Scarlets set for double-header pre-season clash at Church Bank

The match, which gets underway at 4pm, will see head coach Dwayne Peel’s squad face 30-minute challenges against each of the two Premiership sides. The Drovers and Quins will then go head-to-head in the final half hour of play.

Supporters will have the chance to catch a first glimpse of the Scarlets’ rising stars and new signings as preparations ramp up ahead of the BKT United Rugby Championship opener against Munster at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, September 27.

The day’s action begins earlier with a curtain-raiser between Llandovery College and Millfield School at 1pm — a highlight fixture in the college’s rugby calendar.

Scarlets will continue their pre-season campaign the following Saturday, September 13, with a trip to Rodney Parade to face Dragons RFC.

Season ticket holders will be able to attend the Church Bank fixture free of charge. General admission prices are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

#Carmarthen #CarmarthenQuins #ChurchBank #Llandovery #LlandoveryCollege #LlandoveryRFC #LlandoveryRugbyClub #MillfieldSchool #Rugby #Scarlets #TheDrovers

Llandovery Hospital safe from closure, confirms Hywel Dda Health Board

The consultation, held on 17 July, focused on proposed changes to nine clinical services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire — including radiology, which is currently offered at Llandovery just one day a week. Under the draft options, X-ray services could be relocated to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, due to staffing pressures and outdated equipment.

“There are no plans or decisions ongoing about closing Llandovery Hospital,” said Medical Director Mark Henwood. “We’ve heard the passion the community has for local services very clearly. The hospital remains open and continues to provide a wide range of care.”

That care includes everything from palliative and end-of-life support to a busy schedule of outpatient clinics — including diabetic retinopathy, memory services, continence care, musculoskeletal treatment, physiotherapy, podiatry, minor surgery, midwifery, phlebotomy, smoking cessation, and more.

The hospital’s X-ray machine, donated by the community years ago, now struggles to meet modern imaging standards. Some patients already need to travel to larger hospitals for scans, and if the service is retained locally, the equipment would need replacing.

“We’re extremely grateful to the League of Friends and the community for their continued support,” Henwood added. “Our staff are committed, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the area.”

Chief Operating Officer Andrew Carruthers said the hospital’s broader future isn’t part of the current consultation, but the board is keen to continue conversations with residents — especially as part of its wider Healthier Mid and West Wales strategy.

Locals can share their views on the nine services under review — including stroke, emergency surgery and urology — via the Clinical Services Consultation or by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 5). Broader feedback on community health priorities can be submitted through the Have Your Say strategy portal.

More health and community stories from Llanelli

Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli amid health board consultation
Published July 2025: Local leaders raise concerns over potential cuts to clinical services and the impact on community care provision.

Final days to have your say on future of Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit
Published July 2025: Residents urged to take part in consultation as Hywel Dda Health Board reviews urgent care services in the town.

Town council leader criticises proposals to move drug rehabilitation centre to popular Llanelli retail park
Published July 2025: Cllr David Darkin voices opposition to plans that could see a rehab facility relocated to a busy shopping area.

#GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaNHS #Llandovery #LlandoveryHospital #PrincePhilipHospital #radiology

New recycling scheme targets farm plastic pollution in Welsh river catchments

A trial scheme to tackle plastic pollution from farms is being launched across south Wales, with the aim of improving river health and protecting endangered wildlife.

Led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) through its Four Rivers for LIFE programme, the initiative will see new drop-off centres set up across four ecologically sensitive river catchments — the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk — where waste such as silage wrap and feed bags has become a growing concern.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with Agricultural Plastics Environment (APE), Birch Farm Plastics, and Afonydd Cymru, aims to recycle an additional 200 tonnes of farm plastics over the next year. Farmers will be able to dispose of eligible materials at reduced cost, with centres opening at livestock markets in Talsarn, Crymych, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Raglan, and potentially Carmarthen.

“Healthy rivers support more than just wildlife — they help farming communities thrive,” said Chris Thomas, senior land management officer for Four Rivers for LIFE.

What farmers can recycle — and what they can’t

The scheme accepts a range of commonly used agricultural plastics, including silage bale wrap (in all colours), pit cover sheeting, fertiliser and feed bags, and feed buckets. These items can be dropped off without additional sorting.

However, some materials — such as bale twine, bale net wrap and string — require careful separation to be eligible for recycling. If not properly sorted, these items may be rejected at the drop-off centres, so farmers are being urged to prepare their waste accordingly.

River health and wildlife at risk

Plastic waste from farms can persist for years in river systems, entangling fish, birds and mammals, and blocking migration routes. All four rivers are designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) due to their rare ecosystems, including salmon, lamprey, and otters.

A 2023 WRAP report found the UK’s agri-plastic recycling rate sits between 20–30%, far behind countries like France (80%), Germany (65%), and Ireland (90%).

The new trial is backed by funding from the EU LIFE Programme, Welsh Government, and Welsh Water, and builds on previous success in west Wales.

Related rural and environmental stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Government launches £33m transition support for farmers at Royal Welsh Show
Published July 2025: Deputy First Minister unveils Sustainable Farming Scheme tools and funding, while Welsh Conservatives raise concerns over clarity and impact.

Carmarthenshire dairy farmers cleared of £360,000 fine after Home Office raid
Published June 2025: Farming family successfully appeals penalty after immigration enforcement action, raising questions about due process and sector pressures.

Welsh Water under pressure as sewage pollution incidents hit ten-year high
Published May 2025: Environmental groups and opposition parties call for accountability as sewage discharges surge across Welsh rivers and coastal areas.

#Carmarthen #Crymych #Farming #Llandovery #NaturalResourcesWales #PlasticRecycling #Recycling #RiverCleddau #riverPollution #RiverTeifi #RiverTywi

Rail passenger group demands clarity on new Heart of Wales Line timetable

The Heart of Wales Line Travellers Association (HOWLTA) has written to the head of TfW James Price, to ask when the new timetable will be introduced and how it will be publicised.

“We very much welcome the re-introduction of the five trains a day service on the Line”, said HOWLTA’s Chairman Prof. Stuart Cole. Funding for the increased service was agreed as part of the Welsh Government’s budget settlement earlier this year.

“However”, he continued, ‘We appreciate that the provision of funding is only part of the development of a five trains per day service. There are obviously technical and management issues to be addressed . . . Therefore we are keen to see concrete and timely progress towards the introduction of the increased service.”

He noted that the five trains a day service prior to the end of 2024 was beset with problems of reliability. He said “we believe that with the benefit of that experience [the problems] can be overcome. For example we trust the you have overcome the staffing issues which affected the service, and that you will make arrangements to use reliable rolling stock and avoid it being reallocated to other routes as happened previously.”

He also stressed that the new timetable must aim to meet the needs of as many potential users as possible – local people, tourists and those attending meetings/conferences in Llandrindod Wells which is ideally located for gatherings of people from north, mid and south Wales. It should also improve connectivity with services to e.g. Birmingham, Manchester and London.

“HoWLTA would be happy to assist TfW with any ideas, advice or feedback that could help to progress this project,” he concluded.

Meanwhile TfW say they are committed to increasing the frequency of trains on the line.

A spokesperson for TfW said: “We recognise the importance of the Heart of Wales line to the communities it serves and the wider economy, and we are committed to increase services to 5 through trains a day from December 2025.

“We are in regular correspondence with the Heart of Wales Line Travellers Association (HOWLTA) and other interested stakeholders and will continue to update them on the detailed timings at the earliest opportunity once these have been validated by Network Rail.”

#Ammanford #HeartOfWales #Llandeilo #Llandovery #Llanelli #ProfessorStuartCole #trains #TransportForWales

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

What an event! My book talk at ‘Reading the Wild’ Lit Festival in #Llandovery was packed, I was interviewed by the most amazing host Luke Sinsta and, following a very engaging Q&A, I was signing copies of #BecomingDrJones for an hour. Thank you to Books at the Dragon's Garden bookshop for supplying extra copies of the book when we ran out at the festival!

Thank you to my sponsors for this event YPantriGlas x

Carmarthenshire’s Black Mountain Pass named ‘most scenic driving route in Wales’

Wales is home to some of the most thrilling and picturesque drives in the UK — from mountain passes with hairpin bends to peaceful lakeside cruises. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views or empty country roads, these routes deliver both beauty and brilliant driving.

Motoring experts have handpicked five of the most scenic routes for motorists looking to explore Wales from behind the wheel.

1. Black Mountain Pass (A4069 – Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen)

A true favourite among motoring purists, the Black Mountain Pass winds its way through the Brecon Beacons with a dramatic mix of tight corners, open straights, and cliffside climbs.

Made famous by Top Gear, it offers adrenaline and epic views in equal measure. Expect roaming sheep, sweeping valleys, and no shortage of Instagram-worthy moments.

Best for: sporty handling, sharp curves, and dramatic hilltop views.

2. Abergwesyn Pass (Abergwesyn to Tregaron)

Often called “the Welsh Highlands”, this remote and wild mountain road is as dramatic as it gets. The route cuts through moorland, dense forests, and past waterfalls — and includes the steep and infamous Devil’s Staircase.

There’s no phone signal, barely any signage, and rarely another car. It’s as raw and untouched as road trips come.

Best for: isolation, adventure, and raw natural beauty.

3. Llanberis Pass (A4086 – Capel Curig to Llanberis)

Threading between the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, the Llanberis Pass delivers one of the most scenic alpine-style drives in the UK. Sheer rock faces, glacier-carved valleys and towering slate mountains dominate the landscape.

Perfect for a sunrise drive or post-hike cruise, this route feels like something out of the Alps — without leaving Britain.

Best for: dramatic mountain scenery, photography stops, and highland driving.

4. Elan Valley Drive (Rhayader to Devil’s Bridge)

This peaceful and underrated route through mid-Wales follows the Elan Valley’s iconic dams and reservoirs. Expect quiet bends, lush forest backdrops, and mirror-like lakes flanking the roadside.

Great for a slower, reflective drive — with plenty of places to pull over, enjoy a picnic, or take in the views.

Best for: relaxing drives, nature lovers, and peaceful pit stops.

5. North Wales Coastal Route (A55 – Chester to Holyhead)

This route hugs the north coast of Wales, offering rolling sea views, access to beaches, castles, and the striking Menai Suspension Bridge en route to Anglesey.

While it’s a more modern A-road, the scenery and sea breeze more than make up for it — especially at golden hour.

Best for: coastal cruising, long-distance road trips, and scenic sunset drives.

Final word from the experts

A spokesperson from Show Plates World, who were behind the research, said:

“Wales has some of the most rewarding drives in the UK — routes where the landscape constantly changes, and the road itself becomes part of the experience. Whether you’re here for the thrill or the view, these roads have both.”

#A4069 #BlackMountain #BlackMountainPass #Carmarthenshire #driving #GwaunCaeGurwen #Llandovery #motoring