Eight vie for council seat
RESIDENTS in Llanelli will go to the polls on Wednesday, March 6, to decide who will become the new county councillor for the town’s Elli ward.
Eight candidates have thrown their names into the political ring and have been asked about their policies and key issues facing the ward.
The election has been called following the standing-down of long-serving Independent councillor John Jenkins, who held the seat for almost two decades.
Some of the common issues across parties are anti-social behaviour and the 20mph speed limits introduced last year.
Independent candidate Stephen Williams lives in the heart of the Elli Ward and said he hopes to follow in Mr Jenkins’ footsteps, adding: “I am someone who knows the patch of the Elli Ward inside out and I promise to be the honest, sensible and balanced voice our community needs. The Elli Ward has been represented by a strong and independent voice for a number of years in the shape of Cllr John Jenkins.
“It’s a big pair of shoes to fill, but I have a strong feeling the Elli Ward would like to carry on its fiercely independent tradition and elect someone who is not tied to party politics – someone who cares passionately for the area and someone who is not afraid to stand up and fight for the community.”
Mr Williams served as a DyfedPowys police officer for more than 30 years, working in a variety of roles and often on high-profile cases.
Since retiring in 2019, he has played an active role with Furnace United RFC. His involvement with the successful campaign to stop the Stradey Park Hotel being used for asylum seekers started with a speech to 400 people who attended the first public meeting to discuss the plan. He also represented the community at three High Court hearings in London.
Mr Williams added: “By any standards, this has been an interesting year for Llanelli and I’m proud to have played a part in a successful public campaign. My promise to the people of the Elli Ward is that I will work tirelessly to represent the community on both councils. I will be fearless in being a strong and independent voice for the people of the ward.”
Another Independent candidate is Sharon Burdess, who said tackling the increasing litter issues and dog-fouling on the area’s streets as a result of the reduction in public bins was a priority. She added: “Anti-social behaviour is a big issue for the town and surrounding areas. I will be a hands-on councillor working tirelessly for the community, with a track record of successful campaigns to make Llanelli a nicer place to live. I am hardworking, committed and passionate about improving Llanelli. I have successfully campaigned to save Llanerch field to remain as a recreation field for the whole community to enjoy, as well as organising free community events to tackle loneliness and isolation. Two years ago I set up Lliedi Foodshare, which gives essential food to help support people with the rising cost of living and tackle poverty.
“I also believe that the 20mph restrictions which has been enforced are disastrous for our community and businesses and will campaign to end it on our main roads.”
Mrs Burdess, a married mum of two, has lived and worked in Llanelli all her life, taught IT for many years before changing career paths and working for The Wallich as a rapid rehousing worker for several years.
Richard Williams, a British Army veteran and local dad, has been selected to stand as the Welsh Conservatives candidate.
Mr Williams said: “I’m not from a political background, but for years Llanelli has been forgotten about by Labour and Plaid Cymru.
“Carmarthenshire has become a two-party state with Labour and Plaid, so it’s about time we had new voices in County Hall that will hold them to account.”
When pressed about what his priorities are for Llanelli, he said: “First things first, if I am fortunate to be elected, it would be to tell Lee Waters and Welsh Labour Government ministers that we want them to scrap their blanket 20mph speed limits.
“They should spend the money on our NHS instead. But also, I want to secure investment for our town centre, with more free parking and reduced rates. And I want to crack down on some of the anti-social behaviour we are seeing in People’s Park and the town centre.”
Labour’s candidate is current town mayor and town councillor Nick Pearce, who asked: “What can a lone voice do in County Hall? Well, that’s where it is important to vote for someone who can work as part of a bigger team, If elected, I will be joining 21 Labour colleagues, 11 from Llanelli, fighting for Llanelli in a rural-centric Plaid-run county council.
“So, yes, it is ward and community first, improving cleansing services, tackling the air pollution levels in Pembrey Road, and further trafficcalming in areas like Chapman and Miles Street.
“From a wider perspective, I will be campaigning for a sensible, joined-up strategy for the regeneration of the town centre, fighting to keep vital health services here in Llanelli, supporting community groups to help the disadvantaged and tackling unlawful and anti-social behaviour wherever it occurs.
“It is important work that needs understanding, dedication, energy and enthusiasm, and I cannot wait to get stuck in.”
Plaid Cymru’s candidate is Steve Beckett, who has lived in Llanelli for most of his life, having been raised in Seaside. A dad of three sons, he runs his own business as a data protection consultancy in Llanelli.
He said: “We need change in our town and that’s why I’m standing for Plaid Cymru. The Plaid-led Carmarthenshire Council have redeveloped the YMCA building, funded development at Market Street North and have recently secured £15m in Levelling Up funding for the town centre. All this on top of the transformation of Tyisha and the huge investment in Pentre Awel to create hundreds of jobs.
“I’d be delighted to be part of Plaid’s vision and investment in Llanelli by being a councillor that delivers change for our residents.”
Welsh Liberal Democrats candidate Justin Griffiths was brought up in Hillside, Furnace, and educated at Old Road Primary School and at the Graig Comprehensive School before going on to study chemical engineering at Aston University.
Upon graduating, his career was varied including at British Steel, where he spent the next 27 years working in a variety of roles and departments.
He now is happily retired and said he is keen to serve the people of Llanelli and is committed to delivering a cleaner, safer and more prosperous Llanelli.
Mr Griffiths said: “I am standing in these elections because I care about this community and want it to be the best place to live and work. I have a positive plan for the area, including tackling the litter problem, improving safety on the busy roads and ensuring that all parties work together to boost Llanelli town.
“Under the current Labour leadership in Llanelli and Plaid Cymru leadership in Carmarthen, and Conservative leadership in Westminster, this community has been ignored and time and time again they have failed to deliver for the people of Llanelli. I have a positive plan for this area and when elected I will action the issues and problems raised, not just at election time but all year round.
“As well as keeping people informed about actions affecting them and, more importantly, put people before politics for Llanelli, to create a cleaner, safer and prosperous area.”
Gwlad – the Welsh Independence Party candidate is Wayne Erasmus, who was brought up in Loughor and joined the Merchant Navy at 17 as an engineering cadet, rising to the rank of chief engineer.
Mr Erasmus, who has lived in Hendy for 35 years, said: “Three of my grandchildren live in the Elli ward. On a local level, car-parking outside some houses in the Elli Ward is an issue.”
The remaining candidate, Hettie Sheehan for Ukip, was also contacted for her election pledges.
There is also an election for the town council Elli ward seat on March 6. Those candidates are Steve Beckett for Plaid Cymru, Sharon Burdess for Independent, Stephen Williams for Independent, Jon Burree for Welsh Liberal Democrats, Hettie Sheehan, Edward Skinner for Welsh Labour and Stephen Williams for Independent.