at a time.
Thanks to Dai Community councillors have praised on behalf of villagers for the voluntary park cleaning work performed by Mr Dai Bennet. The former miner has been bagging refuse and litter most mornings in the community park for the benefit of its visitors. In addition Mr Bennet, of Ffordd Aneurin, is to be seen scrupulously weeding areas of the park to upkeep its high reputation.
Gift card scam Dyfed-powys Police Cyber Crime Unit advises locals to be aware of an online internet criminal confidence scam. Messages falsely claiming that councillors are emailing constituents asking for gift cards to be bought online is fraudulent.
More speeding dangers Community councillor Richard Selwood has compiled more incidents of drivers speeding along the main roads of Pontyberem. Councillor Selwood, in addition to his speed reading surveys in Furnace Terrace and Heol Y Banc, took time to record excess speeding along Station Road and Heol Capel Ifan in August. In a two-hour period covering the 30mph zone along Station Road he recorded 83 vehicles exceeding 40 mph, including 13 going above 50mph with three vehicles travelling above 60mph. Along Heol Capel Ifan in a half hour survey Councillor Selwood recorded a total of 154 vehicles during that time, with just 57 were observing the legal speed limit; 30 exceeded 40mph with a top speed of 52 mph recorded. Councillor Selwood’s reports have been forwarded to the county highways authority and to County Councillor Liam Bowen for official speed checks to be conducted and traffic management plans to slow speeds down. Payphone consultation BT, who operate the payphone in Coalbrook Road, by the Memorial Hall, have identified it as not used enough and seek to remove it. The public consultation ends on Sunday. Anyone wishes to comment in favour of it being kept they can email bt. authorisation.team@bt.com
Hump concerns In the recent resurfacing of Heol Y Park there have been widespread concern at the acute angle of the road hump near the community park entrance. Community councillors have asked that road engineers reinstate the original hump gradient which was less severe while slowing traffic down. Particular worry was expressed for high speed emergency vehicles coming to grief as a result of the severe hump; County Councillor Liam Bowen promised to address the concerns.
Electric vehicle recharge points The county council introduced a dual electric/ hybrid vehicle recharging point near the entrance of Pontyberem park in the summer. Community councillors have asked for the details of how the service is to be managed, monitored and maintained. Bilingual operating instructions are on the recharge points, Inquiries to the county council on 01267 234567.
Post Office times Pontyberem Post Office, located in CKS Supermarket, has changed its operating times to 8am to 8pm seven days a week.