Llanelli carpenter jailed over cannabis growing operation in father’s garage

Dean Richards, 45, admitted producing cannabis and possessing the drug with intent to supply after police uncovered plants, drugs and growing equipment at multiple locations linked to him.

Swansea Crown Court heard officers executed a search warrant at an industrial unit in Bynea Business Park on 26 July. Inside, they found almost two kilograms of cannabis along with scales, mobile phones and specialist cultivation equipment.

When police went to Richards’ home address, he told them there was more cannabis in his garden shed. Officers recovered around a third of a kilo of the drug along with cuttings.

The investigation then led to his father’s property, where Richards had sole use of a rear garage. Inside, officers discovered 55 cannabis plants at various stages of growth in tents fitted with lights, fans and filters.

The court was told Richards, of Cambrian Street, North Dock, had 16 previous convictions for 38 offences, including earlier cannabis-related matters.

Defending, Ieuan Rees said Richards was a father-of-three who ran a carpentry business employing three people, and that the industrial unit was primarily used as a workshop. Plans to open a café there, run by his wife, had been put on hold pending the court case.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards described the set‑up as a “professional” operation and said the defendant had “clearly done [his] research” to make it profitable. She accepted he was remorseful but said he had chosen to embark on the enterprise despite other financial options.

Richards was jailed for 40 months. He will serve 40 per cent of the term in custody before being released on licence. A Proceeds of Crime investigation will now follow.

#Bynea #ByneaBusinessPark #Cannabis #drugs #DyfedPowysPolice #Llanelli #NorthDock

Town Council Leader criticises proposals to move drug rehabilitation centre to popular Llanelli retail park

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.

Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee subsequently rejected the proposals, and despite the health board planning to appeal the decision, the building was leased to Threshold DAS, an organisation aimed at supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

The service, which provides support for over-18s from the first floor of Boots on Vaughan Street in Llanelli Town Centre, isn’t considered ideal due to the council’s town centre regeneration plans.

Still looking for a new home for the DDAS, the County Council was reported to be considering its Ty’r Nant property in Trostre 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 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.

However the Labour Llanelli Town Council leader and County Councillor, David Darkin has claimed his fellow councillors were trying to “offload” the drug rehabilitation centre to a different ward, and said that he had to learn of the proposals through the media rather than being informed by Carmarthenshire Council – despite being the local elected member.

Mr Darkin said: “Trostre is a thriving retail hub, predominantly accessed by car, too far away from the population that need to access the service. A cynical person may suggest the Sean and Louvain were trying to offload a difficult matter to a different ward without giving careful consideration.

“We need DDAS, they provide an essential service and they do a fantastic job; Our community would be much poorer without them. Llanelli needs the service to be located somewhere that works for the service users and the community. For many years, I’ve suggested that the key stakeholders such as DDAS, CCC, LTC, Police and HDUHB meet and agree a location.

“Despite being an elected member for this ward, I learnt about this proposal through the media, not from CCC. This isn’t good enough; CCC should properly consult with the people of Llanelli, not just make decisions from Carmarthen.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Strategy and Planning Lee Davies said: “The area planning board is continuing the search for a suitable premises for our intended health improvement and wellbeing centre and the Ty’r Nant building is one of those under consideration.

“No decisions have been made yet as consideration of feasibility of this potential venue is at an early stage. However, we continue to believe 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, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.”

Swansea Bay News has asked Cllrs Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts.

#drugAndAlcoholService #featured #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #NorthDock #Trostre

Police launch appeal after body found at Llanelli’s North Dock

Dyfed Powys Police have launched an appeal for information after the body of a man was found near to the river at Llanelli’s North Dock on Sunday (15 June).

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Officers attended the area after receiving a call at 12.15pm.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time but we’re carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

“We are also aware that images of this incident have been circulating online. We ask that you do not share them out of respect for the man that has sadly died.”

The entrance to North Dock was cordoned off for a number of hours while Police forensics were in attendance, with eyewitnesses describing large numbers of emergency services at the scene including police and paramedics.

#DyfedPowysPolice #featured #Llanelli #NorthDock

Health board ‘considering position’ on planning appeal after Llanelli North Dock building sold

Hywel Dda had previously applied to Carmarthenshire Council for permission to use the former WRW offices in North Dock for a new Health and Wellbeing Centre to include relocating services such as the Dyfed Drug & Alcohol Service.

This application was ultimately rejected by Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee after a public campaign against the proposals.

The health board then mounted an appeal against the decision, however this week it was reported that the building has now been taken off the market and that Threshold DAS, an organisation aimed at supporting people affected by domestic abuse, have now had their offer on the building accepted and plan to move to the unit shortly. 

Hywel Dda University Health Board have now said they are considering their position with regards to the planning appeal, but still believe that a new integrated wellbeing centre is essential for the town.

Ardiana Gjini, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We have been made aware that the property in North Dock, Llanelli which the Area Planning Board had identified as an appropriate location for a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, has now been sold subject to contract.

“We are considering our position and will make a decision on whether to proceed with the planning appeal in the near future.

“Although this news is disappointing, we believe 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, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.”

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #NorthDock

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

📍: Upper Bank Street Bridge
ℹ️: road bridge
🗺: https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=51.5061305986877&mlon=-0.016620016054098#map=17/51.5061305986877/-0.016620016054098
📸: Photo by marc.barrot on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/73068437@N00/52891839073

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