Llanelli Town AFC secure top-tier FAW licence despite relegation battle

The club announced the achievement on social media, describing it as a reflection of “hard work, dedication, and commitment” from people across the organisation. It comes during an extremely difficult season on the pitch, with Llanelli currently rooted to the bottom of the Cymru Premier’s Play-Off Conference following a torrid campaign.

The figures make grim reading for supporters. In their 22 regular season matches the club won just twice, drew two and lost 18 — scoring only 12 goals while conceding 59, leaving them adrift at the foot of the table on 8 points. That record placed them 13 points behind 11th-placed Flint Town United.

Their manager Lee John was sacked in January with the club bottom of the table, with Terry Boyle brought in to try to arrest the slide. But results have continued to go against the Reds. Their most recent league outing ended in a 5-0 home defeat to Bala Town, and their next fixture is an away trip to Haverfordwest County on 18 April.

With survival in the top flight looking all but mathematically impossible, Wikipedia’s summary of the 2025-26 season already lists Llanelli Town as relegated. The focus now turns firmly to bouncing back.

The FAW’s licensing system assesses clubs against a wide range of criteria covering ground facilities, safeguarding, financial management, youth development and governance. Holding a Tier 1 licence means a club is certified as meeting all the standards required to operate at Welsh football’s top level.

Crucially, the award of next season’s licence means Llanelli have satisfied those requirements regardless of how this season ends. The last time the club were relegated from the top flight, in 2018-19, they did so without a Tier 1 licence — making an immediate return impossible. This time it is a very different picture.

The announcement signals that despite the struggles on the pitch, the club is being run properly behind the scenes and is already planning for a return to the Cymru Premier. That off-field stability has been a consistent theme in recent years.

The club became the first in Wales to launch a fan investment campaign on Republic Europe — the platform formerly known as Seedrs — inviting supporters and investors to back the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch. Investment was earmarked for redevelopment of the historic Stebonheath Park and for building stronger youth pathways.

The club has previously spoken of its ambition to return to European competition. Securing the governance and infrastructure standards required to operate at Cymru Premier level is a key step in making that possible.

Their return to the top flight this season — as Cymru South champions — was itself a significant milestone after six years in the lower divisions. It was Llanelli’s first season back in Welsh football’s top tier since 2018-19.

The hope among supporters will be that the groundwork being laid off the pitch means that absence from the Cymru Premier this time around will be a short one.

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SCARLETS: Club confirms ‘significant’ new investment after difficult period amid financial rumours

The Scarlets have confirmed they have secured major new funding to secure the club’s future, in a statement that all but acknowledges the financial turbulence that has surrounded the region in recent weeks.

The board released a carefully worded statement on Friday that stopped short of detailing the scale of the difficulties the club has faced, but which thanked supporters for their “loyalty and patience during a difficult period” — a phrase that will resonate with fans who have watched months of uncertainty unfold.

The investment — described as “significant” — has come from within the club’s existing funding group, rather than from new external backers.

The Scarlets issued the following statement in full:

“The Scarlets Board can confirm that the club has secured significant further investment for the future stability of the club and region.

“The investment is an important vote of confidence in the Scarlets, in Llanelli, the enduring strength of our rugby heritage and in the future of professional rugby in the region and its links to sport, community and culture in west Wales.

“The club’s priority and focus continues to be about protecting its future, providing stability for players, staff, stakeholders and supporters, and creating the time needed to consider the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly.

“The additional investment is provided from within our existing funding group who are committed to the future of the club and who deeply understand Scarlets rugby and its importance to Welsh rugby and west Wales.

“We would like to thank our supporters, staff, players, partners and the wider Scarlets community for their loyalty and patience during a difficult period. Their belief, loyalty and support of our club has never wavered. Neither has ours as the Scarlets Board.”

The language will not be lost on supporters. References to “stability,” a “difficult period” and the need to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” all but confirm that the rumours of serious financial difficulty were well-founded — even as the statement stops short of spelling out what that difficulty looked like.

Notably, the new investment comes from existing backers rather than fresh outside money, suggesting the club’s current funding group has stepped up to plug a gap rather than a new investor riding to the rescue.

The statement arrives against one of the most turbulent backdrops in Welsh rugby’s recent history. The WRU has been pressing ahead with plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three — and while the Ospreys have widely been reported as the region under threat, the union has stopped short of confirming that any final decision has been made. That ambiguity will do little to ease nerves in west Wales.

The WRU’s own governance has been in crisis in parallel. Clubs forced an extraordinary general meeting — initially set for April 13 — to hold the union’s leadership to account, in a saga that has lurched from confrontation to apparent resolution and back again. The union’s chair, Richard Collier-Keywood, announced he would stand down in July after months of pressure over the direction of the professional game.

With the regional picture still unresolved, the Scarlets’ statement that they need time to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” takes on added significance — raising the question of whether the club is positioning itself for a future that looks very different to the present.

The Scarlets declined to provide further detail on the level of investment secured, the identity of the investors, or the circumstances that made the additional funding necessary. Swansea Bay News has contacted the club for further comment.

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LLANELLI: Guide dog Lilly steals the show at Wales’s oldest camera club after model gets stuck in traffic

A guide dog saved the day at Wales’s oldest camera club when the session model got stuck in traffic — stepping in as an impromptu subject and producing results her proud owner described as spectacular.

Llanelli Photographic Society had booked a male chef in a big hat and check trousers for one of their regular studio nights, but when he failed to arrive, member Andrew Windsor had a suggestion: his black labrador guide dog, Lilly.

Andrew, who joined the society in 2022 and is its only member with sight loss, said the stand-in proved an immediate hit with fellow photographers. “The model we had booked was stuck in traffic, so we needed a stand-in. I suggested Lilly, and soon there were five photographers taking shots of her. I was so proud of her and just used a little bit of food to keep her focused,” he said.

The results drew admiration from fellow members, with Lilly’s striking features proving a natural fit in front of the lens.

One of the photographs taken of Lilly during the studio session at Llanelli Photographic Society, after the booked model failed to arrive. (Image: Arthur Mallett)

Andrew first developed a passion for photography at the age of 12, when his grandmother gave him a 35mm pocket camera and instruction manual as a Christmas present. Decades later, despite significant sight loss, he continues to pursue the hobby — aided by modern technology and a perspective that sets his work apart.

Andrew said technology had opened up the hobby in ways that would not have been possible before. “I use Artificial Intelligence on my phone to help me navigate the camera settings. I try to use a tripod where possible to keep the camera steady and a remote shutter release to help me take the photo without shaking the camera,” he said.

That unconventional approach has earned him a reputation for capturing images others might not think to take. Andrew said: “I always get people saying, ‘Wow, I wouldn’t have thought about capturing that at the angle you did.’ Photography connects people and shows us anything is possible.”

A photo of Lilly taken by Andrew Baxter at the photoshoot
(Image: David Rees)

The society meets regularly to discuss photography and hold practical sessions. Once a month, members gather for a studio night focused on camera settings and equipment — the kind of session that led to Lilly’s unlikely moment in the spotlight.

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LLANELLI: Police crack down on North Dock anti-social behaviour hotspot as spring season begins

Police are stepping up patrols at Llanelli’s North Dock waterfront this spring after the area established itself as an annual anti-social behaviour hotspot — with officers warning they will take “robust action” against those who spoil it for others.

Dyfed-Powys Police say reports of problems at North Dock increase every year as the weather improves and more people are drawn to the popular waterfront location. Complaints received by the force include reckless and dangerous driving, items being thrown at other vehicles, excessively loud music and persistent horn beeping.

The force’s local neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will carry out additional patrols throughout the spring and summer, working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council and local businesses to address the problem.

The scale of last year’s operation gives a sense of what officers are prepared to deploy. During a proactive crackdown in March 2025, the force issued 18 vehicle prohibitions, 18 traffic offence reports, seized two vehicles, issued Section 59 warning notices for anti-social driving, made two arrests for drug driving and handed out two out-of-court disposals for drug offences — all in a single operation.

Inspector Thomas Coppock, of Carmarthenshire Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention, said the force wanted people to enjoy the area but would not tolerate behaviour that ruined it for others.

Inspector Thomas Coppock from Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“Each year as the weather improves, people will naturally want to get outside and enjoy the sun by going to areas like North Dock in Llanelli. First and foremost, we want all members of our community to enjoy spending time outside together in one of the many beautiful locations across our police force.

“However, sadly North Dock has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including reckless driving, at this time of year. Unfortunately the acts of a small minority can affect the enjoyment of the majority when this behaviour occurs.

“We will be present to hear any of your concerns, as well as proactively looking to engage with the local community with officers on patrol. We aim to provide a reassuring presence for people to feel safe, while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.

“If necessary, we will be ready to take robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.”

Officers are encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour at North Dock to report it directly to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

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BLOOD TEST SHUFFLE: Llanelli patients moved AGAIN as services shift to new £60m Pentre Awel site

The move by Hywel Dda University Health Board marks the latest change for locals, who previously saw blood tests controversially shifted to an “out-of-town industrial park” in Dafen from the Antioch Centre in 2024.

That move drew heavy fire from patients at the time, as the Dafen Mass Vaccination Centre is not served by any public bus routes. The Health Board was even forced to offer limited appointments at Prince Philip Hospital specifically for those who relied on public transport and couldn’t reach the industrial estate.

Now, the service is set to find a permanent home at the £60 million Canolfan Pentre Awel, a modern sports and leisure facility that officially opened its doors in October 2025.

The new location is expected to be a relief for many, as it is marginally better served by public transport and sits much closer to the Antioch Centre where tests were originally held before the Dafen “exile.”

The Health Board claims the shift to Pentre Awel will finally offer the improved accessibility, better transport links, and more convenient parking that patients have been demanding.

Canolfan Pentre Awel already boasts a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, which opened in February 2026, providing therapeutic support for people with various conditions.

The phlebotomy team will initially be based in Block B, sharing space with Research and Innovation services and a range of bookable clinical rooms.

While the Health Board states the move aims to enhance the “patient experience,” for many in Llanelli, it simply means yet another change to navigate for a routine but essential service.

For now, patients are being told to continue booking their blood test appointments at the current Dafen site or Prince Philip Hospital. Appointments can be made online via the existing booking system or by calling the Communications Hub on 0300 303 9642.

The Health Board has confirmed it will release further details regarding the exact opening date at Canolfan Pentre Awel and any changes to appointment arrangements as soon as they are available.

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Llanelli teen caught with cocaine stash after late‑night police stop admits drug dealing

Cole Stevens was driving a white Renault Clio on Capel Isaf Road in Llanelli shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday 28 March when Dyfed‑Powys Police officers intercepted the vehicle, believing it was being used to supply drugs in the area.

‘You got me’ – teen hands over drugs on the spot

Officers searched the car under the Misuse of Drugs Act — and Stevens immediately confessed he had cannabis on him, handing it straight to police.

A deeper search uncovered far more. A mobile phone was found hidden under the driver’s seat, while a tobacco pouch contained 12 snap bags of white powder. Stevens confirmed the bags were cocaine. Officers also found a wrap of white crystalline substance tucked inside his sock and £780 in cash.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and taken into custody. A search of his home later uncovered handwritten notes believed to be linked to drug dealing.

During questioning, Stevens made several admissions, telling officers: “I just have to do it to earn a living,” and, “I’m only selling it to three people.”

Drugs worth £1,460 seized

Police drug experts examined the substances and concluded the quantity was far beyond personal use. The haul was given an estimated street value of £1,460.

Stevens was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, acquiring criminal property, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine between October 2025 and March 2026.

He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Monday 30 March and pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on 20 April.

Police: ‘You will be caught’

Detective Constable Steve Thomas said the case showed the force’s determination to disrupt drug dealing in the area.

“This result highlights our commitment to proactively removing drugs from our streets through targeted and intelligence‑based patrols,” he said.

“The weight of evidence against Stevens left him no option but to plead guilty. If you are dealing drugs in the Dyfed‑Powys force area, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted.”

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COCKLE RAID CHAOS: 4x4s stuck in mud as four men hit with £36k fines

Four men from Llanelli and Burry Port have been ordered to pay more than £36,000 after being caught illegally gathering cockles from the protected Burry Inlet.

The group drove their 4×4 vehicles more than a kilometre out into the estuary in a bid to collect cockles without permission — but their plan quickly unravelled.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers swooped on the scene after receiving reports of unlawful activity on June 12, 2025.

When enforcement teams arrived, they discovered Ethan Thomas, Brogan Phillips and Finley Harvey Jones, all from Llanelli, along with Korey Kathrens from Burry Port, in the middle of the estuary.

But the operation turned into a farce when two of the vehicles became stuck in the mud, leaving the group stranded and needing to be towed to safety.

A battered 4×4 vehicle being towed off the estuary
(Image: Natural Resources Wales)

Officers seized a significant haul of cockles along with equipment used in the illegal gathering operation.

Despite denying the charges, all four men were found guilty following a trial at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 23, 2026.

Each man was fined £4,000, ordered to pay a £1,600 victim surcharge and £3,546 in prosecution costs — bringing the total penalty to £9,146 each.

The court heard the men will pay the fines back at a rate of £200 per month.

Cockle gathering equipment seized by NRW officers
(Image: Natural Resources Wales)

NRW said the case highlights the serious impact illegal cockle gathering can have on the environment and legitimate fisheries.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West Wales Operations for NRW, said:

“This case highlights the seriousness of illegal cockle gathering, which can damage fragile ecosystems and undermine licensed fisheries operating within the estuary.”

He added: “We welcome the court’s decision and hope it sends a clear message that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”

The Burry Inlet is a tightly regulated shellfishery, with strict rules in place to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of licensed cockle pickers.

Natural Resources Wales say that illegal harvesting not only threatens the delicate ecosystem but also puts lives at risk, with fast-moving tides and treacherous mud making the estuary one of the most dangerous in the region.

The organisation added that this latest case serves as a stark warning to anyone tempted to cash in on the area’s natural resources without permission — you could end up seriously out of pocket.

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Stradey Park boss hits out at ‘nuisance’ far-right group in explosive video

The boss behind the bid to rescue the Stradey Park Hotel has hit out at a controversial activist group in a fiery online video — accusing them of stirring division and “masquerading as principle”.

Businessman Ahsan Ullah, whose firm owns the hotel, said he is doing “everything within my power” to stop it falling into administration following months of chaos.

The once-popular Llanelli venue has been at the centre of a long-running row after plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped — before the hotel shut its doors again earlier this month.

Security guards outside the closed Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli after the landmark venue shut with immediate effect earlier this month.
(Image: Llanelli comings and goings / Facebook)

“Fight still continues”

In his latest video message, Ullah insisted the battle to save the hotel is far from over.

He said: “The fight still continues… I’m doing everything within my power to save this hotel from administration. It matters to its staff, its customers, to the community — and above all it matters to me.”

He also moved to shut down speculation about the building’s future use, stating unequivocally that it would not be used to house asylum seekers.

Fresh attack on campaigners

But the strongest words were reserved for controversial group Voice of Wales, which has been heavily involved in protests linked to the hotel.

Ullah accused them of inflaming tensions and chasing online attention.

He said: “Shoving smartphones into people’s faces… and uploading selectively edited footage for clout and clicks is not activism. It certainly isn’t journalism.”

In a cutting remark, he added:
“A more accurate description should be the nuisance of Wales. They do not speak for Wales.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2036808881901379682?s=20

Community tensions still raw

The hotel, located in Furnace, Llanelli, became a flashpoint last year when proposals emerged to turn it into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Following backlash from residents and campaigners, the Home Office abandoned the plan — allowing the hotel to briefly reopen.

But ongoing financial issues have left its future hanging in the balance once again, with a High Court case adding further uncertainty.

“This is about saving the hotel”

Ullah struck a more conciliatory tone when addressing local concerns, saying he had held a “productive” discussion with local Labour councillor, Martin Palfreyman.

He said his priority now is stabilising the business, dealing with refunds and supporting staff.

“My duty is to protect this hotel, support its staff and secure a stable future,” he said.

What happens next?

With legal proceedings ongoing and no clear resolution yet, the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known hotels remains uncertain.

For now, Ullah insists he is focused on keeping the business alive — while warning critics he won’t be distracted by what he calls “noise”.

But after months of closures, protests and political rows, one question remains for locals:

Can the Stradey Park Hotel really be saved — or is this saga far from over?

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Llanelli tragedy: Family’s plea after police officer’s harbour death sparks safety review

Rehaan Akhtar, 28, from Llanelli, was found in the water at Bristol Harbour in November last year after becoming separated from friends on a night out.

Now, his family have spoken out in a moving interview, describing him as a “big-hearted, loving guy” — and calling for urgent safety improvements to prevent further tragedy.

“A genuinely lovely, loving boy”

His sister, Meena Najmi, said the loss has devastated the family.

She described her brother as someone who “would do anything to help anyone” and revealed he had been looking forward to a new chapter in life.

Rehaan had been planning to move into a new home with his partner — and the couple were due to marry in January.

Final moments ‘devastating’

The family have seen CCTV footage of his final moments and believe he fell from a boat jetty into the water.

Najmi said the moment was “devastating” — and believes more could be done to make the area safer.

She is now urging authorities to consider barriers, better lighting and improved access points to help people escape the water if they fall in.

“If the railings were moved closer to the water’s edge, I think that would be a lot safer,” she said.

“They definitely need more lighting and steps so if someone falls in, there’s a way to get out.”

Safety review underway

The tragedy – along with other incidents – has prompted a safety review at Bristol City Council.

Councillors say they are now examining what changes can be made in what remains a busy, working harbour.

This includes looking at the number and placement of ladders, lighting levels and whether additional safety measures – including barriers – are needed.

Officials say any changes will need to balance safety with the harbour’s day-to-day operations.

Inquest to come

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, an inquest into Rehaan’s death has already been opened, with a full hearing due to take place.

His death has sent shockwaves through the local community in Llanelli — and his family now hope speaking out will help prevent others suffering the same loss.

“We just want change”

For Rehaan’s loved ones, the focus is now firmly on making sure lessons are learned.

Their message is simple — no family should have to endure the same heartbreak.

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LLANELLI: Wetland centre to get £400k makeover — but visitors warned of disruption

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre has secured funding to completely transform its entrance and visitor centre, promising a “more welcoming and accessible” experience for families.

The project, backed by Welsh Government cash and council support, will see the front of the centre redesigned with new pathways, wider doors and improved facilities.

But the upgrade comes with a catch.

Construction is due to begin in April 2026 and will run through to November — meaning months of changes for visitors, including temporary entrances and relocated facilities.

Despite the disruption, the centre insists it will stay open throughout.

Bosses say the revamp is badly needed, with the current entrance no longer fit for purpose.

New features will include modern welcome points, bilingual signage and interactive displays highlighting the wetlands and wildlife.

There will also be eco-friendly upgrades, including a drainage system designed to reduce flooding and boost biodiversity.

Plans show a revamped visitor centre at WWT Llanelli, with outdoor seating, improved access and new family-friendly spaces. (Image: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre)

Centre manager Jo Jones said the changes would transform the visitor experience.

She said: “Our newly transformed visitor centre will ensure everyone receives a warm and inclusive welcome.

“While there will be some temporary disruption during the build, we’re carefully planning the works so people can continue to enjoy the wetlands.”

The £400,000 project includes £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics Fund, with the rest funded by the charity itself.

Ministers say the investment will help secure the site’s future as a top visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, said: “WWT Llanelli is a remarkable natural asset, and this investment will ensure it becomes even more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. The Brilliant Basics Fund exists to enhance the essential infrastructure that underpins great visitor experiences – improving accessibility, facilities, and supporting destinations to offer year-round, sustainable tourism.

“This project at WWT Llanelli embodies those aims and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government can help drive this transformation, which will benefit visitors, wildlife and the wider Carmarthenshire economy for generations to come.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, added: “Working in collaboration with WWT Llanelli, this exciting project will enhance visitor experience and improve accessibility by updating pathways, doors and ramps as required to meet universal standards, providing bilingual interpretation and installing clear wayfinding systems. I look forward to seeing the results of this project in the future.”

The work is expected to be finished in time for a major milestone — the centre’s 80th birthday celebrations.

In the meantime, visitors are being urged to follow signage and plan ahead as building work gets underway.

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