EditorAnger as frail veterans left unable to access Llanelli Cenotaph
RAF veteran and Labour councillor Rob Evans has criticised what he described as “disgraceful inaction” by the Plaid Cymru‑led authority, after his request for a temporary access ramp at the Old Llanelli Town Hall was rejected.
The Cenotaph, which sits in the grounds of the former town hall, is currently only accessible via steps — leaving elderly and disabled veterans unable to take part in this year’s commemorations.
‘Basic dignity’
Cllr Evans said he had asked in early October for a temporary ramp with a handrail to be installed in time for the Week of Remembrance.
“They should put a temporary ramp in as soon as possible, and most definitely before this year’s Week of Remembrance,” he said. “And then install a permanent one before next year.”
The council turned down the request, citing short notice.
‘Disrespectful and shameful’
Labour town councillor Shaun Greaney backed the call, saying he could not understand the county council’s position:
“Surely it can’t be beyond their wit and ability to construct a ramp as soon as possible.
If they can’t do a permanent one in the timescale, then a temporary one with a rail for the week of Remembrance in November does not seem too much of an ask.
In my view, for them not to take action on this right now is disrespectful, shameful and an embarrassment.”
Armed Forces Covenant
Llanelli Town Council leader, David Darkin, also urged the county council to reconsider, arguing the refusal was at odds with its commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and the Disability Act.
“This petty refusal of such a small demand, which would make a difference to a number of veterans, seems very mean‑spirited,” he said.
“Veterans have served our country with distinction. What’s more, the county council’s refusal seems to be disrespectful to the war dead themselves. This is not what they fought and gave their lives for.”
Carmarthenshire County Council has been approached for comment.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea WWII veterans strike one of first commemorative coins marking 80th anniversary of VE Day
Local veterans were among the first to strike new coins honouring the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Centenarian veterans recognised at city Mansion House
Swansea’s Mansion House hosted a special ceremony to honour veterans aged 100 and over for their service and dedication.
Soldier turned ambulance worker sleeps out for homeless veterans
A former soldier who now works in the ambulance service braved a night outdoors to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans.
Swansea research programme gets new funding to help reduce harmful gambling and PTSD symptoms in veterans
A Swansea University project has secured new funding to support veterans struggling with gambling harms and PTSD.
#ArmedForcesCovenant #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrRobEvans #CllrShaunGreaney #DavidDarkin #disabilityAccess #Llanelli #LlanelliCenotaph #LlanelliTownCouncil #OldLlanelliTownHall #RemembranceDay #Veterans #veteransAccess
Iain