CARMARTHEN: £2m hospital unit to reopen in bid to ease A&E pressure

A refurbished Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen will reopen to patients on Monday, March 30, in what health chiefs say is a major step towards easing pressure on overstretched emergency services.

The unit has undergone significant improvements backed by more than £2 million in Welsh Government funding, with changes designed to speed up care and improve the experience for both patients and staff.

Health board bosses say the upgraded facility will play a crucial role in reducing demand on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department, which has faced ongoing strain in recent years.

The investment has delivered additional consultation rooms, a revamped reception area and a more modern environment aimed at making visits less stressful for patients.

The move comes amid mounting pressure on services, with Glangwili already earmarked as a regional hub for emergency surgery and stroke care as part of wider plans to turn it into a major acute centre for west Wales.

The reopening also marks the return of several services that were temporarily relocated during the refurbishment work.

These include the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit and the Primary Care Out of Hours service, all of which will move back into the upgraded SDEC building.

Specialist cancer support services will also return, including the Cancer Information and Support Service and the Cancer Psychological Support Service.

Patients accessing podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy services will also see a return to normal access routes after months of disruption.

Health board director Keith Jones said the changes are expected to improve patient flow and reduce bottlenecks in urgent care.

He added that the improvements should help staff deliver a “smoother and swifter experience” for those attending the hospital.

The investment builds on wider upgrades at the site, including a previously reported £2m scheme to improve facilities and ease pressure on A&E, as well as separate plans to modernise diagnostic services such as X-ray facilities.

Welsh Government has said the funding forms part of a broader push to improve hospital environments and ensure patients are treated more quickly.

Patients attending appointments in the coming weeks are being urged to check their letters carefully, as clinic locations may have changed with services moving back into the refurbished unit.

Clear signage will be in place across the hospital, and staff will be on hand to help direct visitors to the correct departments.

While the reopening is being welcomed, it comes as health services across west Wales continue to face high demand, with hospitals under sustained pressure to meet growing patient needs.

The hope for local residents is that the revamped SDEC unit will help ease some of that strain and deliver quicker care when it matters most.

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Carmarthen: £90m college ‘super campus’ approved despite backlash over closures and countryside impact

Carmarthenshire councillors have backed plans to transform the Pibwrlwyd site into Campws Caerfyrddin — a major new hub for Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.

The development will more than double the current site, with four new buildings designed for around 3,300 students and 270 staff.

Courses will include everything from construction and engineering to electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, alongside hair and beauty, catering and art, with facilities such as a library, café, gym and social spaces.

But the decision has sparked controversy.

The project will see teaching centralised at Carmarthen — with existing campuses in Ammanford and Jobs Well set to be emptied of students and staff.

The plans previously caused an outcry in Ammanford, with concerns over the loss of local provision and its impact on the town.

There are also environmental worries.

Objectors raised fears about the loss of trees, hedgerows and farmland, as well as the impact on wildlife — including bats, otters and the rare hazel dormouse.

Concerns were also raised about increased traffic on already busy roads, particularly around the Pensarn roundabout, and the effect on nearby residents.

Despite this, planners said the benefits outweighed the negatives.

The scheme includes a new car park, coach drop-off, gym, multi-use games area and extensive landscaping — with more trees set to be planted than removed.

A planning report said the modern campus would bring “significant public benefit”, helping deliver the skills employers need and supporting future economic growth.

College leaders have also welcomed the decision, describing it as a major milestone.

Acting principal Vanessa Cashmore said: “This investment is about far more than new facilities. It is about transforming opportunities for learners across Carmarthenshire.

“It is an opportunity to change lives and enable generations of learners to build a prosperous future for themselves.”

She added the new campus would provide “world-class training” and help students develop the skills needed for modern careers, particularly in growing areas such as green technologies.

The college says the development will create a more inclusive, modern and bilingual learning environment, while strengthening its role in the regional economy by working closely with employers and communities.

Councillors were divided on the plans.

Some raised concerns about the loss of the Ammanford campus, while others described the scheme as a “wow” investment that could boost apprenticeships and address skills shortages.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the new buildings completed by 2029, followed by demolition of older structures.

The approval marks a major shift in how and where students across west Wales will be taught — and one of the biggest education investments the region has seen in decades.

EASTER OPENING: Final stretch of Tywi Valley Path set to welcome walkers and cyclists

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed the final stretch of the Tywi Valley Path — linking Carmarthen to Llandeilo — will be ready for the public within weeks.

The last section of the 13-mile route, between Abergwili and Ffairfach, marks the completion of the flagship project.

Landmark bridges complete final phase

The final phase includes two major new bridges crossing the River Tywi and River Cothi — described as a key milestone in delivering the scheme.

Once open, the route will provide a continuous, traffic-free path for walkers, cyclists and families travelling through the Tywi Valley.

Scenic route through historic heart of Wales

The path runs through some of Carmarthenshire’s most picturesque countryside, offering views of landmarks including Paxton’s Tower, Dryslwyn Castle and Dinefwr Castle.

Visitors will also be able to explore nearby attractions such as National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens, along with independent food stops and cafés along the route.

Boost for tourism and local economy

Council leaders say the completed path will help bring more visitors to the area while supporting local businesses.

Cllr Hazel Evans said the scheme was a “once in a generation project” that connects communities while showcasing the valley’s natural beauty and heritage.

Cllr Edward Thomas added that completing the bridges provides “a stunning new way to experience the county” while supporting active travel and tourism.

Years in the making

The full opening follows years of development, including major funding backing and the phased rollout of different sections of the route.

When complete, the Tywi Valley Path will stretch from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, offering a safe and accessible route for residents and visitors alike.

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New banking app and branch expansion as Swansea Building Society sees strong demand from savers and homebuyers

The society has launched a new mobile banking app and, for the first time, customers can now open savings accounts online, giving members easier access to their finances without needing to visit a branch.

At the same time, the building society is planning to open a new branch in Abergavenny and has secured larger premises in Carmarthen to support growing demand in West Wales.

Bosses say the changes are designed to combine modern digital banking with a continued commitment to high street branches.

Chief Executive Alun Williams said the society remains focused on helping both borrowers and savers during a challenging economic period.

He said demand for mortgages and savings accounts has remained strong across Wales.

“Our continued growth in mortgage lending, savings balances and total assets has strengthened the foundations of the Society and ensures we remain well positioned to support members in achieving their home ownership and savings goals.”

Strong demand for mortgages

The society says its flexible lending approach has been particularly popular with borrowers.

During 2025 it approved £117.5 million in new mortgages, helping grow its overall mortgage book to £576.9 million.

Despite economic pressures, the organisation says borrowers are largely keeping up with repayments, with mortgage arrears remaining extremely low at just 0.33%.

Savings market remains competitive

At the same time, competition between banks and building societies for savers has intensified.

However, Swansea Building Society says it has continued to attract customers by offering competitive savings rates while maintaining long-term financial stability.

Savings balances increased during the year to £663.9 million, while the society’s total assets rose to £715.1 million.

The organisation also reported £6.2 million profit before tax, helping increase its financial reserves to £49.1 million.

Supporting communities across Wales

The mutual society says it remains committed to supporting communities and maintaining its branch network — something many banks have reduced in recent years.

During the year it supported a range of local initiatives and charities, including naming Prostate Cymru as its Charity of the Year.

Members will have the opportunity to vote on the society’s future plans at its Annual General Meeting at the Swansea.com Stadium on April 23, 2026, with the organisation donating £1 to Prostate Cymru for every vote received.

Williams added that the society’s future remains strong as it continues to grow.

“With a strong capital base, a high-quality mortgage book and a clear strategic focus, we are well positioned to continue supporting our members and communities in the years ahead.”

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I hadn't planned to buy an espresso machine at the #Carmarthen reuse village but it was £8 and I'm not made of stone.

...and the results were fantastic. I bought some of Lidl's awful decaf to practice with. I made some in a French press a while ago and it was undrinkable.

In this espresso machine it was lovely. Not the best coffee ever, but plenty enjoyable. Score!