“HEATING CRISIS HITTING US HARD”: Carmarthenshire families ‘forced to pay triple’ as oil reliance laid bare

The figures have sparked calls for urgent action from independent Senedd candidate Carl Peters-Bond, who warned families are being left with “no choice but to absorb soaring prices.”

Villages among worst hit in Wales

Data highlighted by the BBC shows just how exposed parts of the county are:

• 69% of households in Llannon, Cross Hands and Pen-y-groes rely on oil
• 65% in Abergwili, Llanegwad and Carmel
• 41% in Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn and Ferryside

Across Wales, around 7% of homes depend on oil — but that figure jumps dramatically in rural areas like Carmarthenshire.

Bills double — and supplies dry up

The warning comes as families across Wales report being left without heating or forced to pay sky-high prices.

In one case reported by the BBC, a family saw a £323 oil order cancelled — only to be forced to pay £750 elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a man in Garnant said his annual bill could soar from £1,000 to £3,000, adding: “The heating has gone off… I’m basically having to dress up and keep moving.”

“People have no choice”

Peters-Bond said the crisis is already biting in Carmarthenshire:

“This crisis is hitting Carmarthenshire directly. When two-thirds of households in some communities rely on oil, people have no choice but to absorb soaring prices.”

He said funding announced by the UK Government must be targeted at rural areas first.

£3.8m for Wales — but who gets it?

The UK Government has unveiled a £53 million support package for households hit by rising oil prices — with £3.8 million allocated to Wales.

But Peters-Bond warned the money must not get lost in bureaucracy:

“The UK Government has released funding — now the Welsh Government must make sure every penny of that £3.8m reaches the rural households who need it most.”

“Competition won’t fix this”

While industry bodies have welcomed a review into oil pricing, Peters-Bond said that won’t help families stuck off the gas grid:

“Rural families aren’t choosing oil because it’s cheap — they’re choosing it because they’ve been left without options. Competition only works when people can switch.”

Calls for urgent action

He is now calling for:

• Emergency financial support for oil-dependent households
• A major retrofit programme to help homes switch to cheaper, greener heating
• A long-term plan to reduce reliance on volatile oil markets

Global crisis hitting local homes

The surge in prices has been linked to rising global oil costs amid conflict in the Middle East — with experts warning the situation could worsen heading into winter.

And for many in rural Carmarthenshire, the message is clear: without urgent help, the coming months could be even tougher.

“You can’t copy-and-paste urban policies onto rural Wales,” Peters-Bond added.
“Carmarthenshire needs solutions designed for Carmarthenshire.”

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New £15m eco‑business hubs filling up fast, says Welsh Government as demand surges in Carmarthenshire

Ministers say the £15m investment — jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council — has delivered new sustainable business units at Parc Gelli Werdd in Cross Hands and a second scheme now under construction at Beechwood Industrial Estate in Llandeilo.

According to the Welsh Government, Parc Gelli Werdd’s 26 “state‑of‑the‑art” workshops and offices are already demonstrating “strong market demand” for low‑carbon premises. The Government says the site includes an energy‑management system allowing tenants to control electricity use for cost efficiencies, alongside high‑performance insulation and solar panels designed to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Officials say the development is around 70% let, with further enquiries being considered for the remaining units.

The Welsh Government also says five new energy‑efficient industrial units are being built at Beechwood Industrial Estate. The scheme, due for completion in June, is described by ministers as being designed to meet a “Net Zero carbon in‑operation target” and will include electric vehicle charging points.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said businesses consistently highlight the need for modern, flexible space.

“Businesses tell us how access to modern business spaces is crucial to helping them expand and grow,” she said. “Both of these developments in Carmarthenshire deliver to exceptional environmental standards and will reduce operational costs for occupying businesses whilst minimising environmental impact.”

Carmarthenshire County Council says the partnership is helping create high‑quality space for local firms. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism Cllr Hazel Evans said the new units will support business growth in the county.

“Through collaborative working with Welsh Government, these energy‑efficient commercial units will provide fantastic, flexible spaces for businesses in Carmarthenshire to thrive,” she said.

Coroner calls for safety action following death of Swansea solicitor Emily Thornton-Sandy

His action follows the devastating collision in which Emily died after another driver travelled the wrong way down the dual carriageway. The coroner recorded a conclusion of Road Traffic Collision.

Emily, from Pontarddulais, had been travelling home from a veterinary appointment at around midday on 5 November 2024 when the collision occurred between Pont Abraham and Cross Hands.

Her dog, Scout, sadly died shortly afterwards. Emily was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but died six days later from catastrophic injuries. The collision involved two other vehicles.

At the inquest on 3 December 2025 at Llanelli Town Hall, Senior Coroner Paul Bennett said a 90-year-old driver had pulled out of a junction on the eastbound side of the A48 near Cross Hands, leaving Emily no time to react. Two other vehicles were also struck in the tragic sequence of events.

Evidence from Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the road was in good condition, the weather was dry and overcast, visibility was clear, and the junction already had a sign instructing drivers to turn left. No emergency braking marks were found, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts.

The inquest also heard that the driver who caused the collision had been seen by a medic at his home two days earlier after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness. He was assessed following the episode but, the court heard, there had been no medical instruction or clear indication at that time that he should not continue driving.

In light of the evidence, the coroner confirmed he will raise concerns with the South Wales Trunk Road Agency and Carmarthenshire Council about the junction from which the other driver exited moments before the fatal crash.

Emily’s family have welcomed the decision, hoping it will draw attention to long-standing safety concerns on a stretch of road where Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 169 crashes in just 12 months. However, they remain gravely concerned that further markings alone will not prevent future incidents, given that clear signage is already in place.

Emily’s family have described her as intelligent, kind and compassionate, devoted to her work supporting people affected by asbestos exposure, and passionate about literature and houseplants. Three people benefited from organ donation following her heartbreaking death.

During the inquest, where the family were represented by Thompsons Solicitors, statements from Emily’s husband and parents were read out.

Her husband, Stuart, said he would do all he could to prevent other families suffering similar loss. He said:

“Nobody should have to see their wife as I saw Emily in hospital. Emily lost her life, and I lost my future. I never envisaged living my life without her. I felt like I lost purpose when I lost Emily and Scout.”

Emily’s parents described her death as an avoidable tragedy and urged people to speak up if they have concerns about the driving ability of an elderly relative, in the hope that it may prevent another family enduring such unbearable grief.

Helen Shakespeare, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and the family’s legal representative, said:

“Emily’s death was devastating to all who knew and loved her. The inquest has shown that what happened was entirely avoidable.

“The family therefore welcome the coroner’s decision to raise concerns with the highways authorities, but they remain deeply worried that more meaningful action is needed to address the wider safety issues on a road where so many serious incidents have occurred.”

[Lead image: Family photo]

#A40Collision #collision #CrossHands #EmilyThorntonSandy #PontAbraham

Top award for founder of Gower View Foods

The annual award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Welsh dairy industry. 

Established in 2007, under Jon Lewis’ leadership, Gower View Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised independent butter and dairy co-packers, supplying leading brands for many of the major retailers and food service providers across the UK and Europe.

Based at a modern, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, the company’s co-packing capabilities range from portion-sized butter and bulk block production to a wide range of flavoured butters, flavoured creams, and promotional packaging solutions.

In addition to its co-packing services, Gower View Foods also produces its own range of products, including the notable Shirgar Butter and Ísey Skyr, made using a traditional Icelandic recipe on its state-of-the-art Ultra Filtration plant.

Recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Wales in 2020, the company’s success has been driven by a flexible, collaborative approach and more than 30 years of collective experience in the dairy industry. 

Under Mr Lewis’s leadership, the company has created skilled jobs in West Wales and has made a substantial contribution to the local economy through sustained investment, product development, and rural employment. 

Sustainability is a cornerstone of operations, with ongoing investment in renewable energy generation, recyclable packaging, plastic reduction initiatives, and advanced effluent treatment systems, supporting both environmental objectives and long-term business resilience.

The award was presented to Mr Lewis at the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ annual Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, sponsored by NatWest Cymru, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market on Monday, 27 October 2025.

Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“Jon Lewis’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the Welsh dairy sector. Through his focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation, he has demonstrated how strong business vision can deliver real benefits for both the industry and rural communities. His achievements with Gower View Foods are an excellent example of how Welsh dairy can compete and thrive on a national stage.”

Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said:

“Jon Lewis has shown how strong leadership and strategic investment can turn a local business into a national success story. 

“His achievements with Gower View Foods demonstrate how commercial success and community benefit can go hand in hand, creating skilled employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the wider prosperity of rural Wales. 

“NatWest Cymru is proud to help celebrate such an inspiring example of sustainable business growth.”

#CrossHands #FarmersUnionOfWales #GowerViewFoods #Natwest #WelshDairyShow

Carmarthenshire ice cream maker wins top Great Taste Award

Mario’s Luxury Dairy Ice Cream, based in Cross Hands, scooped the Golden Fork from Wales for its Blackcurrant and Cassis Sorbet. The award was announced at the Great Taste Golden Forks ceremony after months of judging by more than 500 chefs, buyers and food writers.

The sorbet, praised by judges for its strong fruit profile and smooth texture, was chosen from over 14,000 products entered into this year’s awards. It had already achieved the maximum three‑star rating before being named Wales’ best food or drink product.

Multiple award wins

Mario’s also collected further accolades in 2025, with its Clotted Cream Ice Cream earning three stars, and two‑star ratings for its Clotted Cream Raspberry Ripple and Olive Oil, Honey and Rock Salt flavours.

Founded more than 40 years ago by Italian‑born ice cream maker Mario Dallavalle, the company uses milk from a Carmarthenshire dairy and Welsh cream across a range of more than 40 products. Its ice creams and sorbets are supplied to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and independent retailers across Wales and the UK.

Praise from Welsh Government

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies, who is also Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, congratulated the company, calling it “a shining example of the excellence and creativity that define Welsh food and drink.”

Record year for Welsh produce

The Guild of Fine Food, which runs the awards, said Mario’s was one of a record 146 Welsh products to receive Great Taste recognition in 2025. This included eight products awarded three stars, 40 with two stars and 98 with one star, ranging from artisan cheeses and craft ciders to meats and baked goods.

Established in 1994, the Great Taste Awards are regarded as one of the UK’s most rigorous food and drink competitions, with entries judged through blind tastings. Only around 2% of products achieve the top three‑star ranking each year.

#awards #BlackcurrantAndCassisSorbet #Carmarthenshire #ClottedCreamIceCream #CrossHands #GoldenFork #GreatTasteAwards #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #MarioSIceCream

First Cymru announces major bus network overhaul across South & West Wales

Bus operator First Cymru is rolling out a comprehensive set of changes to its South and West Wales network from Sunday 31 August 2025, with revised timetables, new routes, and increased service frequencies designed to improve reliability and connectivity across the region.

The updates span Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan, and have been developed in collaboration with local councils — including funding support from Carmarthenshire County Council.

New Services & Route Extensions

• L11 (Llanelli–Kidwelly): A brand-new hourly service via Burry Port and Pembrey, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council.
• 6A (Swansea–Grenfell Park): New weekday service via SA1.
• X1 (Swansea–Bridgend): Now extended to Swansea University’s Singleton Campus with larger double decker buses.
• 39 (Swansea–Tycoch): Will now operate Monday to Friday during college holidays, extending beyond its previous term-time-only schedule.
• 195 & 197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Extended to Parc Trostre, with the 197 also serving Ffos Las Estate.
• 69 (Bridgend–Cefn Glas): Now operating via Angel Street and Glan y Parc.
• X2 (Porthcawl–Cardiff): Rerouted through Neville Street and Fitzhamon Embankment, avoiding Westgate Street.

Increased Frequencies

• L3 (Llanelli–Pontarddulais): Now running every 60 minutes.
• 321 (Llantwit Major–Talbot Green): Increased to hourly service.
• 87 (Neath–Margam): Additional trips during college holidays and extended journeys to Dalton Road.

Route Revisions

• L1 & L2: Now serving the new Pentre Awel development.
• 128: Will operate via Cross Hands Business Park.
• 129: Will bypass Pantyffynnon via the A483.
• 84, 81 & 82: Will now terminate at Port Talbot Parkway Station.
• 59 & 83: Interlinked at Pontrhydyfen for seamless travel between Neath and the Afan Valley.

College Services Updated

Services 901–907, connecting various towns to Neath College, will have revised timetables to improve punctuality for the new academic year.

Withdrawals

• 103 (Ammanford–Llandybie): Withdrawn and replaced by services 165 and X13.

Timetable Tweaks Across the Network

In addition to new routes and service extensions, many existing services will see timetable adjustments aimed at improving punctuality and better aligning with passenger demand. These include:

• L1–L7 (Llanelli area): All services revised to improve reliability, with L1 and L2 also rerouted via Pentre Awel.
• 124–129 (Ammanford area): Timetables adjusted for punctuality; 128 and 129 also feature route changes.
• 145–146, 165–166 (Carmarthenshire): Updated schedules, with 166 gaining Saturday trips and replacing some weekday-only journeys.
• 195–197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Timetables revised alongside route extensions.
• 6, 29, 34, 39 (Swansea): All revised for punctuality, with service 39 now running during college holidays.
• 56, 59, 81–83, 87 (Neath Port Talbot): Adjustments include extended routes and improved connections, especially between Neath and the Afan Valley.
• 901–907 (Neath College services): Timetables updated to support the new academic year.
• 69, X2 (Bridgend & Cardiff): Revised schedules and rerouted paths to improve access and reduce delays.
• 321 (Vale of Glamorgan): Increased frequency to hourly service.

Local Collaboration

The overhaul reflects extensive collaboration with local authorities and feedback from passengers, aiming to create a more responsive and efficient public transport network.

Plan Ahead

All changes take effect from Sunday 31 August 2025. Passengers are advised to check updated timetables before travelling.

#103 #129 #195 #197 #321 #39 #59 #69 #6A #81 #82 #83 #84 #AfanValley #Ammanford #Bridgend #Bus #CrossHands #featured #FirstCymru #GrenfellPark #GwendraethValley #Kidwelly #L1 #L11 #L2 #L3 #Llanelli #NeathValley #PentreAwel #Pontrhydyfen #PortTalbot #PortTalbotParkway #PortTennant #SingletonCampus #SwanseaUniversity #timetable #X1 #X2

Carmarthenshire community groups to get up to £3,000 to enhance local green spaces

Carmarthenshire Council say the funding is available to projects located in the county’s principal centres of Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford, as well as and the “Ten Towns” of Cross Hands, Cwmaman, Kidwelly, Laugharne, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llanybydder, Newcastle Emlyn, St. Clears, and Whitland.

Gwyrddu Sir Gâr is committing £39,000 to support community-led greening initiatives, made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund with additional support from Carmarthenshire County Council. This scheme is designed to support local communities in developing greener, more resilient, and accessible outdoor spaces that benefit people, place, and nature.

Cllr Carys Jones, Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Planning and Community Cohesion, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to take the lead in improving their outdoor spaces and strengthening community connections. By investing in our natural environment, we are enhancing biodiversity, tackling climate challenges, and creating healthier, more vibrant places for people to enjoy. I encourage all eligible groups within the target areas to apply and be part of this positive change for Carmarthenshire”.

Applications are open until Friday 6th June 2025.

#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CrossHands #Cwmamman #Environment #grantFunding #GreenSpaces #Kidwelly #Laugharne #Llandeilo #Llandovery #Llanybydder #NewcastleEmlyn #StClears #Whitland

Cross Hands business to give old tyres a new life

Tuf Treads will save old tyres from landfill by using them to produce premium re-treaded tyres using latest manufacturing technology. Re-treading gives suitable tyres a new start once the original tread is worn away.

Based at Cross Hands Strategic Employment Site, the new factory will see 30 new jobs created.

It is backed by £400k from the Economy Futures Fund and £220k Circular Economy Funding from the Welsh Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “This new facility will fill a gap in the market for the successful Tuf Treads – saving up to 30kg of rubber, 20kg of steel and 60kg of CO2 from landfill each time a truck or bus tyre is re-treaded.

“The innovative and sustainable nature of this service is exactly the sort of business practice we want to support as we nurture a greener economy based around the industries of the future.

“It will also create good quality jobs, helping to drive prosperity and equip people with the right skills for our changing world.”

Tuf Treads Director Dan Rees said: “As a proud Welsh company, Tuf Treads is delighted to have been able to grow its business over recent years. We are grateful for Welsh Government’s contribution to our £3m plus investment in our new factory in Cross Hands.

“We will be the leading manufacturers of first-class, retreaded tyres in Wales. However, for us, this isn’t just about developing the business. Importantly it is also about creating new, skilled jobs within the local community and helping to grow the Welsh economy.

“Equally significant is the way in which our new initiative helps Wales fulfil its net zero commitments by producing high quality tyres from recycled, used tyres that otherwise would be in landfill.

“As a local Pontyberem man, I’m committed to doing all I can to help our communities here and across Wales flourish and thrive.” 

#Business #Carmarthenshire #CrossHands #Environment #RebeccaEvansMS #Recycling #tyres #WelshGovernment

Housebuilder donates £2,000 to Carmarthenshire autism charity

Persimmon Homes West Wales presented the cheque to Carmarthen & Cross Hands Autistic Mams Association (CCAMA) at a coffee morning as part of its Community Champions programme, alongside Cllr Emlyn Schiavone who helps run the charity.

CCAMA is a community support and friendship group for parents and carers of young people with autism or are believed to be on the spectrum. There are other such associations in other towns, including nearby Llanelli.

A meeting with two parents in Carmarthen highlighted the need to develop provision to the west of the county, to serve families in Carmarthen, Cross Hands, Ammanford, Whitland, Llandeilo, Llandovery, and Newcastle Emlyn. Consequently, an application was made to the Shared Prosperity Fund with the County Council.

This enabled activities to be arranged for families in a stimulating and enjoyable environment, ranging from soft play, swimming sessions, music therapy and visits to local areas of interest such as the Botanic Gardens.  The funding was time limited and other sources need to be identified to sustain the progress that has been achieved.

In Carmarthenshire, Persimmon has sites in Carmarthen and Cross Hands, as well as Pembrey.

Persimmon donates £48,000 each year to good causes and much-valued organisations across Wales each year as part of its Community Champions scheme. Recent local recipients include Wales YFC Eisteddfod, Carmarthen Wanderers Cricket Club, and Scarlets Women’s Rugby.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director Sharon Bouhali, said: “Once we heard about the Mams group, we knew instantly that this was a deserving recipient of our Community Champions donation and thank Cllr Schiavone for bringing them to our attention.

“With sites in Carmarthen and Cross Hands, this group will be an invaluable resource for some of the families that end up occupying those homes, and we wanted to help out an organisation that could be such a huge help to them.

Cllr Emlyn Schiavone – councillor for Carmarthen Town West – commented: “On behalf of the large number of families that are benefiting from CCAMA, I would like to express my thanks to Persimmon for the funding to enable this important initiative to continue and flourish.

“Twelve months ago, I met two parents to explore how we could develop a new project to the west of the county. We are presently up to 473 members, and the shared experiences of so many families involved with positive and inclusive activities have been rewarding and fulfilling.”     

#Autism #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #Charity #CrossHands #PersimmonHomes

Calls for safety improvements on A48 at Cross Hands as yet another crash closes major road for ‘extended period’

The vehicles involved in the collision are believed to be a black BMW and a white Toyota Prius.

Four people were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The stretch is likely to remain closed for the rest of the morning, Traffic Wales has confirmed.

The service said this is to carry out investigation work with the road so far closed for more than six hours.

The road has long been known as a collision hotspot and new figures have revealed that things are getting worse rather than better.

Data released by Dyfed-Powys Police via a freedom of information request shows there were 169 crashes on the road in the space of just one year between the start of October 2023 and the end of September 2024.

According to traffic service Inrix, the incident today affects the road from Cross Gates roundabout to Heol Parc Mawr. It states that the road is currently shut for investigation work.

The westbound carriageway is closed from M4 (Pont Abraham Roundabout, Llanedi ) to A476 Llandeilo Road (Cross Hands Roundabout, Cross Hands).

The eastbound carriageway is closed from A476 Llandeilo Road (Cross Hands Roundabout) to Heol Parc Mawr.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police said the route will be closed and advised motorists to avoid the area. A spokesman said:

“We are in attendance at a road traffic collision that occurred around 4.20am this morning.

“An 18-year-old man, who was taken to hospital, has since been discharged. He currently remains in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and driving whilst impaired.

“The driver of the BMW had failed to stop for police prior to the collision. The independent Office for Police has been notified and a formal referral process has been initiated.

“The road will be closed for an extended period due to a collision. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience while investigations continue.”

The incident follows calls for safety to be improved on the stretch between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham, which on average sees a crash almost once every two days.

In July a 75-year-old woman was killed in a crash between Cross Hands and Llanddarog while in November three people were killed in crashes between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham.

A crash on November 5 on the eastbound side of the A48 near Cwmgwili claimed the life of 90-year-old John Howell Price. Due to the same collision Emily Thornton-Sandy, aged 30, was taken to a Cardiff hospital with serious injuries but died six days later on November 11.

Whilst on November 15 Ian Michael Owen, aged, 55, was killed following a collision on the eastbound stretch between Cross Hands and Cwmgwili.

In December MS Adam Price who represents the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency in the area of Carmarthenshire where the A48 dual carriageway is located called on the Welsh Government to do more to improve safety on the road.

“I was deeply concerned to learn that there had been further fatal incidents on the A48 [in November] and my thoughts go out to all those involved.

“These statistics indicate that there is a serious safety issue along this stretch of road.”

[Lead image: Traffic Wales South via Facebook]

#A48 #collision #CrossHands #DyfedPowysPolice #PontAbraham #TrafficWales