AMMANFORD: Questions raised over future of school land as council stays silent

A Carmarthenshire councillor is demanding answers over land purchased for a new school in Ammanford, after years of promises with no sign of building work on the horizon.

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed in 2023 — following questions from Green Party councillor Rob James — that it had bought land for a new school in the town, with Welsh-medium provision described as a priority. At the time the purchase was seen as a significant step forward after more than a decade of discussion about modernising education in the area.

But despite the land acquisition, there has been no public update on when — or whether — a school will actually be built there.

Recent council decisions have focused on reconfiguring nursery provision within existing schools, with no corresponding announcement on the new build. That silence has prompted Cllr James to write formally to the Cabinet Member for Education seeking answers.

He wants the council to confirm whether it still owns the land, whether the project remains active, and whether alternative brownfield sites have been fully considered as part of a sustainable approach to development.

Cllr James, who is also the Welsh Green Party‘s Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said residents had been hearing about new school plans in Ammanford for years without seeing any results.

“The council has even gone as far as purchasing land, yet there is still no clear timeline for when a new school will be built,” he said. “People deserve to know what is happening with the land that has been purchased and whether this long-promised investment is still going ahead.”

The Green councillor said the condition of existing school buildings made the lack of progress all the more frustrating.

“Having visited the schools in Ammanford, I know that the environment in which pupils are being taught in is not fit for purpose,” he said.

The need to modernise education provision in Ammanford has been recognised since at least the early 2010s, when proposals for new and reorganised schools first featured in the council’s Modernising Education Programme. More than a decade on, the community is still waiting for a clear plan — and Carmarthenshire is not alone in facing questions about the future of its schools, with rural communities across the county facing the threat of closures as the council presses ahead with its wider modernisation programme.

Cllr James has form for holding the council to account on infrastructure and investment. He has previously challenged transport plans he said left west Wales communities behind, and the Ammanford area has featured in broader debates about investment in the region’s towns and transport links.

Cllr James said the issue was ultimately one of transparency and accountability.

“After more than a decade of discussion, the community deserves clear answers,” he said.

Carmarthenshire County Council has been contacted for comment.

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Labour candidate backs Metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over West Wales transport

Welsh Labour’s lead Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Calum Higgins, says new Metro proposals linking Swansea to Ammanford, Llanelli and the wider Amman Valley could deliver long‑awaited improvements for Carmarthenshire communities.

The plans, published by Transport for Wales as part of a major long‑term investment programme, outline new stations across Swansea and upgraded rail corridors stretching west. Supporters say the project could transform travel across South West Wales, while others argue Carmarthenshire needs clearer commitments to ensure it receives its fair share.

‘A major opportunity for West Wales’

Higgins, who lives in Tycroes, said the proposals show a commitment to improving public transport beyond Swansea.

“It’s great to see Welsh Labour’s commitment to investing in public transport being extended to West Wales, including Llanelli, the Amman Valley and West Carmarthenshire,” he said.

He added that strengthening the Heart of Wales line and the Swansea–Llanelli–Carmarthen corridor should be a priority, arguing that better links to Swansea’s major employers and attractions would support the Carmarthenshire economy.

Different views on how far the Metro reaches

The latest proposals follow comments from Green Party councillor Rob James, who argued the Metro vision remains too focused on Swansea and does not go far enough for rural Carmarthenshire. He said communities west of the city needed firmer commitments and clearer timelines.

Higgins did not offer a direct response to those concerns when approached, but pointed to the benefits he believes the project could bring to the county.

Long‑running questions over transport investment

The discussion forms part of a wider debate over transport priorities in West Wales. Residents and councillors have repeatedly called for better rail and bus connections, while campaigners continue to push for progress on the long‑promised St Clears railway station.

For many communities, the issue is not the ambition of the Metro vision, but whether investment will reach far enough west — and how quickly improvements will be delivered.

‘I’ll push for delivery if elected’

Higgins said he would work to ensure Carmarthenshire sees tangible improvements if he is elected in May.

“If elected in May I’ll be pushing for this project to be delivered for the people of Carmarthenshire as soon as possible so we are even better connected and can benefit from the growth in jobs it would bring,” he said.

What happens next

Transport for Wales is expected to refine its Metro plans over the coming months, with further detail on routes, timelines and funding still to be confirmed.

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HEARING FEAR: Ammanford star Owain Wyn Evans warns “I was missing conversations”

The Ammanford-born broadcaster and drummer says he first noticed something was wrong when he started missing parts of conversations — after years performing in loud environments.

“It was a shock,” he admitted. “I realised I was turning the volume up more and missing things people were saying.”

Now the 42-year-old is fronting a campaign with Specsavers — urging people not to ignore the warning signs.

The new research paints a worrying picture.

A staggering 45% of adults in Wales say their hearing has changed in recent years — yet more than a quarter haven’t taken any action and don’t plan to.

Even more concerning, over a third say they’ve never taken steps to protect their hearing at all.

For Owain, the issue goes beyond health — it’s about identity.

“Sound is such a huge part of who we are in Wales,” he said. “From the countryside to the sea — those sounds connect us to home.”

And the data backs him up.

• 72% say a Welsh accent makes Wales feel like home
• 60% say it’s the sound of a choir
• 73% say singing at rugby and football matches brings people together

But those sounds could be at risk.

More than a third of people report ringing ears or muffled hearing after gigs — a key warning sign of damage.

Experts say hearing loss often happens gradually, meaning people delay getting help — sometimes for years.

Owain is now urging people to act early before it’s too late.

“Protecting our hearing means protecting those connections,” he said.

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AMMANFORD: Town named among Wales’ top spots for Mother’s Day celebrations

A study of Google search habits has revealed that residents in the two towns are among the most likely to be hunting for the perfect gift or celebration.

Ammanford ranked second in the whole of Wales, with a staggering 704 searches for every 1,000 people.

Carmarthen followed closely in third place, recording nearly 700 searches per 1,000 residents.

The research, conducted by Geraldo’s, analysed over 42 million searches across the UK to see which areas celebrate the day the most.

It estimated that around 60% of the UK public took part in Mother’s Day last year, spending a combined £1.4 billion on gifts and treats.

In Llanelli, more than half of the population — 510 per 1,000 people — were found to be searching for ways to mark the occasion.

Port Talbot also showed strong results, with 488 searches per 1,000 residents.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said: “Family runs through the core of our business.”

She added: “We know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.”

The data suggests that despite the rising cost of living, recognizing the “care, advice, guidance and love” of mothers remains a top priority for locals.

Ms Dawson noted that for those missing their mothers, the day can be difficult, but remains an important time for “recognising the memories you have.”

The study found that Wales as a whole saw nearly 1.6 million Mother’s Day searches, averaging around one search for every two people.

The findings highlight the deep-rooted family values held across Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.

The data was compiled by comparing search volumes against local population figures to find the true “Mother’s Day capitals” of the country.

With the big day arriving this Sunday, March 15, local businesses are bracing for a busy weekend as residents finalise their plans.

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

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Ammanford named the UK’s most romantic town

Ammanford has beaten every city, town and village in Britain to take the number one spot in a nationwide analysis of Google searches linked to Valentine’s Day. The study looked at how often people searched for romantic terms in February 2025 and compared it to local population size.

With a population of just 7,380, Ammanford recorded 8,400 Valentine’s‑related searches — meaning, on average, every person in the town searched more than once.

Wales dominated the rankings, taking five of the top ten places, including Wrexham, Bridgend and Carmarthen. Only Chichester, Truro, Walsall, Nottingham and Newry broke into the list from outside Wales.

Top 10 most romantic places in the UK

1. Ammanford
The Carmarthenshire town tops the UK for Valentine’s searches per person.

2. Wrexham
Wales takes the second spot with another strong showing.

3. Chichester
The highest‑ranking English location in the top 10.

4. Bridgend
Another Welsh entry, placing firmly in the UK’s top tier.

5. Truro
Cornwall’s cathedral city takes fifth place.

6. Walsall
The West Midlands town ranks sixth for Valentine’s enthusiasm.

7. Bangor
North Wales secures yet another place in the top 10.

8. Nottingham
The East Midlands city is the only major urban area in the list.

9. Newry
Northern Ireland’s entry places ninth overall.

10. Carmarthen
A fifth Welsh town rounds off the UK’s most romantic top 10.

The findings suggest Wales is officially the UK’s most love‑struck nation, despite England recording the highest total number of searches overall.

The analysis was carried out by Scottish chocolatier Geraldo’s of Largs, who say the results show smaller towns are leading the way when it comes to Valentine’s enthusiasm.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said many people feel pressure to get Valentine’s Day “right”, but added that romance doesn’t need to be complicated.

“I’m sure we’ve all had a moment of Valentine’s panic in the past. Did I get the right gift, book the right restaurant, will they like these flowers, but the truth is, there’s no need to worry,” she said.

She suggested keeping things simple, adding that a home‑cooked meal can often beat a busy restaurant.

“Valentine’s in a restaurant can sound like a great idea, but fighting to get a reservation on one of the busiest nights of the year adds stress that can kill the romantic vibe,” she said.

She also encouraged people to choose handmade gifts where possible.

“Chocolates or treats which are hand decorated, or in some way bespoke, show that you’ve put a little more thought and effort into some of the simpler options available.”

And her final tip was the simplest of all.

“The most important, and also the most overlooked thing about Valentine’s Day, is your Valentine themselves. No matter what you get them as a gift, make sure you give them your time first and foremost.”

With Ammanford topping the UK list — and Bridgend and Carmarthen also making the top ten — Wales appears to be the true home of romance this year.

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Ammanford teen jailed after raping 12‑year‑old girl he met on Snapchat

Jake Richards was 17 at the time of the offence, which happened after he and the girl exchanged messages on Snapchat before meeting in person. Swansea Crown Court heard the victim thought they were going to talk as they walked to a secluded tunnel — but Richards initiated sex and continued even after she repeatedly told him to stop.

The girl reported what happened in August 2024 after confiding in a friend. Police launched a detailed investigation involving forensic and digital evidence, which led to Richards being charged with rape. He later pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced today (Wednesday, January 21) to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution.

Police praise victim’s bravery

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed‑Powys Police said the victim had shown “remarkable courage” in coming forward.

He said officers carried out a thorough investigation, with DNA and digital evidence helping secure an early guilty plea and sparing the girl the trauma of a trial.

DS Pocock added that the case highlighted the importance of talking to young people about online safety, the law around consent, and what to do if someone continues sexual activity without consent.

He said specialist officers would “listen to, support and seek justice for victims of all ages”.

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock, Dyfed‑Powys Police, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim, who was just 12 years old when this offence happened, for her courage in coming forward and for her cooperation throughout the investigation.

“Rape, or any form of sexual abuse, is incredibly difficult to talk about, especially at such a young age, and she showed remarkable bravery in saying no when she felt uncomfortable and in later reporting what happened.

“Our specialist officers explored her account thoroughly, and forensic and digital evidence helped secure an early guilty plea, sparing her the additional trauma of a trial.

“This case highlights the importance of talking to young people about staying safe online, understanding consent, and knowing what to do if someone continues sexual activity despite a lack of consent.

“We want victims of all ages to know that we will listen, support them and seek justice.”

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