Trimsaran

requests should be placed in the letterbox of Meddygfa’r Tymbl and in the box at Cross Hands Surgery. The medication will be available at the pharmacy you choose, either in Tumble or Cross Hands, but you are asked to allow 72 hours for the prescription to be ready.

Recycling facility This facility which was located at the Drefach Cricket Club has been closed. Please note that if you leave anything at the site of the former facility, it will be regarded as fly-tipping, which carries a hefty fine.

Capel Seion There will be no services or meetings until further notice. Defibrillator Local residents are reminded that there is a village defibrillator outside Tanya’s Hairdressers in Heol Ty Isaf for emergencies. Instructions for its use and an intercom for medical guidance are within the coded secure unit. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Drefach Park Whilst the Children’s Corner is closed, the remainder of the park and the perimeter walkways are open. It is saddening to hear reports that the gate ties into the Children’s Corner have been broken and both children and adults have been seen in the closed area. Also, that dogs have been seen in this area, which is strictly forbidden. The relevant authorities have been notified. Open again Y Pot Blodyn Garden Centre at the National Botanic Garden is now open from 10am to 5pm every day. So, if you want to stock up on plants, peat-free compost, seeds, pots and other garden items, do go along. Admission is free. The main garden, the coffee shop, the second-hand book shop and the toilets are closed.

Kidwelly

Carys Edwards

07465 891557 carysedwards45@gmail.com

Kidwelly & Mynyddygarreg Community Action Response: Covid-19 We are a group of volunteers that are here to offer support and help during this coronavirus health crisis for the people of Kidwelly and Mynydd-yGarreg. At present we can offer support through the internet or if you prefer on the telephone to alleviate loneliness and worry should you need to self-isolate. Also at present, we can offer a door drop-off service for provisions should you run out. We are aware that many groups, organisations and events have been stopped or cancelled, particularly for older people. We are here should you feel worried or lonely. This is going to take a collective effort and it starts here. Please contact 07789 969893, 07789 510222 or 07552 204424 or email kidwelly mynyddcommunity@outlook.com.

Five things you can do to make a difference in your community now and always – think of others, consider your actions and be kind; connect and reach out to your neighbours; make the most of local groups; support vulnerable or isolated people; share accurate information and advice.

Councillor surgery As the monthly surgeries are cancelled due to the current situation, county councillor Jeanette Gilasbey wishes to advise that she is still available to any members of the community wishing to discuss any concerns or issues that need addressing. Please contact either via email jgilasbey@ carmarthenshire.gov.uk or telephone 01554 892729.

Kidwelly in Bloom 2020 For those wishing to enter this year’s competion, forms will be available from Castle News, Bridge Street, or Kidwelly Post Office, Station Road, at the end of June. There will be four categories – best front garden over 25ft; best front garden under 25ft ; best hanging baskets and best display of pots/containers. Date for judging will either be the end of July or beginning of August and will be confirmed ASAP. Birthday Mrs C Hughes (formerly of Mace Stores) will be celebrating her 95th birthday on June 30. Very best wishes are sent to her from all her family and friends in the community.

Recycling bags Kidwelly Co-op is now a temporary outlet for stock of the blue recycling bags during the coronavirus pandemic, established in line with current government guidance. Only one roll per customer will be given. They will be delivered annual in September to householders. For an A-Z of recycling and further information please visit carmarthenshire.gov.wales

Pontyberem

Keith Evans

43 Brandyway, Pontyberem. 01269 871955 keithevans806@btinternet.com

Food bank proposed At their internet meeting on June 11 Pontyberem community councillors approved of approaches being made for grant aid to establish and run a community food bank. It was proposed that the council and Menter would jointly operate such a scheme. Despite the fall in coronavirus cases the likelihood of severe local economic pressures in future would require help with food provision to an increasing number of villagers. Pharmacy Pontyberem’s pharmacy is open Monday to Wednesday and on Friday from 9am to noon, then 2pm until 6pm; on a Thursday 9am to noon, then from 2pm to 5.30pm. A queueing zone operates to restrict the shop to serving one customer at a time.

CKs The village supermarket operates from 7am to 8pm seven days a week. Currently the store allows up to 10 shoppers in at one time. Hours of the Post Office in CKs are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, lunch break 12.30pm to 1pm; Saturday 9am to noon; closed Sunday. Pontyberem defibrillator There is a defibrillator for 999 emergency use at the front of Pontyberem Memorial Hall. Instructions on its use and an intercom for medical direction are within the coded secure unit. It is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Village volunteers Pontyberem Community Council is helping vulnerable villagers, especially the elderly, with shopping and keeping in touch during the corona virus emergency. Users of the service are asked, if possible, to preferably give advanced notice of their needs. Inquires on 07415355659 or e-mail cyngorcymunedpontyberem@gmail.com

Alma Davies

72 Heol Llanelli, Trimsaran. 01554 810706

Plas y Sarn It is with regret that Plas y Sarn leisure centre will be closed for the time being due to coronavirus. We will be naturally taking guidance from the government as to the re-opening. We are very sorry and we thank you for all your continued support.

Sardis Ni fydd oedfaon i aelodau yn cael eu cynnal yng Nghapel Sardis oherwydd y feirws. Byddwch yn ddiogel. Ty Golau It is with regret that Ty Golau Mynyddygarreg and Llanelli has had to cancel all sessions for the near future due to the spread of coronavirus. We will be naturally watching the news very closely and will inform our service users and carers of any changes in procedures. For more information contact Jan Lewis on 01554 890896 or 07807 343245 or email info@tygolau.org.uk.

Tumble

Lesley Williams

lesleywms@tiscali.co.uk

Walking spaces Now that there are fewer opportunities for exercise, many more people are looking for traffic free places to walk. While the cycle track is a wonderful asset, there are many public footpaths in Tumble and in Llannon and Cross Hands. There is a map on Llannon Community Council’s website. Public footpaths in the county are the responsibility of Carmarthenshire Council and the county wants to hear your views on improving access for walking and cycling in Carmarthenshire. https://crowd. in/tZAlK9 Of course, lots of people enjoy strolling with their dogs in Mynydd Mawr Park in Tumble and, hopefully, some time soon, children will be able to use new swings and other play equipment there. It’s a pity some dog owners do not clean up after their ‘best friends’. The community council park keepers have the disgusting experience of flying dog waste as they mow the grass in all six of the council parks. Dog mess is left in parks, on the cycle track, our lanes, pavements and in the Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park on the circular walk and on the woodland paths. Most people are aware of the health hazard to adults and especially to children, so please spread the message not the dirt: bag it and bin it!

Upper Gwendraeth Valley Food Bank This food bank has been set up to support individuals or families who have been affected economically by the

Covid-19 pandemic. It can help you, or someone you know, if you have become unemployed as a result of the pandemic, been placed on furlough, lost income because of reduced hours or are self-employed and waiting for benefits’ Based in Tumble Hall, it serves the north of the Gwendraeth Valley from Gorslas to Ponthenri and food parcels will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Please contact 01269 841213 (option7) or speak to Sue James, Llannon Community Council’s development officer, 07832187600. Sue can tell you more about this or the food bank/ foodshare in Cross Hands. Neuadd y Tymbl Ar gau. NB: Meals on Wheels still available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call Mandy on 07806 340188. Cymunedau Mynydd Mawr Communities is the Facebook page of Llannon Community Council. You will find information there that may be of use to you in these difficult times. ‘Pinned’ to top of the page, for example, is a list of shops, pubs, cafes, offering delivery. Carmarthenshire Citizens Advice Citizens Advice may be able to help you with problems and currently has 21 advisers working from home and who are available to deal with telephone queries from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 2pm on Friday. Debt, 01267 231275; welfare benefits, 01267 231742; Universal Credit, 07957 668187; energy efficiency, 07565 562282; general, 01269 592267, 01267 234488, 01554 759626. Llannon Community Council serves Cross Hands, Llannon, Tumble and Cwmmawr, promoting community development and facilities. Following directions from the Welsh Government no meetings can be held until further notice. Information will be placed on the council’s Facebook page or contact the clerk on 07971 026493 or clerk@ ccllannon.org.uk.