Tumble man jailed for ten and a half years for child sex offences

David Prothero, 39, from Tumble, was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to a catalogue of abuse involving four young victims.

The court heard that Prothero admitted raping a 13‑year‑old girl, as well as carrying out further sexual assaults and sexual activity with girls under 18. He also pleaded guilty to ill‑treating a child and assault by beating. Officers said the offending involved a sustained abuse of trust and left lasting harm.

“A disturbing case”

Detective Inspector Rebecca Thomas, of Carmarthenshire’s Rape Investigation Team, said the case had shocked officers.

“This was a disturbing case involving a man who abused a position of trust against four young, innocent victims,” she said. “No person, especially a child, should ever suffer abuse in a setting where they expect to feel safe.”

She praised the victims for their courage in coming forward.

“The bravery shown by the victims in this case must be recognised. Their courage to speak out against this abuser is ultimately what has put David Prothero in prison today.”

“As much about freedom as justice”

DI Thomas said specialist officers had supported the victims throughout the investigation and urged anyone suffering in silence to seek help.

“I won’t forget the moment one victim said, ‘he can’t control me anymore’ when Prothero entered his guilty pleas. This is as much about freedom as it is about justice.”

She added that the team would continue to work to secure justice for victims of sexual abuse.

Landslide washes away section of Carmarthenshire cycle path

Path collapse near Tumble

The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru (formerly Sustrans) confirmed that a landslide has taken out part of the route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. The charity’s estates team has been on site to close the affected section and warn users not to approach the area.

A spokesperson said:

“Please do not approach the site as it is extremely dangerous and unstable. Our team are working to close the path and ensure route users are aware on the ground. We are working with local partners to secure the site and it will remain closed. A diversion will be put in place as soon as possible.”

Council urges public to stay away

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed the landslide and said the area has been fenced off. A spokesperson added:

“There has been a significant landslide which has taken out a section of the Sustrans Cycle Route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. We urge the public to keep away from the area for safety reasons. The path is owned and maintained by Sustrans, now known as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.”

Climate change warning

Local Member of the Senedd Lee Waters described the collapse as a stark reminder of the impact of extreme weather. Sharing an image of the damaged path, he said:

“The impact of flooding is being felt right across the local area today. This picture of the cycle path washed away near Tumble is a pretty stark illustration of how climate change is impacting us here and now – the experts are agreed that heavy rainfall and more intense storms are a direct consequence of man‑made climate change.”

He also thanked the emergency services, Carmarthenshire Council and local volunteers for their efforts in supporting communities affected by flooding over the past 24 hours.

Wider flooding impact

The landslide comes as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident following more than 450 flooding‑related calls in 12 hours, with rescues carried out in Whitland, Ferryside, Kidwelly, Lampeter and St Clears. Swansea has also been hit, with Cwmbwrla roundabout once again submerged.

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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.

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

Fire service issues tumble dryer safety warning after kitchen blaze in Tumble

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) said crews from Tumble Fire Station were called to Derwen Road, Tumble, at 5.16pm on Wednesday 3 September.

The fire was confined to the kitchen table, chairs and flooring, and had been extinguished before firefighters arrived. Crews cooled debris and isolated the property’s tumble dryer. The cause is believed to have been laundry taken from the dryer and placed on the table.

After ensuring the fire was fully out, firefighters carried out a Home Fire Safety Check at the property before leaving the scene at 6.13pm.

Following the incident, MAWWFRS has reminded residents to take extra care when using tumble dryers and other white goods. Safety tips include:

• Never leaving appliances running when you go out or go to bed
• Avoiding overloading tumble dryers or placing items inside that have been used to soak up flammable liquids
• Acting on warning signs such as a burning smell or unusually hot laundry at the end of a cycle

The service says anyone with concerns should have their appliance checked by a qualified professional.

MAWWFRS also offers free Safe and Well Visits in people’s homes, which include fitting and checking smoke alarms, identifying fire hazards, and giving tailored advice on escape plans and fire prevention.

More information on white goods safety and booking a Safe and Well Visit is available on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website.

#fire #houseFire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #SafeAndWellVisit #Tumble #tumbleDryer #whiteGoods

Community spaces get £3m funding boost

The Welsh Government say that its Community Facilities Programme grant will help transform spaces where people gather, learn new skills and access support when they need it most.

Tumble Family Centre has received £300,000 from the fund to help give them a proper home after years of making do in a condemned portacabin and then temporary accommodation. The Family Centre supports children, families and young people in Tumble and the wider community within the Gwendraeth Valley, offering free play sessions, activities, advice and friendship – from baby massage and sensory play to youth clubs, family groups and community outings.

Speaking on behalf of the Tumble Family Centre trustees, Anna Durran said: “Staff and trustees here at Tumble Family Centre are delighted to be a part of the project. This funding from the Welsh Government community facilities fund ensures security for the family centre for many years to come and enables us to continue supporting children, families and young people in our community. 

“We thank the Welsh Government for its confidence in our vision, and its support will secure the progression of this project which will provide the community with a wonderful, much needed facility. We are excited to be part of it.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, recently visited Tumble to meet the volunteers and families who bring the centre to life.

She said: “During my visit to Tumble, I heard fantastic stories about how the Family Centre has created a vibrant hub where people come together, share experience and support each other whilst having a good time.

“This investment isn’t just about improving buildings – it’s about strengthening communities across Wales. People need accessible places on their doorstep where they can join activities, get advice, and solve problems together. I’m delighted to support these creative local solutions that make such a difference to everyday lives.”

Other projects funded in the latest round of funding from the Community Facilities Programme include Afan United Football Club in Neath Port Talbot who received £300,000 towards upgrading an existing 3G pitch, LED floodlighting, fencing and creating a new community hub.

Our Lady of Margam Community Hall in Neath Port Talbot received £179,000 towards upgrading their community hall to ensure it is fit for the future.

Tywi Gateway Trust, Carmarthenshire received £300,000 towards bringing back a Victorian walled garden. The project will include rebuilding three glass houses to provide a space which can be used by the community. The garden will be used by a variety of groups included people with learning difficulties.

CETMA in Carmarthenshire had £250,000 towards purchasing a shop, post office and living accommodation. The shop has a large back-room space which will be used by the community. The post office will be protected from closure and the accommodation will be offered for rent.

Menter Cilycwm in Carmarthenshire received £300,000 towards refurbishing and extending a listed chapel. The small community has recently lost its pub and its school. The chapel is being used by the community despite currently having no running water or toilets.

#AfanUnitedFootballClub #CETMA #community #JaneHuttMS #Margam #Tumble #WelshGovernment

Can you believe that it's Friday again already? It feels like I haven't left my mixes since the last friday, it's been that sort of a week! But it has also been a brilliantly exciting one which always makes the time fly by! :-) Let's have an ear to this 2019 single:
Cheer is on CHEER EP LYS 073

#cheerleader #cheerleading #dance #tumbling #allstarcheer #gymnastics #flexible #practice #flexibility #gymnast #instagood #dancers #tumble #flips #dancing #tricking #music #studio #danceshoes #songs