ARCHIVES
2023
Bus Services
Unfortunately and despite the many letters I've sent to the bus company over the years our L2 service has further been reduced to 4 times a day. The timetable can be seen opposite.
I've consistently argued for buses to run so people can to get to work for 9am in the town centre and to return from around 5:30pm.
The service doesn't allow that anymore. The L2 service is a commercial route at the behest of the bus company and they have decided it isn't profitable to run the service as it was.
I will be writing to them again.
Reservoir - Coffee Time
Livefree adventures who now hold the franchise for on water activities at the reservoir have recently installed a coffee machine. Having something like this at the reservoir has long been requested and its a welcome addition to the reservoir experience. I'd like to warmly welcome Ben and Ali to Swiss Valley and we wish them success in their new venture.
Catching Speeders
A few moths back I joined Swiss Valley pupils working with Carmarthenshire's roads policing unit whilst they were out catching speeders. Most drivers were sticking to the speed limit but one or two were pulled over and spoken to by the pupils.
The GoSafe speed camera partnership have designated this area as a place where they will monitor traffic so please drive safely and to the limit.
Water Tankers
I've been asked a few times over the past month why there were Welsh Water tankers constantly going from Dafen up through Swiss Valley hill and on to Llannon way. The answer is they were taking water from a source in Dafen to top up undergound tanks further north which service our water needs. This may continue happening if warmer weather prevails again.
Coronation - King Charles III
Our last engagement as Chair and consort of Llanelli Rural Council was to Swiss Valley school, for their special coronation assembly. We all wished the new King and Queen a long and happy reign. We also saw some great home made crowns!
Civic Year Ends
After a very busy year Claire and I handed over the chains last week for the new chairman and consort to be installed. We've met so many wonderful people over the past year and attended 130 functions. It's been an absolute eye opener as to how many organisations work so hard for Llanelli. We raised £3000 for charity, with each of our 3 charities getting £1000 each. Wales Ait Ambulance, DAS - Threshhold, domestic abuse, and Blood Cancer UK - Llanelli Branch.
Safe Route to School
Work has begun on Llethri Road as part of the safe routes to school initiative. Pavement improvements and upgraded crossing points are being introduced. Traffic lights will also be introduced on the junction of Llethri road and Millfield road (by White Lion). Further improvements will be made further up Millfield Road where it meets Llys Westfa. The full plan can be viewed underneath and the current work activity in Llethri Road can be viewed by clicking the plan on the right..
Royal Visit
Claire and I attended the opening of the the Wales Air Ambulance Patient and Family Room in Dafen recently and met the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Wales Air Ambulance is a superb facility and is also one of my chosen charities this year. On behalf of us all we gave them a warm welcome and it was indeed an honour to meet them.
Reservoir - Heritage Boards
These signs are a vibrant addition to the improvements we are making at the reservoir, allowing visitors to learn of the history of the area. I would like to thank all at Llanelli Community Heritage who helped research and design the information boards”
Reservoir - Car Park
New disabled parking bay markings have been placed in the car park. Its important all people within our community are welcome to use the reservoir.
Path - Hand Railings
The path between Oaklands and Heol Beili Glas has been tidied up and a hand rail installed for safety.
UPDATE DEC 2022 - The railings now extend to the bottom half of the path.
Speed Calming
There will be 2 new speed calming measures placed on the roads by the rear entrance to the school (Pen-Y-Bryn) and by Swiss Valley Park (Heol Nant). The measures will take the form of a speed plateau.
Reservoir Benches
I had the great pleasure of donating 3 new benches for use in the reservoir earlier this year. They have been placed at 3 new locations, one by the toilet block, another by the new pontoon, and a third at the end of the tarmac path just before you arrive at the car park. These are not replacing old but are in addition to what is there. I hope you enjoy them!
2022
L2 - Bus Service - Reply
Earlier this year I wrote to First Cymru regarding our 2 hour bus service. Please see the reply I received. I will continue to liaise with the bus company and local authority. Our MP is also involved.
Sad passing of Phil Bennett
We were all saddened to hear of the passing of the great Phil Bennett. What a man, international superstar .... won everything there was to win in the game, but fiercely local. Phil never forgot his roots and the fitting statue unveiled a short while back is testimony to his legendary status in Felinfoel.
I've attended a few rugby functions in my time and on one occasion it was another international rugby star that was supposed to speak, but he couldn't as he'd damaged his cheek bone playing that day. Phil happened to be in the function and up he got, and with all his anecdotes he had you roaring with laughter in the one minute and deadly silent in the next, hanging on his every word. He told it as it was and owned the room when he was speaking.
Thank you Phil, and the safest of onward journeys to you Sir.
My sincere condolences to Pat and the family at this sad time.
Dangerous Fly Tipping
With all the good work we are trying to do around our reservoir earlier this year we saw fly tipping in the middle of the road at 3 locations by the top car park. Whoever did it had no thought for the community or the safety of other road users. I just hope there is something in the rubbish that can catch them. Thanks to all who tagged me on facebook, and thanks to the council guys who cleared it up that afternoon...disgraceful......
Fly Tipping by reservoir car park
Fly Tipping by reservoir car park
Thank you all for your support. Your 2 local candidates that live in the area have been returned to represent you.
Carmarthenshire County Council Result
Giles Morgan - Elected
Llanelli Rural Council
Giles Morgan - Elected
Stephen Bowen - Elected
ELECTION Results
_PNG.png)
Phil Bennett Statue
There was a great turn out for the unveiling of a statue to our most famous sporting resident Mr Phil Bennett recently. The beautiful carving opposite Felinfoel church is a fitting tribute to a true rugby legend.
Reservoir Car Park
More work has been done around the reservoir recently. Car park resurfacing, more bins, wheelchair friendly seating areas. Following the resurfacing the car park is now open again. Its great to see bat boxes being placed out and about too!
Porth Dafen Sign
In response to residents requests I asked for a sign to be erected off the Crematorium roundabout. This was installed recently.
Fly Tipping
Checking the lanes around Porth Dafen recently and more fly tipping. Met onsite with environmental enforcement officers who opened the bags for evidence. Looking at signs and cameras for this location. The rubbish was subsequently collected and disposed of.
Weatherman Walking
Swiss Valley reservoir will be featured on the BBC Weatherman Walking series (Episode 7) to be broadcast on Friday May 20th @ 7:30pm.
S4C's Iaith ar Daith have also filmed an episode in the reservoir.
Reservoir Grant Success
I have more great news about Swiss Valley Reservoir. Funding of some £52,919.74 has been secured for more improvements works in and around the reservoir. My thanks to Llanelli Rural Council and the team for securing the monies via the Woodland Investment Grant. You'll see these works starting very soon.
Path upgrades / car park improvements / signage / benches / wheelchair access picnic tables .... on the way.
4 large trees in the Reservoir were recently felled by one of the storms that hit us. I'd like to thank the workforce of Llanelli Rural Council that promptly came out and removed the trees that were blocking the 2 paths. One tree took some of the path with it and this has now been restored.
Safe routes to school consultation
We have been shortlisted for a safe routes to school pot of money. As well as tackling the congestion caused by the school run, the safe routes initiative is important for the promotion of healthier lifestyles for children. By showing children from an early age that alternatives to the car such as walking and cycling are attractive and fun, they can be encouraged to take regular exercise and develop healthy travel habits for the future.
Pavements and roads around the school will now benefit from this pot of money. Traffic lights are also being planned for the junction of Millfield Road and Llethri Road (by the White Lion).
A view of the plans can be seen here:
https://www.llanelli-rural.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/40274-SRTIC-Swiss-Valley.pdf
2021
Path from Community Centre to Llethri Road
Following meetings I've had with CCC officers the path between the Community Centre and Llethri Road is to receive some surface repairs. Part of the path has already been done which spurs off to Pennant, and has been totally resurfaced. This has made a huge difference.
Police Patrol
August 2021
As we entered into summer and with schools breaking up we had a few issues with youngsters up in the reservoir. I asked the police to patrol more regularly which they did, and following sharp decisive action the past few months have been pretty quiet. The reservoir improvements continue and more people are visiting what we in Swiss Valley already know to be a cherished beauty spot.
Weatherman Walking
August 2021
A big welcome on a not so sunny day to Mr Derek Brockway ( BBC Wales weatherman). He walked around Swiss Valley reservoir last month as part of his Weatherman Walking tv series taking in the wonderful sights from our jewel up here in Swiss. I was lucky enough to get a few minutes of his time.
Diolch Derek. Keep your eyes peeled for it on BBC Wales.
2020
Reservoir Adoption
September 2020
Great news. Llanelli Rural Council have agreed to a 5 year community adoption of Swiss Valley Reservoir. Some £270,000+ of funding has been secured and as a result of this a Ranger post will be created (leading to emptying of bins/general maintenance) and the car parks will get some investment. The toilet block will also be refurbished as part of the adoption. Its an exciting project and the first adoption of its kind in Wales. I cant say things will improve overnight but they are heading in the right direction for the "Jewel" of Swiss Valley. Other water sports and fishing activities will be looked at but the main thing is this much loved area of Llanelli will get some much needed TLC. Having posted this news on social media the response has been amazing and just proves to me how well thought of our reservoir is!
The official press release can be seen below:
https://www.llanelli-rural.gov.uk/swiss-valley-reservoir-press-release/
January 2020
CLIMATE EMERGENCY
I had a really informative day out this month when I accompanied Bryngwyn and Glan-Y-Mor pupils to the global goalkeepers training day as part of the #walktheglobalwalk, in the Gwendraeth Hall. Congratulations to Mari, Carolyn, Shannon, Olivia and Eva on being selected. Look out for school and community projects coming up on the theme of #climateaction. As a Governor on both schools as part of their federation it was great to see all pupils engaging in the climate debate and coming up with solutions for the wider community and their individual schools to help combat climate change. Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural Council and many others have all declared climate emergencies. Thanks to all the pupils and staff and congratulations on your work.
January 2020
DUMPING
More dumping by Porth Dafen to start the new year off. I'm conintually reporting dumping at this location. Hopefully they will find some evidence to prosecute.
2019
October 2019
SOLAR FARM
I have attended meetings with developers and residents about Penderi solar farm. It is a large scale solar farm with some 25% of it located in farms between Swiss Valley and Llangennech/Llannon. For further information please visit the website at:
https://www.penderisolarfarm.co.uk/
August 2019
SV SCHOOL - 50th Anniversary
I was very proud to attend the 50th anniversary concert at the Diplomat Hotel in July as part of the School's 50th celebrations. It was a wonderful evening celebrating each of the 5 decades that have past since 1969. Well done to all of the pupils and staff involved in making it such a success, and thanks to the Diplomat Hotel for allowing free use of the big function room.
October 2019
BT PAYPHONE - SV Shops
Further to this news from August I have now learned from BT that 9 phone calls have been made from the payphone in the last 12 months. In all likelihood this payphone will be removed.
As of the end of September I havent been contacted by anyone concerned about its removal.
August 2019
SCHOOL INSPECTION
The inspection by ESTYN of Swiss Valley school gave it yet another excellent report. Our school has long been known to be a good school to go to and their recent report reinforces that. As the current Chair of Governors and despite fiscally hard times, I would like to personally thank all the teaching and none teaching staff for all their hard work in making the inspection such a success and the school that it is today.
August 2019
PARK HOWARD
Work to improve the drainage and clean out the duck pond has begun at Park Howard. It already it looks better, with more improvements to come.
On behalf of not only us in Swiss Valley but the whole of Llanelli I am now representing us on the joint working group (setup between Carmarthenshire County Council and Llanelli Town Council) working to protect and improve the park. This joint working group talks to all other volunteer groups so everyone in the community knows what is happening.
August 2019
RESERVOIR
Things are moving forward with Welsh Water. Further talks which I am involved with will take place on August 5th but all the signs are that Llanelli Rural Council could be in a position to take over some time in the next 12 months. Welsh Water are prepared to offer a substantial amount of money as part of the move which will go to maintenance of the paths/car parks/general upkeep (emptying bins) within the confines of the reservoir.
April 2019
HORSE MESS
If you see or are annoyed at horse mess on the road outside your house please contact the council's cleansing team on 01267-234567 and report it. A team will then be despatched to remove it.
December 2019
DEFIBRILLATOR
A new defibrillator will be placed on the outside of the Tafarn-Y-Felin pub. This is something that has happened as a result of a very personal tragedy for a family in Llanelli. 2 brave daughters have raised alot of money and they wanted to place a life saving box on the outside of the pub. Due to this fantastic and generous gesture the school will now keep theirs inside (as we were looking to place theirs on the outside of the school gates).