Health board to hold extra public meeting on controversial Pontyates GP surgery closure plans

The health board has confirmed it will hold a drop-in event at Carway Hall on Tuesday 31 March, between 2pm and 6.30pm, for patients and residents to share their views on the proposed closure of Meddygfa’r Sarn.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing eight-week engagement period, which was launched after the health board voted in January to seek feedback on a recommendation to disperse the surgery’s 4,300 patients to neighbouring practices.

That proposal has sparked a furious backlash from the local community, with hundreds of people attending protest meetings and councillors demanding the health board halt the closure plans.

In a statement, the health board said the surgery has faced what it describes as “ongoing and significant staffing challenges” and currently has no permanently employed GPs. The board also claims the building is small and offers limited facilities.

It says that a Vacant Practice Panel reviewed the options and recommended that the most sustainable long-term solution would be for patients to be transferred to their nearest neighbouring practice.

The health board added this may include Coalbrook Surgery in Pontyberem, Meddygfa Minafon in Kidwelly, or, for some patients, practices in Llanelli.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the extra meeting was a chance for more people to have their say.

“We’re pleased to offer this additional opportunity in Carway to ensure more people, particularly those in surrounding communities, have the chance to speak directly with us and share their views about what the proposal means for them.”

The health board has confirmed the engagement period runs until 6 April.

It said all feedback will be collated and presented to the board ahead of its meeting on 28 May, when a final decision is expected to be made.

The health board also confirmed that Meddygfa’r Sarn will remain open as usual during the engagement period.

Patients can also provide feedback by completing the questionnaire posted to their home address or online at haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk, by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 5), or by emailing [email protected].

Ffos Las hopes racing will beat the weather as extra fixture added after big freeze

Extra fixture added after freeze wiped out jumps racing

The Carmarthenshire track has stepped in to “ride to the rescue” of jumps fans after the big freeze wiped out fixtures across Britain earlier this week. Last Saturday’s card at Sandown was the final meeting to survive before snow and ice brought National Hunt racing to a standstill.

Today’s preview and tips are provided in partnership with Betway and Boyle Sports

While West Wales has seen snowfall, conditions have been less severe than elsewhere, allowing Ffos Las to schedule an additional fixture featuring two Class 3 contests — a three‑mile handicap chase and a two‑and‑a‑half‑mile novices’ handicap chase.

Trainers have responded enthusiastically, with 135 entries at the opening stage, including runners from leading yards such as Dan Skelton and Nicky Henderson, as well as Welsh trainers Evan Williams, Mickey Bowen, Sam Thomas and Tim Vaughan.

Course confident — but weather warnings loom

Ffos Las clerk of the course Tracey O’Meara told the Racing Post earlier this week that temperatures were expected to stay above freezing, adding that Thursday “looks to be dry”.

However, the Met Office has since issued several weather warnings for parts of Wales, raising questions over whether conditions will remain safe enough for racing. The course’s coastal location often protects it from the worst of the cold, but officials will continue monitoring conditions through the morning.

Seven‑race card set to begin at 12.40pm

If the meeting gets the green light, racing will begin with a two‑mile novices’ hurdle at 12.40pm. Starzand brings the strongest form after winning here on seasonal debut, though Blowers — a shock 300/1 winner last month — is expected to relish the soft ground.

The 1.10pm maiden hurdle looks competitive, with Giantsgrave, Off The Jury and Jury’s In all attracting interest, while Bobby’s Nelson steps up in trip.

The 1.40pm novices’ handicap chase features just four runners, with Juby Ball heading the form after a Carlisle win. Nicky Henderson’s Alentejo makes his UK debut following wind surgery, while Largy Belter is expected to improve over the longer trip.

Hot Goddess makes her handicap debut in the 2.10pm hurdle, while Fresh Speculation and Our Dylan both arrive after recent wins. There Runs Mary steps up in trip.

The feature three‑mile handicap chase at 2.40pm sees Itseemslikeit return after a seven‑length win last time out, while Hurricane Highway — ridden by Sean Bowen — is considered well‑treated on softer ground.

Lady Henrietta, Nedzor and Leech are among the leading contenders in the 3.10pm handicap hurdle, before the card concludes at 3.40pm with a two‑mile handicap hurdle featuring Out Of Focus, Getaway With You and El Gavilan.

Today’s selections (via Sporting Life)

Full tips available via Sporting Life.

12.40 – Blowers
1.10 – Jury’s In
1.40 – Largy Belter
2.10 – Hot Goddess
2.40 – Hurricane Highway
3.10 – Nedzor
3.40 – El Gavilan

More from Ffos Las Racecourse

Ffos Las Racecourse to host New Year’s meeting
Welsh trainers look for a strong start to 2026 as Ffos Las opens its racing calendar.

Sean Bowen closes gap in jockeys’ title race after Welsh double
Pembrokeshire’s Sean Bowen strengthens his title challenge with success at Welsh tracks.

Welsh racecourses prepare for busy winter season
How Ffos Las and Chepstow are gearing up for one of the busiest periods in the jumps calendar.

Carway Primary School to remain closed this September due to structural safety concerns

In a joint decision with Carmarthenshire County Council, the Governing Body of the Federation of Carway, Gwynfryn and Ponthenri has confirmed that Carway Community Primary School will not reopen for the start of the new academic term in September.

The closure follows a condition survey and subsequent structural investigation of Block Three on the Carway school site, conducted during the summer holidays. The Council received advice that the building’s integrity could not be guaranteed, prompting immediate action to safeguard pupils and staff.

Carmarthenshire County Council said: “This decision has been made solely to ensure the absolute safety of pupils and staff.”

All pupils will now be accommodated at Gwynfryn School, located approximately 2.5 miles away in Pontyates. The council says that transport arrangements are being finalised and will be communicated to parents shortly. Pupils may continue to wear their Carway school uniforms and will retain access to free school meals, Breakfast Club, and after-school provision.

Teaching and support staff will be redeployed within the federation, with further discussions planned before the new term begins. The Council is also working to identify suitable provision for children attending Cylch Meithrin, with updates to follow.

“We understand that the timing of this decision is frustrating,” the Council added. “However, the safety and well-being of pupils and staff remains our immediate priority.”

No timeline has been confirmed for the duration of these arrangements, as further assessments are underway to determine the future of the Carway school building.

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #Carway #CarwayPrimarySchool #education #schoolBuildings

Housebuilder kicks off summer of sport with school PE kit sponsorship

As part of its ongoing partnership with the school, Dandara, who is currently selling new homes nearby at its Golwg Gwendraeth development, will be supporting the school in purchasing new kits consisting of t-shirts, shorts, and trainers. The kits will be used during Gwendraeth Valley Mynydd Mawr sports day, with a variety of different games played including straight races, tunnel ball, spoke wheel and relay races.

The sponsorship concludes the 12-month partnership with the school for the academic year. The collaboration has included three workshops hosted at Golwg Gwendraeth, starting with a planting session, followed by an Easter egg trail around the development, and a time capsule burial to mark VE Day.

Sara Taylor, Sales Director at Dandara Wales & West, commented: “PE plays a vital role in the health and personal development of children, which is why we are happy that our sponsorship will help the school purchase new kits – we cannot wait to see the pupils all kitted out! We are proud to have collaborated with the school over the past year, and hope the pupils were able to foster an engaging relationship with Welsh history and the outdoors through our workshops.”

Catrin Melly, Teacher at Carway Primary School, added: “With the amazing weather we have been seeing recently, it has been a fantastic way to get the children outdoors to prepare for Mynydd Mawr Sports and Sports Day. These new kits could not have come at a better time! We would like to thank Dandara for their year-long backing, which has really supported the development of our pupils, and has allowed them to have such enriching experiences.”

#Carway #CarwayPrimarySchool #Dandara #shirtSponsorship #sponsorship

School bury time capsule at nearby housing development to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

The visit hosted 22 pupils, as they placed letters and posters into the time capsule, which they helped bury with Dandara’s on site team. The letters written by the pupils described a snapshot of their lives in the present day for future generations to uncover.

Dandara’s Golwg Gwendraeth development is located near Kidwelly, a historic town that played a pivotal role in the War efforts as part of a larger network of military installations and training areas in south west Wales. Drawing inspiration from this local history, pupils also partook in a poster competition during the visit, showcasing how the Second World War is remembered in Wales.

The project was the third workshop hosted at Golwg Gwendraeth as part of the year-long partnership. The collaboration kick started with a planting session in March, where pupils had the chance to plant a selection of wildlife seeds on the development, followed by an Easter egg trail around the development in April.

Sara Taylor, Sales Director at Dandara Wales & West, commented: “We were honoured to welcome Carway School back to Golwg Gwendraeth for this special VE Day celebration. It was endearing to see their letters and posters, which showed real thought and commemoration for the special heroes who served our country. This time capsule project demonstrates the importance of VE Day and marks a key point in Welsh history, and we are proud to help create a lasting tribute to those who served during the Second World War.”

Eliza Davies, Teacher at Carway Primary School, added: “Our pupils were thrilled to take part in this special event with Dandara. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn more about the Second World War, connect with local history, and express themselves through creative work. The time capsule project really captured their imagination, and they were proud to contribute something that future generations might one day discover. We are grateful to Dandara for inviting us back and supporting such an enriching experience.”

#Carway #CarwayPrimarySchool #Dandara #Kidwelly #newHomes #timeCapsule

Carway Primary School helps housebuilder’s development blossom in time for Spring

Having previously donated soil and gardening kits to the school, the visit saw 20 foundation pupils put their skills to the test by planting crest, pea, wildflower and sunflower seeds in eco-friendly plant pots, with gardening kits supplied by Dandara.

The planting collaboration aims to support the growing decline of insect pollinators across Wales, with threats including habitat loss, environmental pollution, climate change and the spread of alien species. Planting new flowers will ensure pollinators receive habitats rich in nectar and pollen for food and suitable wild spaces for nests and hibernation.

Catrin Melly, Teacher at Carway Primary School, commented: “As we approach the warmer months, we have begun to incorporate wildlife and nature into our curriculum, so this activity at Golwg Gwendraeth was a great chance for the pupils to get hands on experience in how to help the local pollinators. Dandara supports us with essential resources and activities that can be aligned with our lessons is fantastic, and we look forward to coming back once the seeds have blossomed!”

Sara Taylor, Sales Director at Dandara Wales & West, said: “Continuing our partnership with Carway School over the next year will allow us to grow our relationship and work with the pupils on a number of important campaigns. Welcoming the children to the development was an educational opportunity for them to gain hands on experience and learn new skills about the importance of nurturing wildlife hubs. It was enlightening to see the passion all the pupils had during the activity, and we hope everyone enjoyed the day!”

#Carmarthenshire #Carway #CarwayPrimarySchool #Dandara #Gardening #GolwgGwendraeth #newHomes