Pontyberem

Polling station

Tomorrow sees the Memorial Hall as the village polling station for elections to the Senedd and the post of local police and crime commissioner. Voters are reminded that Covid indoor safety restrictions apply and each voter must bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot papers.

Sad departures

April witnessed the passing of several much respected and highly thought of Pontyberem residents. Breda Kelly, Coalbrook Road, leaves a widower, Patrick, and family. Three others, all of Ffordd Aneurin, being Harriet Lewis, who is much missed by her widower Dorian and their children and family, Evelyn Jones, mother, grand-mother and great-grandmother who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and widower Malcolm Davies, in his 80s, who leaves a son and family. To each family goes deep sympathy from friends and neighbours.

Local mental health unit threat?

The Steps One County Council unit serving clients with severe learning difficulties in the Gwendraeth Valley was discussed at the last community council meeting due to speculation that the building faces closure and the site to be sold. Further inquiries indicate that the Steps Two unit in Johnstown, Carmarthen, and that in Coleshill, Llanelli, face a possibly similar fate. The site serving Cwm Gwendraeth halted sessions under Covid restrictions and has been used to store PPE equipment. County councillor Liam Bowen was emailed to make enquiries about the matter and to lobby his colleagues to prevent such sell off post-covid for those seeking help to enter the jobs market.

Coronavirus support lines

Free mental health support is available to isolated individuals via the Wales Mental Health Helpline on 0800 132 737 or text 81066.

Chemist times

Monday to Friday trading hours of the local pharmacy are 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm. Inside the store there is a maximum of two customers at any one time.

Post Office times

Located in CKS Supermarket the area’s main post office operates seven days a week from 8am to 8pm with a lunch break between 12.30pm and 1pm.

Community council

The next MS Teams internet Pontyberem Community Council meeting is set to take place on Thursday, May 13, from 7pm. Anyone wanting to observe the meeting online can contact the council clerk, Eryl Pellow, on www.cyngorcymuned pontyberemcommunitycouncil