Elf and Necromancer 3 – Conversation on an Abandoned Path

A sultry day hung in the air. The elf and the necromancer still stood facing each other. On this very hot day. Occasionally a breeze would lighten the mood, but it seldom blew. It was a fine, hot summer day. The path was sunken and narrow. The elf and the necromancer stood facing each other.

#fantasy #fairytale #elf #necromacer #tale #summer #sandyroad #darkmagic #conversation #overgrown #graveyard #undead #abandoned #dust

LLANELLI: Local councillors welcome Aldi jobs but demand traffic improvements as condition of planning permission for Sandy Road supermarket

The county councillors for the ward where Aldi wants to build a £7m supermarket in Llanelli have given a cautious welcome to the plans — while making clear that managing the impact on an already congested Sandy Road must be a condition of any planning approval.

Aldi is consulting on proposals to demolish the Pinopolis entertainment centre on Sandy Road and replace it with a new store — the German discounter’s first on the western side of Llanelli.

Pinopolis only opened three years ago. Under Aldi’s proposals, the entire site would be cleared and replaced with a single-storey supermarket with 100 car parking spaces, creating around 40 jobs once open.

Hengoed ward councillors Martyn Palfreman and Edward Skinner both acknowledged the potential benefits, with Cllr Palfreman saying a store of this scale would be genuinely useful for residents across a wide area.

“A supermarket on this scale on the western side of Llanelli would undoubtedly be convenient for people in this part of the town and those living in Burry Port, Pembrey and beyond, and that is to be welcomed,” he said.

Cllr Skinner highlighted the employment opportunities. “The opportunities in terms of jobs, both during the construction phase and once the store is open, are considerable,” he said.

However, both councillors stressed that traffic management on Sandy Road could not be an afterthought. The road already carries significant volumes of traffic and the addition of a major supermarket would increase pressure on the junction considerably.

The traffic concerns are not new. Sandy Road has been one of Llanelli’s most persistent congestion blackspots for years — with the junction at Maes-y-Coed only recently upgraded after a long campaign by local councillors. New traffic lights went live in September 2025, though residents warned at the time the scheme did not go far enough.

Early signs suggested the changes were helping — but Cllr Palfreman and Cllr Skinner had always made clear the September improvements were only the beginning, not the end, of what Sandy Road needed.

Cllr Palfreman said that position had not changed. “We fought hard for the improvements to the Sandy lights last year but we have always been clear that these need to form part of a wider scheme to reduce congestion along this stretch of Sandy Road,” he said.

“Permission for this new development must be conditional on further improvements being in place to manage the already large traffic volumes in the area,” he added.

Both councillors are meeting with Aldi managers this week to discuss the proposals directly, and have urged residents to give their views before the consultation closes.

The consultation is open until 11 June. Details are available at Llanelli library and online at aldiconsultation.co.uk/llanelli.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

LLANELLI: Aldi to build £7m supermarket on site of Pinopolis
The full details of Aldi’s plans for Sandy Road.

New traffic lights switched on at Sandy Road as improvement works finish
September 2025 — the junction upgrade and why residents said it wasn’t enough.

Councillors say Sandy Road changes are already easing congestion
Early signs the upgrade was helping — but more work was always planned.

LLANELLI: Aldi to build £7m supermarket on site of Pinopolis — the entertainment centre that only opened three years ago

Aldi is planning a brand new £7 million store in Llanelli — and this time, it’s heading to Sandy Road, on the site of the Pinopolis family entertainment centre opposite Ysgol y Strade and Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig Campus.

The site is currently home to Pinopolis, which only opened in April 2023, offering bowling, darts, soft play and a diner under one roof. It won’t be fighting the development.

David Edwards of Pinopolis confirmed the centre was now looking for a new home, saying the Sandy Road site was “no longer economically or operationally viable.”

He added: “Aldi provides a deliverable alternative to the site, which will bring benefits to the local community. We encourage our customers to support the application and have their say on the consultation.”

Aldi has been on an aggressive UK expansion drive in recent years, actively targeting new sites in towns where it believes there is unmet demand for discount grocery shopping. The Sandy Road proposal represents what the company describes as a “renewal of its commitment” to Llanelli.

This would actually be the third Aldi to serve Llanelli. The original store was in the town centre, next to the historic Buckleys Brewery building. It closed last year, having been deemed unsuitable due to operational constraints — and plans were subsequently approved to convert it into a Pure Gym.

The closure disappointed many shoppers who valued the convenience of a town centre location. The second store — which opened at Trostre in December 2021 — remains open. The proposed Sandy Road store would be in addition to Trostre, not a replacement for it.

Aldi real estate director Rob Jones said: “We are thrilled to bring forward plans for a new Aldi store in Llanelli. We encourage residents to participate in our consultation to learn more about the scheme and share their views.”

According to Aldi’s own figures, the proposed store would create up to 40 new jobs, with store assistants paid a minimum of £13.50 an hour. Additional employment would be generated during the construction phase and through the supply chain, the company says.

The plans include 133 car parking spaces — six accessible and nine parent and child spaces.

There is one obvious question the planning application will need to answer: traffic. Sandy Road has been one of Llanelli’s most stubborn congestion hotspots for years.

The problems intensified following the installation of traffic lights to serve the housing estate built on the site of the former Stradey Park rugby ground — the historic home of the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC before the move to Parc y Scarlets.

Carmarthenshire Council has made multiple attempts to ease the congestion, including road improvement works and junction changes.

Councillors said the most recent improvements were already making a difference — but the arrival of a large supermarket on the same stretch will inevitably revive those concerns.

Aldi says families in towns without access to a discount supermarket pay up to £836 more per year on average for their groceries — rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by higher-priced supermarkets. The company says the new store would help tackle that “postcode penalty” for residents in west Llanelli, Pwll, Burry Port and surrounding communities.

A statutory pre-application consultation is running until 11 June.

More on retail in Llanelli

Former Llanelli Aldi could become a gym
How the town centre store’s closure led to plans for a Pure Gym on the site.

Opening date for Llanelli’s Trostre Aldi announced
When the Trostre store opened in December 2021 — Llanelli’s current Aldi offering.

Entertainment for all the family as Pinopolis opens in Llanelli
The launch of the venue that now faces making way for the new Aldi store.

Councillors say Sandy Road changes are already easing congestion
The most recent chapter in Sandy Road’s long-running traffic story.

Councillors say Sandy Road changes are already easing congestion

The scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, added a right‑turn filter lane into Maesycoed, improved pedestrian crossings and altered the traffic light timings in a bid to tackle one of the town’s worst bottlenecks.

Hengoed ward councillor Martyn Palfreman said he had already received calls from residents and regular drivers praising the changes, claiming queues are shorter now westbound traffic is no longer held up by vehicles turning right.

“We are delighted at the early signs that our objectives to ease the appalling traffic congestion in the area have been realised,” he said. “Whilst we are encouraged by this early feedback, we are clear that this scheme is just part of wider enhancements that are needed.”

Cllr Palfreman said further work could include redesigning the mini‑roundabout at Denham Avenue, with the aim of securing funding to carry out improvements next year. He added that promoting walking and cycling to nearby schools and colleges could help reduce traffic volumes in the longer term.

Fellow Hengoed councillor Edward Skinner thanked residents, businesses and road users for their patience during the works, and welcomed the creation of extra residents’ parking west of Maesycoed to replace spaces lost on Sandy Road.

The councillors plan to hold a public meeting in the coming weeks to gather feedback and discuss possible further improvements. Traffic experts from the county council and contractors AtkinsRealis will continue to monitor the junction’s performance over the coming months.

#CllrEdwardSkinner #CllrMartynPalfreman #DenhamAvenue #Hengoed #Llanelli #MaesYCoed #SandyRoad #trafficLights

New traffic lights switched on at Sandy Road as improvement works finish — but calls for bigger changes remain

The signalised junction reopened on Friday 29 August following months of work funded through the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.

The new lights use an “intelligent” system that responds to real‑time traffic conditions, aiming to cut congestion and improve safety on the A484.

Settling‑in period

Carmarthenshire County Council says it will take a few weeks for the system to “learn” local traffic patterns and for drivers to get used to the new layout.

During this time, motorists may notice traffic not flowing as smoothly as expected. The council says this is normal and performance should improve steadily, with the system running at full efficiency by the end of September.

Traffic will also be monitored closely, with further adjustments made if needed.

‘Thank you for your patience’

Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said:

“We know how important this route is, and the new signal system has been designed to help ease congestion and improve traffic flow over the long term.

As with any new infrastructure, there will be a short adjustment period as the system learns and adapts to traffic patterns, and as drivers get used to the new layout.

My thanks go to the local community for their patience, and to our delivery teams and partners for working hard to deliver this complex scheme within a tight timeframe.”

Residents still want bigger fixes

While the council says the new signals will improve traffic flow, some residents have long argued that traffic lights are part of the problem rather than the solution. Over the years, community voices have called for more ambitious changes — from scrapping the lights altogether to rethinking how traffic moves through the area.

One recurring suggestion has been to create an alternative access road into the Stradey Park housing estate, taking pressure off Sandy Road at peak times. Others believe only a bypass would truly solve the congestion, noise and air quality issues that have dogged the route for years. Campaigners have also floated ideas such as switching the lights for a mini‑roundabout – but the council have warned that there is insufficient space for this.

Despite the completion of the latest works, many locals say they will keep pressing for a long‑term fix that goes beyond the current junction upgrade.

Car park reopens

The final works in the residents’ car park to the rear of Sandy Road have also been completed and the facility has now reopened.

The council has thanked residents, businesses and all road users for their cooperation during the construction period.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Work on Llanelli’s Sandy Road junction to start on Monday
Initial announcement of the improvement scheme.

Work to unjam Llanelli’s Sandy Road traffic blackspot to start in July
Plans to tackle congestion at one of the town’s busiest junctions.

Changes proposed to combat Sandy Road traffic in Llanelli
Consultation launched on options to improve traffic flow.

Work to start on improvements to Llanelli’s congested Sandy Road junction
Council confirms start date for major works.

Popular Sandy Bridge footway in Llanelli to be widened
Pedestrian improvements linked to the Sandy Road scheme.

Council launches consultation on improvements to a Llanelli traffic hotspot
Public invited to have their say on Sandy Road proposals.

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #congestion #Llanelli #motoring #SandyRoad #trafficLights

Work on Llanelli’s Sandy Road junction to start on Monday

Carmarthenshire Council says the improvement works, funded by the Welsh Government Local Transport Fund, are being carried out to tackle long-standing congestion issues and reduce delays and improve safety for all road users.

The proposals result in a total loss of six parking spaces along the A484 Sandy Road, either side of the Maes-Y-Coed. 

Temporary lane closures along the A484 Sandy Road will be in place for work to be carried out, along with a full closure of Maes-Y-Coed extending up to, but not including, the private lanes located behind the adjacent properties. 

The council said the work forms part of its wider strategy to enhance air quality and promote more sustainable, accessible transport along the A484 corridor.

It says the scheme aims to enhance access to key local destinations – Ysgol y Strade, Furnace School, and Coleg Sir Gâr – by creating safer, more reliable routes for students, staff, and families.

To keep the local community informed, two public drop-in sessions will be held at Sandy and Stradey Community Hall on 2 July, 10am – 12pm and 5pm – 7pm.

These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the project, and speak with representatives from Carmarthenshire County Council, AtkinsRéalis, Evan Pritchard (Contractors), and Core Highways (Traffic Management) for updates about the scheme.

From 2 July, weekly drop-in sessions will continue every Wednesday, from 10am to 12pm at Sandy and Stradey Community Hall, throughout the construction period.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability said:

We recognise the long-standing concerns of local residents about congestion along Sandy Road, particularly at peak times. This scheme represents a significant investment in improving traffic flow, journey times and road safety in the area.

We are committed to engaging openly with the community throughout the process and encourage everyone to attend the drop-in sessions to share their views and ask questions.”

Locals have called for alternative solutions, including the removal of the traffic lights and restricting right turns onto Maes-y-Coed Road.

The council have said this is not an option due to traffic volumes and the space needed for larger vehicles safely turn into Maes-y-Coed. It added that without traffic lights vehicles attempting to enter and exit Maes-Y-Coed would face significant challenges, leading to increased congestion and potential safety hazards.

It says the traffic lights help regulate the flow of vehicles, ensuring that traffic moves smoothly and safely through the junction.

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrAledVaughanOwen #Llanelli #roadworks #SandyRoad

Work to unjam Llanelli’s Sandy Road traffic blackspot to start in July

The junction on the A484 at Maes-y-Coed regularly jams up with traffic during peak times caused by traffic waiting to turn right at traffic signals installed as part of the Stradey Park housing development.

The council says it has consulted extensively on plans to improve the junction layout, which it has further tweaked following feedback from the public.

Planned changes include the provision of a dedicated right-turn lane from the A484 Sandy Road onto Maes-Y-Coed, and enhancements to existing active travel facilities including the installation of a new controlled crossing on the Maes-Y-Coed, and the introduction of advanced stop lines for cyclists.

The proposals result in a total loss of six parking spaces along the A484 Sandy Road, either side of the Maes-Y-Coed. 

Temporary lane closures along the A484 Sandy Road will be in place for work to be carried out, along with a full closure of Maes-Y-Coed extending up to, but not including, the private lanes located behind the adjacent properties. 

Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said:

“I would like to thank everyone who engaged with us on this very important project to positively impact the air quality, road safety, traffic flow and environmental attractiveness of Sandy Road.

“The mix of views we have gathered at the engagement events and online consultation evidences the challenging nature of the scheme and need to arrive at the most appropriate solution possible for all stakeholders.

“Several options for this scheme have been considered over the past few years, however, we feel assured that this is the most appropriate solution to implement given the funding available to us, the current transport policy landscape and the analysis undertaken to date.

“To minimise disruption locally, we intend to carry out the improvement works during the school summer holiday, July to September,”

Locals have called for alternative solutions, including the removal of the traffic lights and restricting right turns onto Maes-y-Coed Road.

The council have said this is not an option due to traffic volumes and the space needed for larger vehicles safely turn into Maes-y-Coed. It added that without traffic lights vehicles attempting to enter and exit Maes-Y-Coed would face significant challenges, leading to increased congestion and potential safety hazards.

It says the traffic lights help regulate the flow of vehicles, ensuring that traffic moves smoothly and safely through the junction.

#A484 #CarmarthenshireCouncil #featured #Llanelli #SandyRoad

Councils in South West Wales to get £27m boost to improve local transport

The grants from the Welsh Government will fund projects that improve the condition of local roads and address disruptions caused by severe weather; pilot new bus services and upgrade bus journey times and waiting facilities; and make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use wheelchairs.

It will also fund the installation of more publicly available electric vehicle charging points; the creation of safer routes for children to travel to schools; and improve road safety.

Swansea

Swansea Council will receive core transport funding of £1.11 million, plus £50,000 for the Clyne Common Active Travel scheme to provide a safe cycling and walking route from Bishopston and Murton across the common.

There is £600,000 for a ‘Northern City Link’ that would see improvements made to the A483 North of Cadle along Carmarthen Road, through Dyfatty and High Street to its junction with Welcome Lane in the city centre. This includes remodelling the busy Dyfatty junction, bus priority measures along the whole route as well as improvements for walking and cycling. The grant money would be for a traffic modelling exercise to look at the potential impacts of any changes to the road network.

£500,000 is to go towards work on the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro. Swansea will act as host authority for the region with projects including the creation of a new Regional Transport Plan covering all of the local authorities in South West Wales.

There is £380,000 towards plans for a multi-modal transport interchange at the Dairy Car Park in Mumbles, with funding going towards talking to the community and business owners about the proposed design and engaging with landowners affected by the proposals.

Flood alleviation measures on the A4118 Gower Road in Killay and on the same road between Scurlage and Llandew will see £265,000 of grant funding from Welsh Government.

There’s also £333,700 for motorcycle safety provision, £205,000 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £60,000 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £30,900 for National Standards Cycle Training and £3,250 for Bike Safe training.

There’s £208,700 of safe routes in communities funding for Penllergaer and

£233,500 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The council will also adopt Cae Rowland St in Manselton thanks to £80,000 of grant funding.

Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Council will receive core transport funding of £716,000, plus £990,000 for phase 1 of the Neath to Cilma active travel route.

There’s £730,000 for Cymmer carriageway improvements, £440,000 towards plans for an Integrated Transport Hub in Neath outside of Neath Train Station and £1.6 million to deal with drainage and flooding issues on the A483 Fabian Way.

There’s road safety grants of £890,000 for the A4241 between Harbourway and Rutherglen and £220,000 for the B4242 Ynysygerwn to Glynneath.

In addition, there’s £14,000 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training, £12,180 for Pass Plus driver training, £6,700 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,600 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £5,500 for Mega Drive pre-driver training for ages 16 to 18, £3,720 for First Responder (FBOS), £3,500 for Drive for Life, £3,000 for level 3 National Standards Cycle Training.

£50,000 will go towards creating a safe route between Coed Darcy and Skewen.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council will receive core funding of £732,000, plus £1.14 million for a replacement for Black Bridge in Llanelli that would see the construction of a new ramped access and shared use bridge for cycling and walking linking to previously completed routes to Trostre and Halfway with access to Pentre Awel and the Millenium Coastal Path.

There’s also £2.05 million towards the proposed Llanelli Interchange at the train station, as well as £574,000 for the A484 Sandy Road improvement scheme.

The council will get £1.5 million for highway drainage improvements across the county, as well as £520,000 for safety improvements to the B4304 Station Road and New Dock Road in Llanelli.

There’s £450,000 for the implementation of 20mph speed limits, £41,500 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £34,000 for active travel and road safety training, £28,120 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,880 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £4,200 for Biker Down motorcycle training.

A safe routes in communities scheme in Five Roads will also receive £712,305.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Council will receive core transport funding of £500,000, plus £802,880 for Saundersfoot shared use paths at Stammers and Frances Road.

There’s also £6.07 million towards the Milford Haven Transport Interchange project which sees improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange, by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

£1.1 million will go towards projects in Newgale, including rerouting the Newgale section of the A487, creating a new walking and cycling path through the village, changing access to the beach and coastal businesses and releasing space for the beach to naturally adapt to coastal change.

In addition there is £39,200 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £32,080 for National Standards Cycle Training, £3,500 for Mature Driver training for ages 65 and over, £2,520 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £1,200 for Biker Down courses.

£500,000 has been given to the council towards EV Charger Network rationalisation and £84,000 for the council to adopt Mayfield Acres in Kilgetty.

Responding to the Welsh Government grant, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This is tremendous news for Milford Haven and allows us to move forward on a scheme that has been in development over a number of years. Not only will this significantly help the overall look of the station approach, it will also hopefully lead to better connectivity along the network for our own residents and also encourage more tourist visits. As this is an interchange scheme, it will also help us link up buses and taxis in a more seamless way.”

Bridgend County

Bridgend County Borough Council will receive core transport funding of £707,000 from Welsh Government, plus £119,000 for phase 1 of the council’s Pen y Fai active travel scheme that looks to create a shared pedestrian and cycle track from the safe crossing point along Tondu Road into Bridgend town centre, including work to improve the A4063 Pen-Y-Fai Junction.

Other funding commitments include £226,000 for Bridgend Bus Station information displays and £357,000 for improvements to the A4061 from the Junction 36 on the M4 to Heol Canola, Sarn. There’s also £137,000 for improvements to the A4064 King Edward Street in Blaengarw.

Welsh Government have given Bridgend County Borough Council £208,689 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £29,636 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training and £25,440 for National Standards Cycle Training.

There is also £104,000 for residential charge point initiative and £16,000 towards the adoption of Lakeview Close, Porthcawl.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting communities and delivering better transport for all is at the heart of this £27 million investment. We want to make it easier for people to travel to work, school, healthcare and to see friends and family, while also building a more sustainable transport network for future generations.

“These improvements will make real differences to everyday journeys – whether that’s safer routes, better paths for walking, wheeling and cycling, or more reliable bus services. We’re working with councils to ensure this money delivers the greatest benefits to communities across Wales.”

#A4063 #A4118 #A4241 #A483 #A484 #ActiveTravel #B4304 #BridgendCouncil #CarmarthenRoad #Carmarthenshire #featured #GowerRoad #Junction36 #Llanelli #NeathPortTalbot #Newgale #Pembrokeshire #SandyRoad #StationRoad #Swansea #Transport #TransportInterchange #WelshGovernment

Changes proposed to combat Sandy Road traffic in Llanelli

The junction at Maes-y-Coed regularly jams up with traffic during peak times caused by traffic waiting to turn right at traffic signals installed as part of the Stradey Park housing development.

The County Council is seeking the views of residents, businesses and road users on its proposal that it says will improve traffic flow along this key corridor, to and from Llanelli town centre.

The proposals include the creation of a dedicated right-turn lane for traffic heading onto Maes-y-Coed. It also includes enhancements to existing active travel facilities including the  installation of a new controlled crossing on the Maes-Y-Coed Road, and the introduction of advanced stop lines for cyclists.

The council says the scheme aims to improve air quality and access for all modes of transport to and from nearby Ysgol Y Strade, Furnace School and Coleg Sir Gar, as well as enhancing existing Active Travel facilities.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Carmarthenshire County Council, along with our regional partners are investing heavily in Llanelli as part of a commitment to develop the town as a healthy vibrant and attractive place to both live and work.

“As part of these efforts, the Council is developing a transport strategy for Llanelli which includes Highway and Active Travel improvements along the A484 Sandy Road Corridor. It is crucial, therefore, that the local community and road users feed into our strategy that aims to positively impact on air quality, safety for all road users, traffic flow, and environmental attractiveness.”

A public drop-in session will be hosted on Friday, 7 March 2025, between 10am and 7pm at Furnace Community Hall, Stradey Road, Furnace, Llanelli, SA15 4ET, where visitors can view plans of the proposal.

Feedback on the proposal can be left on the council’s website.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#A484 #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Llanelli #SandyRoad #traffic