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CARMARTHENSHIRE NEWS • EDITION 12 MARCH - APRIL 2013


Council meetings broadcast live on web


MEETINGS of Carmarthenshire County Council are set to be broadcast live as part of an e- government initiative aimed at improving services to the public. The footage will also be available to


view on the county council website after the meetings. The pilot project, which is expected to cost around £20,000 per annum, is being funded through a Welsh Government grant. The move follows the findings of a


task and finish group, set up by the council to look at the e-government agenda, and how new technology can improve customer service. Filming will take place at meetings of full council, and footage is planned to go out live and unedited. Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge


said: “This is part of our commitment to open and transparent government and I hope it will be of interest to people who will be able to view debates as they take place, and after the meetings.” The pilot scheme is scheduled start


in the near future, with a date to be determined shortly.


Police Community Safety Officer Guto Roberts with Ann Jones of St Clears.


DYFED Powys Police are aiming to launch a new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the St Clears area. PCSO Guto Roberts said the


schemes were very important because they gave residents a sense of ownership and participation in keeping their communities safe. He said: “Local issues that are


concerning members of the public can be raised in these meetings and


Fire safety checks


then discussed with members of organisations that attend. We can review and update local crime patterns and inform the public of how many incidents have taken place and what type. For example, figures on the number of anti-social behaviour calls, and so on. “NHW meetings will be used to


make the public aware of crime in their area and highlight any initiatives that we have going on.


For St Clears officers, the NHW offers an opportunity for us to sit down and be made aware of any issues and concern that the public have. “And a Neighbourhood Watch


scheme is an ideal opportunity for local residents to raise any concerns that they have with the police or other organisation. By attending NHW meetings you can learn more about what initiatives are running.”


Advertorial New neighbourhood watch


www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk Hedge & tree


trimming LANDOWNERS


are being


reminded of their responsibility to properly maintain hedges and trees that grow alongside the highway. They have a duty under the


Highways Act 1980 to cut back hedges and trees that obscure road signs, obstructs or interferes with the view of road users. They must ensure there is adequate traffic management control whilst undertaking the works and roads and pavements are left clear of debris.


West Wales Higher Education Convention


THE West Wales HE Convention will be held on the 17 April at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Carmarthen campus. Year 12 pupils from schools around


the region will be attending the event and over 70 Universities will be on hand to offer advice about studying at their institutions. Dr Michelle Davies, the University’s schools liaison officer, said: “This is a very important event for those who are considering University and is an excellent opportunity to research what universities can offer in terms of programmes,


lifestyle and


TOWN and community councils are being encouraged to support Carmarthenshire Armed Forces Community Covenant. The Covenant is a mutual statement of support to help serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Its aims are to:


• Encourage communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas, and vice versa;


• Promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community; • Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community;


• Encourage activities which help integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life.


CARMARTHENSHIRE’S Community


Fire vulnerable members of Safety


department has been visiting sheltered accommodation across the county to ensure residents are safe from fire. Safety teams have been going to flats, bungalows


occupancy housing to check the fire preventative measures


and multi- and


equipment, and deliver safety advice to occupiers. They also conducted a Home Fire Safety Check in each property. Sheltered accommodation is an integral way of allowing older and


properties the


community to live independently. There are a total of 1,579 sheltered housing


across


Carmarthenshire, and the project has taken six months to complete. The Fire Service received assistance from Carmarthenshire County Council in accessing over 80% of these properties. The feedback from residents was all positive and has proved an invaluable source of information to the Fire Service, which will be used to initiate more projects like these across other parts of the service area.


A £30 Million UK wide grant is available to support local projects, which strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community. An application for funding can be submitted by any part of the community; this might include volunteer groups, charities or public bodies. Applications can be submitted for grants of £100 up to £250,000. Town and community councils have been contacted to see if there may be any suitable projects in their areas.


There are boards available for anyone who wishes to sign up to the Community Covenant at County Hall, Carmarthen; Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli; and Town Hall, Ammanford. Visit www.armedforcescarmarthenshire.org.uk for more information.


Magic of Merlin at Coleg Sir Gâr restaurant


FOR A Table d’hôte menu, visit Merlin’s Restaurant; Coleg Sir Gâr’s restaurant, seminar and meeting facility in Carmarthen. A fully-functioning restaurant,


trainee chefs are waiting to serve you delicious food, honing their skills to offer that gastronomic experience. Merlin’s


restaurant, which is


available for private functions, is located at Pibwrlwyd campus and is open for enquiries during term time on Wednesdays and Fridays 9.15am- 3pm and Thursdays 4-9pm 01554 748268 / 748250.


scholarships. There will also be an opportunity to find out about financing higher education and to attend seminars on subjects of interest.”


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