Council demands action on Pontyates surgery closure as councillors warn of “predetermined outcome”

The motion, proposed by Plaid Cymru councillors Alex Evans and Tyssul Evans and passed at today’s full Carmarthenshire County Council meeting, calls on both Welsh Government and Hywel Dda to explain why closure has been identified as the “preferred option” before full community consultation has taken place.

The debate saw 11 councillors speak, with powerful criticisms of the health board’s engagement process and warnings that neighbouring GP surgeries are already operating “beyond full capacity” and cannot absorb thousands more patients.

Cllr Alex Evans told the chamber that Hywel Dda had informed local councillors the current engagement “will not consider alternatives to closure, only the impact the closure would have.”

“That is not engagement on securing the future of a service, that is an engagement on managing its loss,” he said. “If an engagement does not consider an alternative, it inevitably creates the impression that the outcome has already been decided.”

He warned that relocating thousands of patients to already stretched practices “will not remove pressure from the system, it just redistributes it.”

“Our communities should not have to suffer the consequences of a national failure of government to train, recruit and retain GPs,” Cllr Evans said, noting that around 100 GP surgeries have closed in Wales since 2012 whilst GP numbers have barely increased since 2008.

“Closure must be the last option, not the easiest one,” he concluded.

Public transport nightmare

Cllr Tyssul Evans highlighted the absurdity of public transport options for patients without cars, revealing that whilst Pontyates and Kidwelly are less than six miles apart by direct route, patients relying on buses would face a 15-mile journey one way via Llanelli, or a 20-mile journey via Carmarthen.

“This means a six-mile journey becomes either a 30-mile or 40-mile round trip for elderly, disabled, or vulnerable patients needing regular appointments,” he said.

Cross-community solidarity

Cllr Liam Bowen, representing Pontyberem, said the manager of Colebrook Surgery in his village was supporting the campaign to save Meddygfa’r Sarn, despite the practice being prepared to take displaced patients if necessary.

He revealed that Colebrook already has over 5,000 registered patients, and local people are concerned that adding thousands more following the closure of Tumble Surgery and potentially Pontyates would lead to unacceptable waiting times.

“The residents of Pontyberem are standing firmly with the residents of Pontyates,” Cllr Bowen said. “Closing Sarn surgery is another example of care services being taken out of our rural communities.”

Pattern of failed consultations

Independent councillor Sean Rees delivered a devastating critique of Hywel Dda’s consultation processes, listing multiple examples where community engagement had failed to meaningfully consider alternatives.

“Local GP surgeries are not simply just buildings where appointments take place, they are the front door to our national health service,” he said.

Cllr Rees said he had spoken to many Llanelli-based GP practices, and many were already operating “at full capacity, and many would say they are beyond that.”

“Appointment books are filled within minutes. Patients speak of repeated attempts to try and get through on the phone at 8am in the morning,” he said.

“To simply suggest that thousands more patients can be absorbed into a system without any consequence at all is just simply not credible.”

He cited failures in consultations over the minor injuries unit at Prince Philip Hospital, last week’s clinical services plan outcomes, the relocation of the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol service, and ongoing questions regarding blood testing services that were due to move to Pentre Awel last year but remain unresolved.

“When these commitments are made and when timelines slip without clear explanation, confidence erodes and trust weakens,” Cllr Rees said.

“If a board’s report has already identified closure as a preferred option before any full community consultation, then it is absolutely entirely understandable that the residents will fear that the outcomes are predetermined. That undermines trust and once that public trust is damaged it is extremely difficult to rebuild. We simply cannot allow this pattern to continue.”

Housing growth contradicts closure

Cllr Steve Williams questioned how the closure could be justified when new housing is being built in the area and the population is rising.

“What is the Senedd doing to ensure that primary care is available to those that need it the most?” he asked, demanding Welsh Government oversight on healthcare planning.

Community protest

Cllr Meinir James noted that over 200 local residents and councillors had formed a human chain around the surgery on Monday in a “Cwtsh or Sarn” solidarity event, following a petition that has gathered over 1,000 signatures.

Impact on neighbouring surgeries

The motion highlighted that if Meddygfa’r Sarn closes, Colebrook Surgery in Pontyberem would receive an extra 3,000 patients – a 60 per cent increase – taking its total to 8,000, whilst Minafon in Kidwelly would gain 1,000 extra patients, taking it to over 9,000.

National workforce crisis

Cllr Evans told councillors that according to Llais, 91 per cent of GPs say they cannot meet patient demand in Wales, and BMA Cymru has warned of a GP workforce crisis, with alarmingly over 10 per cent of GPs under 40 leaving the workforce in 2023.

He said Welsh Government is spending a “record low 6 per cent of the budget on Primary Care” at a time when services are being reduced not because they are no longer needed, but because the workforce is not there.

Minor dissent

Two councillors raised concerns about the motion’s tone. Cllr Michael Thomas claimed it was “too negative” and didn’t outline alternatives, whilst Cllr Martyn Palfreyman criticised what he called “partisan comments” from Cllr Alex Evans in blaming Welsh Government.

Cllr Evans disputed the partisan claim, saying he had not mentioned any political parties and that the opposition Labour group had not submitted any amendments to the motion despite having the opportunity to do so.

What the motion demands

The motion calls on Welsh Government to explain what steps are being taken to prevent GP surgery closures across Wales and to ensure that alternatives to closure are genuinely considered in all cases.

It demands that Hywel Dda University Health Board publish its Health Impact Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment, explain why closure was identified as the preferred option before full consultation, and publish its assessment of all alternatives to closure.

The motion was passed following the debate.

Darkin claims credit for zero precept rise as political row erupts over Llanelli budget

Cllr David Darkin, who is also standing as a Labour candidate in May’s Senedd elections, said he proposed the zero-change precept for 2026-27 at February’s Establishment Committee meeting, with new Independent leader Cllr Sean Rees seconding the motion.

The statement comes after the Independents took control of the council last week following a series of defections from Labour and the formation of a “confidence and supply agreement” under Rees’s leadership.

In a lengthy public statement, Darkin set out a detailed timeline of the budget process, claiming the new administration had suggested it would “work towards” a zero change after the decision had already been made and passed by councillors.

“For accuracy, the zero-change decision had already been proposed by me, seconded by Cllr Rees, and supported by councillors prior to that announcement,” Darkin said.

The former leader also defended Labour’s financial management of the council, arguing that a zero precept was only possible because his administration had stabilised the authority’s finances after what he described as deficit budgets run by earlier Independent administrations.

“Over the past term, Labour brought the budget back into balance after earlier Independent administrations ran deficit budgets that eroded the council’s financial security,” Darkin claimed. “The turnaround is evidenced in recent balanced budgets and year-end positions set out in the council’s published accounts.”

Darkin’s statement reveals the fraught political manoeuvring that took place in the weeks leading up to the budget being set. According to his account, neither Labour nor the Independents initially intended to table a budget, forcing the Town Clerk to seek guidance on the consequences of no budget being set.

He said he informed the Town Clerk in early January that Labour would not table a full budget it could not pass, and asked that Rees be invited to key meetings including the Parc Howard Collaboration and Llanelly House Trustees so he had the information needed to prepare a responsible budget.

“One week before budget day, Cllr Rees and I spoke,” Darkin explained. “We agreed that a standoff would be irresponsible. We therefore agreed a holding position so the council could operate normally and residents would not be caught in the middle.”

The political row comes at a sensitive time for Darkin, who is one of six Labour candidates standing for the new Carmarthenshire super-constituency in the Senedd elections. The loss of control at Llanelli Town Council represents a significant political setback just months before voters go to the polls.

When the Independents took control last week, they issued a statement saying the new administration had been formed following “a period in which councillors from across the chamber have expressed a loss of confidence in the direction and decision-making of the previous Labour administration and the need instead to have a more open, collaborative, and community-focused approach.”

At the time, Darkin questioned what the new Independent group stood for, saying they had “no shared manifesto, no unified programme and no clear commitments made to the public.”

In his latest statement, Darkin struck a more conciliatory tone while maintaining his challenge over the budget narrative.

“I congratulate the new administration on taking office,” he said. “I will continue to support measures that keep bills down and protect community services, and I will challenge any attempt to rewrite the public record. Residents deserve accuracy, stability and mature cooperation.”

He urged anyone with doubts about his account to watch the recording of the February meeting and check the official minutes when they are published next month.

“The facts are straightforward: the zero-change precept was proposed by me, seconded by Cllr Rees and passed with broad support,” he said.

The political battle over who deserves credit for the zero precept increase highlights the increasingly fractious atmosphere at Llanelli Town Council, which has been rocked by public rows over issues including a scaled-back skip-day plan and how to tackle fly-tipping.

Those tensions ultimately contributed to the loss of confidence in Darkin’s leadership that paved the way for the Independent takeover.

The new administration has yet to respond publicly to Darkin’s latest statement.

Independents seize control of Llanelli Town Council as Labour’s Senedd hopeful demands answers

Glanymor councillor Sean Rees is the new Leader, with Bigyn’s Michael Cranham as Deputy Leader, after a confidence and supply deal between non‑Labour councillors pushed Labour out of the top roles.

The move follows weeks of open rows in the chamber — including a bust‑up over a watered‑down skip‑day plan — and growing frustration over how the council was being run.

‘Residents want services, not party politics’

Rees said the new administration would strip out party politics and focus on the basics.

Cllr Sean Rees said:

“Residents want us to focus on local services, community facilities and value for money — not party politics. Our priority will be to listen and put our residents at the heart of every decision.”

Cranham said the agreement underpinning the new administration would be published in full.

Cllr Michael Cranham said:

“This is a fresh start. We’re ready to work with anyone who shares the goal of being responsible with public money. Decisions must be made on merit, not political allegiance.”

The Independents say their early priorities include recording and publishing meetings, proposing the removal of councillor expenses, working towards freezing the precept for 2026–27, and investing in parks, play areas and community facilities.

Labour’s Senedd candidate hits back: ‘What do they stand for?’

The takeover is a blow for Labour locally — and a political headache for outgoing leader David Darkin, who is standing as one of Labour’s six Senedd candidates under the new voting system.

Darkin congratulated Rees but questioned what the new administration actually represents.

David Darkin said:

“I must be honest — I do not know what this group of Independents stands for or what vision they have for Llanelli. They have no shared manifesto, no unified programme and no clear commitments made to the public.”

He said Labour had strengthened community facilities, improved parks and supported local groups during its time in charge, and vowed to hold the new administration to account.

Darkin added:

“Residents deserve transparency and clarity about the direction their council will now take.”

A council already split before the takeover

The leadership change comes after a string of public clashes inside the chamber. Councillors traded blows over a scaled‑back skip‑day plan and argued over how to tackle fly‑tipping — rows that exposed deep divisions and raised questions about Labour’s grip on the council.

Those tensions ultimately fuelled the loss of confidence that opened the door for the Independents.

What happens next

The Independents say they want a “stronger, brighter, fairer future for Llanelli”. Labour says it will scrutinise every decision and defend the priorities voters backed at the last election.

The publication of the confidence and supply agreement, the upcoming budget, and the 2026–27 precept will be the first major tests of the new regime — and the first chance for residents to see whether Llanelli’s political shake‑up delivers the stability both sides claim to offer.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Row erupts in Llanelli as councillors trade blows over watered‑down skip‑day plan
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David Darkin launches Senedd bid for Carmarthenshire super‑constituency
The former Llanelli Town Council leader set out his case as one of Labour’s candidates under the new voting system.

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Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli amid health board consultation

A Llanelli councillor has warned that the town “cannot afford to lose any more” of its healthcare services, as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues its public consultation on proposed changes to nine clinical services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Sean Rees, Independent County Councillor for Glanymor Ward, said the current direction of travel—centralising services away from Llanelli—would worsen recruitment challenges and increase pressure on Prince Philip Hospital.

“We have lost enough of our services in Llanelli already that we simply cannot afford to lose any more,” he said. “The constant pressures on our NHS are taking their toll, and much of this has gone unnoticed over the years mainly due to the dedication of health staff on the frontline.”

The health board’s Clinical Services Plan consultation, which runs until Monday 22 July 2025, includes proposals to reconfigure critical care, stroke, emergency general surgery, and minor injuries services. Councillor Rees expressed concern over the potential knock-on effects of proposed changes to Bronglais Hospital’s stroke unit, which could see patients from Ceredigion and north Powys transferred to Llanelli for treatment.

“I am concerned to hear of the proposed change to Bronglais Hospital Stroke Services and the future impact this may have on Prince Philip Hospital with a transfer of patients from the Ceredigion area being treated in Llanelli and the additional pressures that such a move could bring.”

The Bronglais proposal would see the stroke unit downgraded to a ‘Treat and Transfer’ model, with patients stabilised locally before being sent to specialist centres in Llanelli or Haverfordwest. Campaigners and clinicians have warned that this could result in four-hour round trips for families and delays in rehabilitation, particularly for rural patients.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip Hospital continues to face staffing shortages, with its intensive care unit unable to admit the most seriously ill patients due to a lack of consultants. Patients requiring level-three care are currently transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, placing further strain on regional services.

The hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) has also been a flashpoint for public concern. In May 2024, the health board agreed to a temporary overnight closure due to staffing pressures, prompting protests and a petition to the Senedd from campaigners who say the move undermines public trust and puts lives at risk.

In April 2025, the board launched a 12-week consultation on four options for the MIU’s future, including full restoration of overnight services, continued temporary closure, or permanent overnight closure. Campaigners from Sosppan (Save Our Services Prince Philip Hospital Action Network) have called for a return to 24-hour care to be reinstated as a formal option.

“Instead of a tick the box exercise, a serious discussion now needs to take place which prioritises both patient care and the needs of staff working in our NHS,” said Councillor Rees.

The health board says the consultation is designed to address service fragility and improve standards, but critics argue that changes are already being implemented before public feedback has been fully considered.

Residents can respond to the consultation via Hywel Dda’s website or attend local drop-in events before the deadline on Monday 22 July 2025.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli’s Minor Injuries Unit could close overnight due to staff shortages
Published March 2024: Health board warns of staffing pressures as overnight MIU closure is proposed.

Board agrees temporary overnight closure of Minor Injury Unit in Llanelli
Published May 2024: Decision prompts protests and calls for urgent review of local healthcare provision.

Prince Philip Hospital campaigners take petition to Senedd
Published May 2024: Campaigners raise concerns over MIU downgrading and wider service centralisation.

Health board lays out options for Llanelli Minor Injuries Unit
Published April 2025: Consultation outlines four potential futures for the MIU, including permanent overnight closure.

Final days to have your say on future of Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit
Published July 2025: Residents urged to respond before the consultation closes on 22 July.

#CllrSeanRees #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #MinorInjuriesUnit #MIU #PrincePhilipHospital

Town council leader’s Drug rehabilitation centre comments described as ‘disappointing’ and ‘reckless’

The comments came after Labour’s Llanelli Town Council Leader and County Councillor David Darkin hit back at proposals to relocate a drug rehabilitation service to a busy out-of-town shopping area.

Llanelli’s Drug & Alcohol Service (DDAS) was originally proposed to move to the former WRW Anchor Point office at North Dock. However, more than 200 people had protested against Hywel Dda University Health Board’s plans amid claims the centre would pose a danger to local residents, particularly with its proximity to a nearby playground.

The service currently provides support for over-18s from the first floor of Boots on Vaughan Street in Llanelli Town Centre. Carmarthenshire County Council was reported to be considering its Ty’r Nant property in Trostre as a new home for the service after it rejected proposals by supermarket Lidl to build a new store on the site.

The move to Trostre was supported by local independent councillors Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, who were part of the campaign against the service being located in North Dock.

Cllr Darkin, however suggested that Cllr’s Rees and Roberts were “trying to offload a difficult matter to a different ward without giving careful consideration”.

The Glanymor Ward councillors have since hit back at Cllr Darkin’s comments saying he is compromising any public consultation before it even starts.

Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, County Councillors for Glanymor Ward said: “The comments made by the Labour-led Town Council leader are disappointing and reckless to say the least.

“The Ty’r Nant building was suggested as it meets the ‘Area Planning Board’ criteria of being on a public transport network, having adequate parking facilities and has previously been used as a health facility.

“From the very start of this process, we have called for a full public consultation to take place. This will need to include a full risk and community impact assessment to be undertaken on any proposed site too.

“Given the Labour group have now stated they don’t want DDAS to be relocated to Ty’r Nant, they need to be clear with everyone about exactly where they would locate it.

“By going against the only alternative currently on the table, not only have they compromised any public consultation before it even starts but have also run the risk of the coastline being back on the agenda should another unit become available or the facility being kept in the Town Centre itself.

“The Labour group and Cllr Darkin as its Leader must be clear here – are they suggesting that the service should be relocated to a residential neighbourhood within Llanelli instead?

“A solution needs to be found but it must be one which works for clients who use the service but also considers the impact to our communities as a whole.”

#CllrLouvainRoberts #CllrSeanRees #DavidDarkin #drugAndAlcoholService #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #Trostre

Llanelli North Dock building subject of controversial health board plans taken off the market

The building had previously attracted interest from Hywel Dda University Health Board, whose proposed change of use sparked significant controversy within the local business community and among residents of Glanymor Ward. The proposal to relocate the Dyfed Drug & Alcohol Service (DDAS) was ultimately rejected by Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee but the ‘Area Planning Board’ still decided to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. 

It has been confirmed however that Threshold DAS, an organisation aimed at supporting people affected by domestic abuse, have now had their offer accepted and plan to move to the Unit shortly. 

Formerly known as Llanelli Women’s Aid, Threshold has been operating in Llanelli for over 40 years and is currently based on John Street in the town.

Victoria Pedicini, Chief Executive Officer of Threshold DAS said: “For a couple of years, we have been searching for suitable premises to accommodate our growing staff team at Threshold DAS. Securing this building in North Dock is a fantastic opportunity for us, and I’m really pleased to have finally found a space that meets our needs. It’s the perfect place for us to develop and expand our team, as well as increase our capacity to support the community. I’m absolutely thrilled to be moving and delighted that our offer has been accepted. We plan to move to North Dock as soon as the transaction is completed and hope to be settled in before the end of the summer.

“The local residents have been incredibly supportive and are welcoming Threshold’s move to the area. It’s really important to us to know that the community values our presence and supports the work we do. Having that backing gives us confidence as we continue to grow and strengthen our services.

“Our new building will primarily be used as office space for our staff, allowing us to operate more efficiently and continue our vital work in the community. At the same time, I’m committed to maintaining our presence at John Street, which will stay open as a community drop-in centre and food bank. It’s really important to us that we keep that connection and continue to offer accessible support right in the heart of the community.

“This new building marks an important new chapter for Threshold. It allows us to grow sustainably while continuing to be present where people need us most. I’m really looking forward to this next step and am truly grateful for the ongoing support from the community.

Juliet Phillips-James, Chair of Threshold DAS said: “We’re delighted to have secured new premises here in North Dock, Llanelli which will provide a much-improved working environment for our dedicated staff. As Chair of Threshold, I have witnessed how the charity has grown greatly and prospered over the last decade. Whilst this is an achievement and a credit to those who work in and manage Threshold it has caused logistical issues in that we have outgrown our existing premises. The new premises provide a functional space to allow us to collaborate more effectively and grow our services as we continue to support the Llanelli community. We’re incredibly excited about this move.

Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, County Councillors for Glanymor Ward added: “We would like to wish Victoria and her team at Threshold all the very best with their move to North Dock. This is very positive news for our community which we know will be warmly welcomed by all. 

“Following this latest development, we are now urging the ‘Area Planning Board’ to cancel the planning hearing appeal currently scheduled for Wednesday 30th April this to avoid any unnecessary cost to taxpayers or potential judicial review should it be needed.”

Cllrs Rees and Roberts have previously called for Hywel Dda health board to to scrap plans to move its drug and alcohol unit to the former WRW building in North Dock and to consider the the empty Ty’r Nant council-owned building in Trostre instead.

#CllrLouvainRoberts #CllrSeanRees #domesticAbuse #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #NorthDock #ThresholdDAS

Councillors call for Llanelli drugs and alcohol unit to move to Trostre

Hywel Dda Health Board are to appeal against the decision of Carmarthenshire County Council ‘Planning Committee’ refusal to relocate Llanelli Drug & Alcohol Service (DDAS) to the former WRW Anchor Point Unit at North Dock. An Inspector has now been appointed by Welsh Government ministers to decide if this will go ahead.

Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, Independent County Councillors for the Glanymor Ward have expressed concerns at the way the situation continues to be handled and have urged Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and the Welsh Government to explore all of the options available to them before a decision is reached on the relocation of the service.

The councillors say that where they fully recognise the need for the service to leave the town centre, it has been highlighted how the beach area which is a residential, recreational, tourist and business area in nature is not suitable given there is a children playground and a dock itself which presents a number of health & safety concerns which must be addressed under a duty of care for both clients who would use the service and members of the community.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Councillors has also revealed that the total funding to be granted for the move to North Dock and the Beach area is £860,000 from the Welsh Government ‘Substance Misuse Action Fund (SMAF) Capital Programme. It has further been revealed that an alternative location put forward that of the Ty’r Nant building in Trostre is structurally sound and can be brought back into use should it be considered as an option by the Health Board.

The County Council is currently looking at alternative options for the Ty’r Nant property after it rejected proposals by supermarket Lidl to build a new store on the site, along with a drive-through Tim Hortons coffee outlet.

The Planning Hearing Appeal is taking place on Wednesday 30th April starting at 9.30am in the Selwyn Samuel Centre. A protest has been organised outside the venue from 8.45am on the day.  

Councillors Rees and Roberts said: “We feel strongly that not all options have been considered. The Ty’r Nant building ticks all the boxes in terms of meeting requirements needed for this service and should be considered. Despite requests being made, no Risk Assessment nor that of a Community Impact Assessment have been undertaken. All of us have a duty of care to our residents and to visitors to the area. The health & safety of everyone has to come first.

“Following a review undertaken just earlier this year, evidence has been presented showing an increase in reported crime within the locality. This led to the North Dock area now being covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This is also enforced by Dyfed-Powys Police. A very clear message has been sent to the ‘Area Planning Board’. They do not have public confidence on side and their proposal has already been overwhelmingly rejected by both our community and by members of the Planning Committee. 

“We will continue to challenge this appeal and are prepared to explore all options available to us. We are now urging all the powers that be to look at the alternative suggestions in the interests of everyone.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Following consideration with our partners, we have come to the conclusion that there is a need for a Health and Well-being Centre in Carmarthenshire and that the Anchor Point building in North Dock is the best place for this.

“A new health improvement and well-being centre in Llanelli is essential to the health board’s strategy of shifting services from treating illness, to promoting and supporting wellness, working with partners, communities, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.

“Smoking, alcohol and drug misuse are among the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death and tackling these issues are strategic priorities for the health board and members of the Area Planning Board.

“We engaged with the local community at the time of the original application and although some concerns were raised, there was also support shown for the plans by the local community during the consultation events and at the planning committee.

“The health board will continue to engage with the local community regarding this proposed development.”

#CllrLouvainRoberts #CllrSeanRees #drugAndAlcoholService #featured #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #NorthDock #Trostre