Llanelli teen invited to Parliament after years of agony from ‘invisible’ illness

Fifteen‑year‑old Olivia, who was diagnosed with Lupus at just 11, joined children from across the UK at Westminster for the launch of Inside Arthritis — a week‑long exhibition showcasing artwork created by young people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

The event, hosted in the Upper Waiting Hall, urged MPs to rethink what arthritis really looks like, with Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella backing the campaign.

Arthritis UK ‘Joint Creativity’ attendees at the ‘Inside Arthritis’ exhibition in Parliament, showcasing artwork created by young people living with arthritis.

Olivia’s journey has been anything but easy. Before her diagnosis, she endured years of unexplained joint pain and repeated trips to A&E. She felt isolated, unable to join in with her favourite hobbies, and even faced cruel rumours at school when medication caused her hair to fall out.

But everything changed when she found Arthritis UK’s Young People and Families Service and its Joint Creativity art programme — a lifeline that helped her manage both the physical and emotional toll of her condition.

“Being able to colour and express myself helped with the pain in my hands — and helped me cope,” Olivia said. “Growing up with Lupus meant I didn’t always fit in. But meeting others like me showed that things really can get better.”

Lupus affects around 70,000 people in the UK and can strike at any age, yet awareness remains low — something Arthritis UK says urgently needs to change.

The exhibition also marked the countdown to WORD Day (World Young Rheumatic Disease Day) on March 18, which raises awareness of young people living with rheumatic conditions.

Arthritis UK Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE speaking at the launch of the ‘Inside Arthritis’ exhibition in Parliament.

Arthritis UK Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE said hearing directly from young people like Olivia is vital.

“Inside Arthritis gives parliamentarians the chance to understand the stigma and challenges these young people face,” she said. “Nearly 60% of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis have needed mental health support. Current services simply don’t reflect the reality of their lives.”

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#arthritis #ArthritisUK #Health #JuvenileIdiopathicArthritis #Llanelli #Lupus #ManuelaPerteghellaMP #mentalHealth #rheumaticConditions #UKParliament

AMMANFORD: Town named among Wales’ top spots for Mother’s Day celebrations

A study of Google search habits has revealed that residents in the two towns are among the most likely to be hunting for the perfect gift or celebration.

Ammanford ranked second in the whole of Wales, with a staggering 704 searches for every 1,000 people.

Carmarthen followed closely in third place, recording nearly 700 searches per 1,000 residents.

The research, conducted by Geraldo’s, analysed over 42 million searches across the UK to see which areas celebrate the day the most.

It estimated that around 60% of the UK public took part in Mother’s Day last year, spending a combined £1.4 billion on gifts and treats.

In Llanelli, more than half of the population — 510 per 1,000 people — were found to be searching for ways to mark the occasion.

Port Talbot also showed strong results, with 488 searches per 1,000 residents.

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, said: “Family runs through the core of our business.”

She added: “We know how important days like Mother’s Day are to millions of others up and down the country.”

The data suggests that despite the rising cost of living, recognizing the “care, advice, guidance and love” of mothers remains a top priority for locals.

Ms Dawson noted that for those missing their mothers, the day can be difficult, but remains an important time for “recognising the memories you have.”

The study found that Wales as a whole saw nearly 1.6 million Mother’s Day searches, averaging around one search for every two people.

The findings highlight the deep-rooted family values held across Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.

The data was compiled by comparing search volumes against local population figures to find the true “Mother’s Day capitals” of the country.

LocationCombined SearchesPopulationSearches per 1,000 PeopleBangor15,66018,000870.00Ammanford8,45012,000704.17Carmarthen13,95020,000697.50Llanelli25,50050,000510.00Port Talbot18,08037,000488.65

With the big day arriving this Sunday, March 15, local businesses are bracing for a busy weekend as residents finalise their plans.

#Ammanford #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #Llanelli #MothersDay #PortTalbot

LLANELLI: Teen star James Lester gets shock international call-up

James Lester, a promising young talent, has joined the squad for a training camp ahead of a friendly match against Bolivia, the club announced.

The exciting news was shared by Llanelli Town AFC, who expressed immense pride in their rising star.

Lester linked up with the national team this morning at the Rannie Ramjohn Stadium.

The squad is scheduled to travel to Bolivia on Thursday for the highly anticipated match.

The friendly fixture against Bolivia will take place on Sunday, March 25, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

This call-up marks a fantastic achievement for the young defender, according to the club.

A spokesperson for Llanelli Town AFC said: “This is a fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition for James after his consistent performances in the Cymru Premier this season. His call-up is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into every aspect of his game.

“Everyone at Llanelli Town AFC is incredibly proud and wishes James the very best for this opportunity — and hopefully his first international cap. Safe travels and good luck, James!”

Llanelli Town AFC highlighted that his selection is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into every aspect of his game.

Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of James and extends their best wishes for this significant opportunity.

The club is hopeful that this call-up will lead to Lester earning his first international cap.

They wished him safe travels and good luck as he embarks on this international adventure.

Llanelli Town AFC also extended a big thank you to Saltire Sports, TTFA Football, and Brent Sancho for their support and collaboration over recent months.

#cymruPremier #football #internationalCallUp #jamesLester #Llanelli #LlanelliTownAFC #trinidadTobago

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

Location Average Monthly Searches for ‘Will AI take my job’ and related keywords per month per 10-thousand people.  Bangor 494 Bridgend 309 Port Talbot 279 Llanelli 194 Ammanford 177 Swansea 152 Neath 137 Wrexham 119 Newport, Wales 106 Cardiff 90 Maesteg 1  #AI #Ammanford #artificialIntelligence #Bridgend #Business #employment #Llanelli #Neath #PortTalbot #Swansea

LLANELLI-BORN STAR DIES: From Welsh mouse to Dallas vixen, the life of Annabel Schofield

Schofield passed away in Los Angeles on February 28 following a battle with cancer, a diagnosis she had shared publicly with her followers.

Born in Llanelli in 1963, Schofield’s early life was a world away from the Hollywood glamour she would later embrace. She described herself as a “scrawny, introverted Welsh mouse” who was “anxious to finish her homework” and wore “thick National Health glasses.”

Growing up in what she called the “interminable drizzle of wet, grey Wales,” she attended an “ugly, cheap comprehensive school” where she was teased for her studiousness.

But at 16, she left Wales behind to pursue a modelling career in London, a move that would see her skyrocket to international fame.

Despite finding the industry both “boring” and “terrifying” in its early days, Schofield’s unique look and down-to-earth nature quickly made her a favourite of top photographers like David Bailey.

She became a defining face of the 1980s fashion scene, appearing on the covers of countless magazines, including Vogue Germany and Italy, and fronting campaigns for major brands like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Levi’s.

Annabel Schofield during her modelling heyday in the 1980s, when she was a favourite of photographer David Bailey and appeared on the covers of Vogue Germany and Italy. (Photo: Annabel Schofield/Instagram @cherryalignment)Annabel Schofield in a studio modelling photograph from the 1980s, during which she fronted campaigns for Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Levi’s. (Photo: Annabel Schofield/Instagram @cherryalignment)

Many will remember her from the iconic Bugle Boy jeans advert, where she drove a black Ferrari through the desert, stopped to ask a handsome stranger, “Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” and then sped off, leaving him in the dust.

Her success as a model opened the door to acting, and in 1988 she was cast as Laurel Ellis in the 11th season of the global TV phenomenon, Dallas.

For 12 episodes, she played the English artist’s model who was blackmailed into a relationship with the show’s infamous villain, J.R. Ewing.

Her film credits included roles opposite Oliver Reed in Dragonard and Charlton Heston in the sci-fi thriller Solar Crisis.

Later in her career, Schofield moved behind the camera, founding her own production company, Bella Bene Productions, in 2010. She also penned a semi-autobiographical novel, The Cherry Alignment, inspired by her life in the fast lane of 80s fashion and film.

Annabel Schofield pictured in Los Angeles, where she had lived for many years. (Photo: Annabel Schofield/Instagram @cherryalignment)

Despite her global success, those who knew her said she never lost her Welsh roots. Melissa Richardson, who owned the Take Two modelling agency that signed Schofield, described her as a “sweet little 17-year-old Welsh girl” who was “funny and real and beautiful and down to earth.”

Schofield was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and had been undergoing treatment. She is survived by her mother.

#Actress #AnnabelSchofield #Carmarthenshire #celebrity #Dallas #Llanelli #Model #Obituary

TAXPAYER WIN: New council bosses claim £15,000 a year saving as Llanelli councillor expenses axed

The move delivers on a key election pledge made by the new administration, which seized control of the council recently.

At a meeting of the Full Council, members voted to remove the Attendance Allowance (£30 per meeting), the Mayoral Allowance (£1,500 per annum), and the Deputy Mayoral Allowance (£500 per annum).

These payments were introduced in 2022 under the previous Labour administration, then led by Councillor David Darkin.

The new administration states that unlike County Councillors, who receive salaries due to the scale and statutory responsibilities of their roles, serving as a Town Councillor has always been a voluntary position.

This long-standing principle has defined Llanelli Town Council and its operations for decades, according to the new leadership.

The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales did not mandate these payments, simply giving councils the discretion to introduce payments of up to £30 per meeting if they wished.

Independent Council Leader Cllr Sean Rees, who also confirmed he would not be accepting the Leader’s Allowance, hailed the decision.

“We have been consistent on this issue,” Cllr Rees said. “For decades, the role of a Councillor at Llanelli Town Council has been recognised and respected as a voluntary public service position.”

He added: “We said that we would remove these expenses and we have now delivered this in our first meeting as a new Administration.”

Deputy Council Leader Cllr Michael Cranham stated that town councillors’ attendance and additional role-based expenses are “unnecessary, counterproductive and are an unjustifiable cost to the taxpayer.”

“At a time when households continue to face sustained financial pressure, this £15,000 annual saving represents a meaningful commitment to respecting every pound of public money and restoring trust in local government,” Cllr Cranham added.

The following Councillors voted in favour of removing the expenses: Cllr Sean Rees, Cllr Michael Cranham, Cllr Steve Williams, Cllr Louvain Roberts, Cllr Andrew Bragoli, Cllr Sarah Evans, Cllr Terry Davies, Cllr Lillith Fenris, Cllr John Jones, Cllr Amanda Carter, and Cllr Alan Cameron Williams.

Labour Town Councillors who were present at the meeting abstained from the vote, a move that is likely to fuel further political debate in the town.

The Council has confirmed that these payments will now cease with immediate effect, marking a significant shift in how Llanelli Town Council operates.

The new administration also stated it remains committed to supporting future councillors of all backgrounds through targeted discretionary support, which it claims does not drain the budget like the previous expenses system.

#CouncillorExpenses #DavidDarkin #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #LocalGovernment #MichaelCranham #politics #SeanRees #TaxpayerSavings

SHOCK CLAIMS: Stradey Park Hotel boss reveals ‘abuse and threats’ amid closure crisis

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of Ullcom Group, broke his silence in a lengthy statement today (March 5), hitting back at critics and revealing the personal toll of the hotel’s sudden closure.

In a series of explosive claims, Mr Ullah stated that neither he nor his offices had been approached by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith to discuss the ongoing developments at the hotel.

This directly contradicts earlier reports and adds a new dimension to the escalating crisis surrounding the iconic Llanelli establishment.

Mr Ullah also firmly denied that the hotel is currently under administration, stating: “I am doing everything in my power to prevent that from happening.”

Crucially, he reiterated his unwavering commitment that the hotel “will never be handed to the Home Office and nor shall it be allowed to house Migrants or any other similar denominations.”

However, the statement took a dramatic turn as Mr Ullah detailed his personal ordeal, revealing: “On the evening of the 3rd of this month, my vehicle was blocked from leaving the hotel. Eventually I was forced to seek Police assistance.”

He appealed to the “good people of Llanelli and the Rt Hon Nia Griffiths MP to take a moment and reflect on the 18 months of efforts that I have put in to restore SPH to its former glory.”

Mr Ullah also lashed out at “rogue social media outfits such as Voice Of Wales” which he claims “took a dig at my Political background to further incite and anger the local community.”

The far-right group Voice of Wales has been heavily involved in previous asylum seeker protests at the hotel, which saw months of tension in the Furnace area.

He clarified his political stance, explaining his decision to step down as Deputy Leader of the Workers Party GB—a socialist-leaning party led by George Galloway—was due to his “firm advocacy of the Two state solution.”

Furthermore, he claimed a “huge rift” was caused between himself and the Party leadership after he “defended a female party worker from bullying, bigotry and sexual harassment administered by other male members of the Party.”

In a stark warning, Mr Ullah concluded that if those “tirelessly harming my person” continue, it “shall be the primary cause for my reluctant departure from SPH if that happens; which shall no doubt lead to the permanent closure of this Iconic establishment.”

The shock closure of the hotel has already prompted Carmarthenshire County Council to rule out a buyout, while local businesses have rallied around to help affected staff.

#AhsanUllah #hotelClosure #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #politics #protest #StradeyParkHotel #VoiceOfWales #WorkersPartyGB

REVEALED: Swansea named worst for commuters in Wales as gridlock hits home

Shocking new analysis has revealed that the city has the toughest commute in the country, topping the rankings for average journey times, congestion, and slow traffic speeds across Welsh towns and cities.

The research, conducted by office infrastructure experts Co-space, shows that Swansea workers face a gruelling 26-minute average commute each way.

When combined with a 15% congestion level and average peak speeds of just 25 km/h, Swansea hits a chart-topping “commuter pressure score” of 19.7.

Over a full year, that 26-minute journey adds up to more than 215 hours spent travelling to and from work—the same as sitting in a car or on a bus for nine entire days.

The findings highlight a massive divide in travel experiences across the region, with Port Talbot motorists already feeling the pinch from a year of major roadworks. Motorists on Mumbles Road are also facing three months of lane closures for vital gas pipe upgrades.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cardiff didn’t take the top spot, despite having the highest congestion rate at 16%. The capital’s shorter 22-minute average commute kept its pressure score down at 9.7, ranking it well outside the top ten.

In our area, Neath and Ammanford both saw smoother runs with average commutes of 22 minutes, while Llanelli recorded a 24-minute average journey and a pressure score of 12.1.

RankTown/CityCommute (mins)Congestion (%)Speed (km/h)Pressure Score1Swansea26152519.72Newport25142618.13Wrexham25132617.94Bangor24122717.35Bridgend24142613.16Port Talbot23142512.47Llanelli24132612.18Barry23132610.09Rhyl23132610.010Tenby23132610.0

William Sokes, CEO of Co-space, has warned that even small differences in commute times can have a “knock-on effect” on employee wellbeing and productivity.

“What’s striking about this data is how clearly Swansea stands apart from the rest of Wales,” Mr Sokes stated, adding that infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with growth.

The news comes as Swansea-based research programmes continue to look into smarter, greener ways for the region to move forward amid the ongoing climate challenge.

#Business #Cardiff #commuting #congestion #Llanelli #Neath #Newport #PortTalbot #Swansea #traffic #trafficCongestion #trafficJam #Transport #Wales

Council rules out BUYING Stradey Park Hotel as staff offered lifeline

The local authority has confirmed it has no plans to procure the building, nor has it received any approaches from the Home Office or other organisations regarding its future use.

This comes as the council moves swiftly to offer a lifeline to hotel staff, who were left reeling by the sudden announcement that the four-star venue had ceased trading.

Officers have made direct contact with employees to provide crucial employability support during what has been described as a “very difficult and worrying time.”

The council’s statement follows a personal video plea from Stradey Park Hotel CEO Ahsan Ullah, who vowed “we are not walking away” and pledged to return the hotel to normal operations.

Crucially, the council has also gained assurance from Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith, following her discussions with the Home Office, that the building is not being considered for any temporary housing plans.

This echoes the earlier “no asylum hotel” pledge secured by the MP, which aimed to reassure the community amid widespread speculation.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans, expressed her “extreme disappointment” at the owners’ decision to close the hotel “in such sudden fashion.”

Cllr Evans emphasised that the council’s “priority is to the staff of the hotel,” highlighting the immediate support being offered to those directly affected.

Local councillors Martyn Palfreman and Edward Skinner, representing the Hengoed Ward, welcomed the council’s measures to help staff.

They also reiterated their relief at the UK Government’s assurance regarding the hotel not being used to house asylum seekers, encouraging residents with concerns to contact them directly.

The shock closure of the Stradey Park Hotel has prompted a wave of community support from other local businesses, offering jobs and alternative venues for cancelled events.

#AhsanUllah #asylumSeekers #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrEdwardSkinner #CllrLindaEvans #CllrMartynPalfreman #DameNiaGriffithMP #EmployabilitySupport #HomeOffice #hospitality #hospitalityBusiness #hotelClosure #jobs #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #StradeyParkHotel #tourism

‘WE ARE NOT WALKING AWAY’ – Stradey Park Hotel boss makes emotional video plea to Llanelli

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of owner Ullcom Group, has personally addressed the public in a direct message, describing the decision to “pause trading” on Monday as incredibly difficult.

Looking directly into the camera, Mr Ullah has expressed his “deepest regrets” for the “disruption and distress” caused to the hotel’s hardworking staff and the wider community.

The CEO has confirmed that the four-star hotel is currently facing “complex operational challenges” that his team is working “night and day” to resolve.

In a firm promise to the town, Mr Ullah has stated: “Our goal is to return the Stradey Park Hotel to normal operations as a premier destination and a positive asset for Llanelli as soon as humanly possible.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2029285918125793791?s=20

The video message follows a wave of community support from other local businesses, including the Swansea.com Stadium and Gateway Resort, who have rushed to offer jobs and venue space.

Mr Ullah has also sought to allay fears about the site’s future, insisting that his focus remains entirely on restoring it as a “hospitality venue for the people of Llanelli and beyond.”

This comes after Llanelli MP Nia Griffith secured a “firm assurance” from the Home Office that the hotel would not be used to house asylum seekers, a move she described as a “devastating blow” to the town.

Addressing the hotel’s staff directly, the CEO has called them the “heart of the hotel” and pledged to support them through the current period of uncertainty.

For guests left in the lurch, Mr Ullah has confirmed that a team is working through every single booking to assist with alternative arrangements or process refunds where appropriate.

The sudden closure earlier this week sent shockwaves through the region, coming just weeks after the hotel announced a major partnership with the Scarlets.

As the investigation into the “operational reasons” continues, the CEO has thanked the public for their “patience, understanding, and continued support” during the crisis.

#AhsanUllah #Business #featured #hospitality #jobs #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #Scarlets #StradeyParkHotel #UllcomGroup