Political battle erupts as Llanelli Rural Council approves 8% council tax rise – bringing three-year increase to 47%

The decision will affect residents across communities outside Llanelli town centre, including Llwynhendy, Pemberton, Five Roads, Bynea, Dafen, Felinfoel, Swiss Valley, and Glyn.

Opposition councillors from Plaid Cymru and Independent groups condemned the decision, warning it will place a further burden on households during the ongoing cost of living crisis, following an “eye-watering” 32% increase last year.

But Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans hit back, claiming the opposition councillors themselves were responsible for driving up the precept by insisting on ward-specific projects – and accused them of hypocrisy for criticising allowances while earning approximately £20,000 per year as County Councillors.

Cllr Alex Evans, Leader of the Opposition, said the decision shows “the administration is out of touch with the priorities of ordinary residents.”

“People are already struggling to get by. Forcing them to pay almost 50% more in council tax than just three years ago is just not on — that is why we had to vote against the proposed budget tonight. Residents are being asked to pay more while council leaders spend on luxuries,” he said.

Opposition councillors also criticised continued spending on councillor attendance payments, along with a leased car and chauffeur to escort the Chair of Council to events. An optional attendance payment allows councillors to claim £15 for each meeting they attend, with several meetings lasting less than 10 minutes in 2025, and the shortest lasting only three minutes.

“Opposition councillors and residents will rightly question the judgement and priorities of Labour councillors after refusing to scrap attendance payments and return the leased car,” Cllr Evans added.

Opposition councillors contrasted the move with neighbouring Llanelli Town Council which voted to freeze its tax.

The council has since moved from being Labour-run to a new Independent administration and has committed to scrapping councillor payments.

Cllr Sharen Davies, Independent member who also voted against the budget, challenged the administration’s claim that the tax rise was driven in part by the Canolfan Llwynhendy project.

“This development has been funded largely through grants and partner support. It should not be used as a smokescreen to justify excessive tax rises. Llwynhendy residents deserve investment and improvements in our community,” she said.

“This tax hike is completely unacceptable and will put serious financial pressure on our residents. Labour must rethink this further tax increase and start cutting back on unnecessary luxuries.”

However, Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans strongly rejected the criticism, pointing out that the Council’s administration is a coalition of Labour, Independent, and Plaid Cymru members – not a solely Labour-led authority.

He said the current Council has inherited a significant backlog of issues from the previous administration’s “lack of foresight” when adopting numerous new projects and asset transfers.

Cllr Evans explained that last year’s 32% increase was driven by unavoidable commitments, including £107,000 required in the Llwynhendy/Pemberton Ward to complete the new Canolfan Llwynhendy build and to fund unexpected drainage works at Gwili Fields in Cllr Sharen Davies’s ward, recruitment of additional staff to support growing community facilities, and replacement of a grounds maintenance vehicle.

He said this year’s 8% rise primarily reflects investment in Plaid Cymru and Independent wards, including £40,000 for refurbishing a play area for the Five Roads/Glyn Ward – Cllr Alex Evans’s ward – and further investment in Canolfan Llwynhendy.

“It is important to note that had Councillors Alex Evans and Sharen Davies not insisted on these additional ward-specific projects, this year’s rise would have been closer to the general cost of living and would have eased financial pressure on local households. For a Band D property, the increase equates to 28 pence per week,” Cllr Evans said.

On the Chairperson’s car, he said the Council continues to maintain a car and driver because the Chair must represent the Council at numerous civic events across the community, and not all Chairpersons are able to drive. “This support ensures the Chair can fulfil the role effectively and inclusively,” he added.

Regarding councillor allowances, Cllr Evans said Llanelli Rural Council is one of the largest and most ambitious town and community councils in Wales, and as a result, councillors face increasing demand on their time to meet governance and regulatory requirements.

“The role is no longer entirely voluntary in practice. Members dedicate substantial time to reading agendas, reports, and background papers, in addition to attending meetings. The meeting allowance ensures councillors are not out of pocket for fulfilling their duties,” he said.

He added:

“It must also be acknowledged that the councillors quoted in the opposition press release are themselves County Councillors. County Councillors receive a basic salary of approximately £20,000 per year, and for context this is more than the rural council’s entire budget.”

The council’s administration said it remains committed to transparency, responsible financial management, and ensuring that all communities within the Council area benefit from sustained investment and high quality services.

“She’s back!” – Llanelli hotel says guest returned after alleged unpaid £700 bill

The Diplomat Hotel Restaurant & Spa in Felinfoel reported that the woman booked a five‑night stay worth over £800, but was quickly recognised by a team member who remembered her from the previous incident.

Hotel Director and General Manager Paul Jenkins said in a social media post that the woman left the hotel in June 2024 without settling her invoice, despite repeated attempts to contact her.

“We were left several hundred pounds out of pocket,” Jenkins wrote. “She disappeared and we suspect she may have done the same to other establishments.”

Caught on camera

According to the hotel, the woman initially managed to check in, but when Jenkins approached her and asked if she had stayed before, she denied ever visiting.

Staff attempted to take payment upfront, but Jenkins said her card was declined. He added that she claimed she would contact her company and return with another card, but instead left the premises.

The hotel has released CCTV footage of the encounter, showing the guest at the front desk during the attempted check‑in.

Warning to fellow hoteliers

Jenkins posted a warning online, saying:

“To all fellow hoteliers: please be vigilant and keep an eye out for this individual.”

The incident has been reported to Dyfed‑Powys Police, according to the hotel.

Hospitality scams hitting South Wales

Serial offenders jailed
A couple sentenced after admitting multiple dine and dash offences across South Wales.

Italian restaurant hit
Newly opened Bella Ciao in Swansea left with £300 unpaid bill after alleged dine and dash.

Couple charged in Port Talbot
Police named a pair accused of fraud and theft after repeated dine and dash incidents.

Sentencing due this month
Bernard and Ann McDonagh admitted skipping bills worth over £1,000 at five restaurants.

More dine and dash coverage
Browse Swansea Bay News’ full archive of dine and dash stories.

#cctv #dineAndDash #diplomatHotel #felinfoel #hospitality #llanelli #paulJenkins #stayAndDash #unpaidBill

Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march

‘Clueless’ leadership

Councillor Andrew Bragoli, a lifelong Scarlets supporter who describes the late Phil Bennett as his “idol and hero”, accused the WRU of being “clueless” and failing both the regions and grassroots clubs.

“They have mismanaged regional rugby in Wales in general. They haven’t helped the grassroots teams like Furnace, Trimsaran, Felinfoel, Llangennech, Tumble and Tenby,” he said.

“The WRU haven’t looked after the regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and the Dragons – so the national team is now suffering. We don’t want to see any region disappear.”

Cllr Bragoli said the union had been “narrow‑sighted”, relying on the success of the national side while neglecting the pathway from community rugby into the professional game.

Call for English league switch

The mayor suggested the best way forward would be for the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff to join the English league system, with the Dragons remaining in the United Rugby Championship.

“Nothing in Welsh rugby has the passion of Scarlets versus Ospreys. We must both survive. And derby games against Bristol, Bath and Gloucester would boost attendances and bring atmosphere and rivalry with travelling fans,” said Cllr Bragoli, who has attended more than 1,000 Scarlets matches.

March to Parc y Scarlets

He urged local people to join the Save Our Scarlets march this Saturday, ahead of the home game against Munster. The march will leave Sandy Water Park at 1pm, led by Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon, and will pass through Llanelli town centre before arriving at Parc y Scarlets.

The town council has also commissioned buses to bring local choirs to the stadium, with renditions of Sospan Fach and Yma O Hyd planned as part of a festival‑style build‑up.

Council united

Fellow councillor Shaun Greaney said:

“We cannot allow the demise of the Scarlets. It would be an act of cultural and sporting vandalism on a near criminal scale. Our area cannot afford the economic decimation the loss of 400 plus jobs would mean.”

Town council leader David Darkin confirmed the council had written to the WRU in the “strongest terms” and voted unanimously to back the campaign.

“Our position reflects the love the town has for the Scarlets. The region is part of our very identity,” he said.

Petition gathers pace

Nearly 5,500 people have signed an online petition calling for the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets’ future. The petition describes the club as “a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of local pride, and a source of inspiration for young athletes”.

It highlights Sport Wales figures estimating rugby contributes more than £200 million a year to the Welsh economy and supports over 4,000 jobs, with the Scarlets playing a key role in that ecosystem.

Related stories on the future of the Scarlets

Save Our Scarlets, urges town council
Llanelli Town Council backed a cross‑party motion calling on the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets, citing their cultural importance and multi‑million pound contribution to the local economy.

‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future
Councillors urged residents and businesses to join a march from Stradey Park to Parc y Scarlets, as the WRU consults on cutting the number of professional teams.

Llanelli MP: Parc y Scarlets must be central to Welsh rugby’s future
Dame Nia Griffith said the stadium’s facilities, heritage and player pathway make it essential to the sport’s future, warning decisions now will shape Welsh rugby for decades.

Scarlets investor slammed WRU leadership weeks before deal announced
Kirsti Jane, head of the US‑based group investing in the Scarlets, criticised WRU leadership as lacking vision, weeks before confirming a landmark takeover deal.

#CllrAndrewBragoli #DavidDarkin #Felinfoel #Furnace #grassrootsRugby #Llanelli #Llangennech #MayorOfLlanelli #ParcYScarlets #Rugby #RupertMoon #Scarlets #SospanFach #Tenby #Trimsaran #Tumble #WRU #YmaOHyd

“Whose flag flies here?”: The politics of symbolism in Carmarthenshire

At County Hall in Carmarthen, three flags fly: the Welsh Dragon, the council’s own standard, and the Ukrainian flag — a gesture of solidarity with a nation under siege. But the fourth pole stands empty. The Union Flag, which some councillors say should fly permanently alongside the others, is conspicuously absent.

That absence sparked a heated debate in the council chamber earlier this month, when Labour councillor Rob Evans (Dafen & Felinfoel) tabled a motion calling for the Union Jack to be flown daily at council buildings in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford.

“Our men and women in uniform don’t just serve on special occasions — they serve 365 days a year,” Cllr Evans told the chamber. “They fight under the Union Jack, and many have been buried beneath it after making the ultimate sacrifice. Surely the least we can do is honour them every single day.”

His Labour colleague Cllr Michael Thomas (Pembrey) echoed the call, saying the council’s current stance was “disingenuous” given its recent Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award.

But Plaid Cymru and Independent councillors in the ruling administration rejected the proposal. They argued that permanently flying the Union Flag was “too political” and risked alienating residents. One Plaid member said some in Carmarthenshire would not want to stand under the Union Jack because of “600 years of London rule.”

The motion was defeated, with 41 councillors voting against, 22 in favour, and two abstaining.

How councillors voted

Flags on the streets

The row over the Union Flag came just days before another controversy. Carmarthenshire Council was criticised by Reform UK councillors after removing Welsh flags that had been attached to lampposts as part of the Raise the Colours campaign.

Cllr Michelle Beer (Reform UK, Lliedi) said:

“It is with deep disappointment that we witness the Plaid Cymru‑led council’s decision to remove Welsh flags from lampposts across our county. The Welsh flag, a proud symbol of our heritage and identity, has long served as a unifying emblem. Yet Plaid Cymru — the so‑called ‘Party of Wales’ — has chosen to strip this powerful symbol from our streets.”

The council defended its actions, saying flags attached to highway structures without permission are unlawful and can pose safety risks. A spokesperson said a new “dynamic risk assessment protocol” is now in place to manage such displays.

The politics of colour

The Raise the Colours campaign itself has become controversial far beyond Carmarthenshire. Launched in summer 2025, it encouraged people to tie Union Jacks, St George’s Crosses and other national flags to lampposts, bridges and roundabouts. While supporters framed it as a grassroots celebration of patriotism, anti‑racist groups such as Hope Not Hate warned that it had been amplified by far‑right activists and linked to anti‑immigration protests across the UK. Polling suggested a significant share of the public saw the campaign as a statement against migrants rather than a neutral show of pride.

That wider context helps explain why the council’s decision to remove the flags has been so politically charged — and highlights the contrast with its choice to fly the Ukrainian flag at County Hall, a symbol of solidarity with a nation under attack that has broad cross‑party support.

A pattern of disputes

This is not the first time Carmarthenshire Council has faced scrutiny over its approach to flags. In 2018, the authority declined a request to fly the Pride flag during LGBT History Month, a decision campaigners said was out of step with other Welsh councils.

Taken together, the empty pole at County Hall, the removed banners from lampposts, and the rainbow flag that never flew suggest a pattern: in Carmarthenshire, decisions about what flies above civic buildings are shaped as much by politics as by protocol.

As Welsh Conservative MS Sam Rowlands put it in an earlier row over the Union Flag:

“We should be striving for actions and symbols that unite us, not divide us. Yet this decision is the petty nationalism that divides us.”

#Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrMichaelThomas #CllrRobEvans #CountyHall #Dafen #Felinfoel #FlagPole #flags #Llanelli #Pembrey #RaiseTheFlag #UnionFlag

Video shows moment high‑speed Llanelli police chase ends in Felinfoel crash

Dashcam footage from inside a Dyfed‑Powys Police car shows the final moments of the pursuit through the narrow 20mph streets of Felinfoel, with the Kia Sportage reaching 60mph before slamming into a lamppost outside the Royal Oak pub.

The chase happened in the early hours of 7 July this year, just a month after police had first stopped the same driver – 31‑year‑old Perry Dyson, of Brynlluan, Gorslas – in Llanelli’s Parc Trostre retail park.

First arrest in June

Swansea Crown Court heard officers stopped the Kia at Parc Trostre on 7 June. Dyson, who was disqualified from driving, gave a false name and tested positive for cocaine. He later admitted taking the drug earlier that day. The car belonged to his ex‑partner.

A blood sample was taken before Dyson answered “no comment” in interview and was released on bail.

Breach of restraining order and 3am visit

A month later, Dyson breached a restraining order by knocking on his ex‑partner’s door at 3am. Out of fear, she handed over her car keys and phone.

Shortly afterwards, police spotted the Kia and a pursuit began through Llanelli. Dyson hit speeds of more than 70mph in residential areas, overtook other vehicles and forced oncoming drivers to take evasive action.

The pursuit ended when he lost control and crashed outside the Royal Oak. Arrested at the scene, Dyson told officers he had taken the car to buy drugs. He again tested positive for cocaine at the roadside but refused to give a blood sample in custody.

Court: ‘Chance after chance’

Dyson admitted two counts of driving while disqualified, two counts of driving without insurance, dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, and breaching a restraining order.

He has previous convictions for offences including common assault, drug possession, failing to provide a specimen, and coercive or controlling behaviour – for which he received a suspended sentence in February this year.

Judge Huw Rees told him: “The courts have given you chance after chance… people in Llanelli would be well pleased if you were kept in custody.” But, after reading letters from Dyson and prison staff, he imposed a 24‑month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Dyson must complete an accredited programme, a rehabilitation course, a drug rehabilitation requirement, and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was banned from driving for three years and must pass an extended test before regaining his licence.

Police blood test delay criticised

The court also heard the Crown Prosecution Service had been waiting since 1 August for Dyfed‑Powys Police to provide the results of Dyson’s June blood test. Judge Rees said he would direct police to write to him personally to explain the delay, warning he would “take further action” if they failed to respond.

#DyfedPowysPolice #featured #Felinfoel #Gorslas #Llanelli #PolicePursuit

Councillor warns of ‘fatal risk’ after child offered drugs in Llanelli

Labour Lliedi ward councillor Shaun Greaney said the teenager was approached at around 5.30 pm on Thursday 4 September in a lane leading from Penygaer Field to Felinfoel. The man allegedly “waved a white rock” in front of the boy’s face and asked him to buy it.

The boy refused and told his mother, who contacted Cllr Greaney.

“Fortunately her son had the good sense to say no, but the lady is terrified of the potential consequences for other children and has asked me to spread the alert,” he said.

“She fears there could be a fatality and I wholeheartedly share that worry. Drug dealing is an evil trade and I am urging all parents in the area to wise up their children to say no to drugs and to beware stranger danger.”

The councillor said the incident follows previous reports of young men on e‑bikes behaving suspiciously along the nearby River Lliedi path. He has called for an “instant response” from police, including a public appeal for witnesses, and urged residents to act as “the eyes and ears” of the force.

Dyfed‑Powys Police confirmed they received a report of the approach and that the youth declined the offer. The force said the Penygaer area has now been added to the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team’s autumn patrol plan.

A spokesperson said tackling the supply of drugs remained a priority:

“We continue to work tirelessly to reduce drug misuse within our communities, to make it a less lucrative market for drug suppliers to operate in, and in doing so, make Carmarthenshire a safer place to live.

Communities know best what is normal for them, and we rely on the public to help us identify drug dealing activity so we can take robust action.”

Anyone with information about the man involved or concerns about drug use or supply is urged to contact police via the Dyfed‑Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], calling 101, or messaging the force on social media. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

#CllrShaunGreaney #drugs #DyfedPowysPolice #Felinfoel #Llanelli #Penygaer #PenygaerField #RiverLliedi