Trouble tenants kicked out as council shuts homes and clamps down on chaos across Carmarthenshire

The authority’s Anti‑Social Behaviour Team has been targeting problem council properties across the county, using some of the toughest powers available to stop drug‑linked exploitation, violent disturbances and persistent nuisance behaviour spilling into communities.

Council homes shut down after serious trouble

Four council homes have been hit with closure orders — a legal measure that locks out the people causing the trouble and stops anyone entering the property for a set period. The orders were used to protect vulnerable tenants and neighbours in St Clears, Y Fan and Granby Close in Llanelli, and Llys y Felin in Kidwelly, where residents had endured serious disruption linked to a tenant and their associates.

Council officers say the action has already brought relief to neighbours who had been living with constant disturbance.

Evictions after severe damage and persistent ASB

Two more council homes — one in Granby Close, Llanelli, and another in Maescader, Pencader — have been repossessed after what the council described as serious anti‑social behaviour and severe property damage.

The authority says eviction is always a last resort, but in these cases the behaviour was so persistent and harmful that removing the tenants was the only way to protect the community.

Warnings for nuisance neighbours as council gets tougher

In the last three months alone, the ASB team has issued ten community protection warnings and notices to tenants causing nuisance to neighbours and the wider community. Anyone who ignores these notices risks being hit with a fixed penalty fine.

Joint patrols and early intervention — but enforcement when needed

The council says it is combining tough enforcement with early intervention, working with Dyfed‑Powys Police on joint patrols in hotspot areas and offering mediation and support to resolve issues before they escalate.

But officers say they will not hesitate to act when behaviour becomes persistent, serious or harmful — especially when it affects vulnerable residents in council homes.

“We will not allow a small number of tenants to make life miserable”

Cllr Emlyn Schiavone, Cabinet Member for Homes, said the latest results show the council is prepared to take firm action to protect communities.

He said:

“These results show the real impact our anti‑social behaviour team is having across Carmarthenshire. They are stepping in quickly, protecting vulnerable residents and taking firm action where behaviour crosses the line.

“People have a right to feel safe in their council homes and in their communities. We will not allow a small number of tenants to make life miserable for their neighbours.

“By combining strong enforcement with meaningful support, we’re sending a clear message: anti‑social behaviour will not be tolerated in Carmarthenshire.”

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GPS tag helps police catch £12,500 tool thief across Carmarthenshire and Powys

Aston Amos, 35, of Bewdley, and Robbie Bate, 27, of Stourport‑on‑Severn, admitted stealing tools worth more than £12,500 from five vehicles during overnight raids in July.

Raids across two counties leave tradesmen out of work

Dyfed‑Powys Police received reports of break‑ins in Brecon and Builth Wells on 17 July, followed by further thefts in Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul on 24 July. Court documents show the stolen items included a chainsaw worth around £500, roofing tools valued at £1,500, and other equipment worth thousands of pounds. The damage and loss left several tradesmen unable to work.

Investigators linked the crimes to an Audi A4 seen in each area. Hotel records later showed Bate had checked into accommodation in St Clears using the car’s registration number. Amos, meanwhile, was wearing a GPS monitoring tag at the time. Location data placed him at the scene of each theft. When questioned, he told officers: “You have put me in the area. That’s all you have done, put me in the area,” and even claimed never to have heard of Carmarthenshire.

Police seized the Audi and recovered some of the stolen tools before requesting assistance from West Mercia Police to arrest the pair.

Court hears of past convictions as sentences handed down

At Swansea Crown Court on 14 November, Amos was jailed for nine months, consecutive to a sentence he was already serving. Bate received a nine‑month sentence suspended for two years, along with a 12‑week curfew, 160 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation activity days. The court heard Amos had 15 previous convictions for 24 offences, while Bate had eight previous convictions for 22 offences.

Detective Constable Carl Thomas, who led the case, said:

“This was a strong investigation led by North Ceredigion CID with a huge amount of support from a number of departments across the force to apprehend two travelling criminals.

Amos and Bate came into the Dyfed‑Powys area with the aim of targeting vans that might contain valuable tools, working their way through two counties to acquire a vast number of items.

Thankfully we have been able to recoup some of the stolen items for the victims, however these thefts will still have caused a loss of income and inconvenience for those affected.”

#brecon #builthWells #dyfedPowysPolice #gpsMonitoringTag #llandysul #newcastleEmlyn #robbery #stClears #theft #toolTheft

Major incident declared as flooding triggers rescues across West Wales and Swansea

450 calls in 12 hours

The service said its Joint Fire Control Centre handled more than 450 flooding‑related calls in just 12 hours between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery praised the “dedication and professionalism” of crews and control staff who worked through the night to respond to emergencies.

He said:

“Our crews have been truly exceptional in assisting and protecting our communities. We are extremely grateful to all partner agencies who have assisted in responding to incidents during a prolonged and challenging period.”

Whitland: retirement complex evacuated

One of the most serious incidents unfolded in Whitland, where floodwaters swept into a retirement housing complex in the early hours of Wednesday. Crews from Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Swansea Central, Carmarthen and Whitland stations evacuated 48 residents using rescue sleds and water rescue equipment. All were accounted for and temporarily sheltered at Whitland Town Hall.

Ferryside: homes evacuated with RNLI support

At Ferryside, crews from Ammanford, Tumble and Carmarthen worked with the RNLI after multiple homes were flooded. Residents were led to safety and taken to Ferryside RFC for shelter.

Kidwelly: 34 dogs rescued from sanctuary

At Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly, crews from Gorseinon and Cymmer stations rescued 34 dogs after floodwaters engulfed the kennels. The sanctuary’s owner described losing “everything” as bedding, food supplies and equipment were destroyed.

Lampeter: vehicle rescue in fast‑flowing water

In Lampeter, firefighters from Lampeter and Aberystwyth stations carried out a complex rescue after a vehicle became stranded in fast‑flowing water. Using ladders, they reached three people and two dogs trapped inside, bringing them to safety before handing the casualties to ambulance crews.

St Clears: 20 properties affected

In St Clears, crews from Morriston, Swansea Central, Haverfordwest, Narberth and Llandysul responded to flooding that hit around 20 homes and businesses. Approximately 42 people were assisted out of their properties and rescued using sleds.

Swansea: Cwmbwrla roundabout submerged again

In Swansea, heavy rain once again left Cwmbwrla roundabout completely submerged, with cars stranded and nearby businesses forced to evacuate. The Gatehouse pub had to be cleared after water surged up through drains, with the landlady describing it as the second such incident in just six weeks.

Swansea Council has since said a collapsed culvert is behind the repeated flooding at the busy junction, which has caused major disruption to traffic into the city centre.

Support and recovery underway

As the emergency response continued, local councillors Crisial Davies and Lewis Eldred Davies, who represent Ferryside and Kidwelly, confirmed they had been on the ground speaking with residents and liaising with Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Water. They said additional sandbags were being delivered to affected areas including Glanmorfa and Glan yr Ystrad, and highlighted the launch of an emergency flood fund offering £500 for households that have been internally flooded, an additional £1,000 for those without insurance, and grants of up to £5,000 for eligible businesses.

Carmarthenshire Council has also opened a rest centre at Carmarthen Leisure Centre to support people displaced by flooding in Whitland, St Clears and surrounding communities. The authority said its crews had been working throughout the night and remained on site in multiple locations across the county, urging residents not to drive through floodwater.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it continues to work with the Dyfed‑Powys Local Resilience Forum and partner agencies to support ongoing incidents and coordinate what is expected to be a challenging and lengthy recovery effort.

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#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #Environment #Ferryside #flooding #Lampeter #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #StClears #Whitland

Carmarthenshire man sentenced after collie left with untreated amputation injuries

Dyfrig John Davies, 64, of St Clears, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 September, where he pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that Davies failed to protect the needs of a black and white female collie, named Floss, by not ensuring she received proper and timely veterinary treatment for her injuries.

He was sentenced to an 18‑week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £400 in costs. The court also asked him to consider making a personal donation towards the RSPCA to help cover the costs of Floss’s treatment.

‘Bones exposed’

The case came to light on 12 January this year when RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper attended a farm following reports of a dog with visible bone injuries.

She found Floss lying on blankets in a garage, with her back left foot “sloughed off” and bones exposed. The bone in her front left elbow was also visible, and she had multiple puncture wounds to her other legs.

“She was extremely subdued and made no attempt to move,” DCI Cooper said.

It was reported that Floss had been missing for a couple of weeks after a dog fight and had only returned the day before.

Vet assessment

A vet who examined Floss described her injuries as “obvious traumatic injuries including traumatic amputation of the left hind paw,” with exposed bone in her forelimb and further puncture wounds.

Floss was underweight, with significant muscle wastage, but was otherwise stable and alert. She was admitted for immediate treatment and stabilisation.

Recovery and new home

Following surgery and treatment costing around £6,000, Floss made a remarkable recovery. She was later signed over to the Dogs Trust, where she has since been rehomed.

In mitigation, the court heard that Davies was remorseful. He had arranged for a gamekeeper to shoot Floss but was let down, and accepted he should have taken her to a vet. The court was told this was a one‑off incident and that he had “learned from it.”

#animalNeglect #animalWelfare #BorderCollie #Collie #dog #DogsTrust #RSPCA #StClears

Carmarthenshire dairy farmers cleared of £360,000 fine after Home Office raid

A dairy farming family from St Clears has been cleared of wrongdoing following a high-profile dispute with the Home Office, which had accused them of employing undocumented workers and issued a £360,000 civil penalty.

The case centred on Siôn and Audrey Davies, who run Coomb Farm, one of Carmarthenshire’s largest dairy operations with around 800 cows and 2,200 head of cattle. The penalty stemmed from a raid in 2023, when 20–30 immigration officers and police arrived unannounced and arrested eight Romanian workers at the farm.

Speaking after the ordeal, the Davieses said the enforcement action was “wholly disproportionate” and described how the raid left them scrambling to keep the farm operational. With staff detained and transport vehicles seized, they were left severely short-handed just as calving season approached.

In May 2025, the case was heard at Swansea County Court, where Judge Beard ruled the family had not breached immigration law and overturned the fine entirely. Legal representation was provided by HCR Law, whose team argued the Home Office’s allegations did not stand up to scrutiny and posed an unjust burden on a legitimate farming business.

The case has highlighted wider concerns about how immigration enforcement is impacting Welsh agriculture. According to HCR Law, at least a dozen similar cases have surfaced in West Wales, with several resulting in legal proceedings or fines. They’ve advised other farming businesses—particularly in dairy, arable, and horticulture sectors—to review their employment and compliance practices to avoid unexpected scrutiny.

The outcome comes as many Carmarthenshire farms face a shifting landscape for rural employment. The sector has long relied on seasonal and migrant labour, and with rising costs and regulatory pressures, farm owners say it’s becoming harder to recruit and retain skilled staff. The Davies family expressed relief but warned that others might not have the legal resources to challenge similar enforcement actions.

The NFU Cymru has also weighed in, calling for clearer guidance and improved communication between regulators and farming businesses. They argue that the reputational and operational damage caused by raids—even when accusations prove unfounded—can be devastating.

#Carmarthenshire #DairyFarming #Farming #immigration #NFUCymru #StClears

Carmarthenshire community groups to get up to £3,000 to enhance local green spaces

Carmarthenshire Council say the funding is available to projects located in the county’s principal centres of Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford, as well as and the “Ten Towns” of Cross Hands, Cwmaman, Kidwelly, Laugharne, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llanybydder, Newcastle Emlyn, St. Clears, and Whitland.

Gwyrddu Sir Gâr is committing £39,000 to support community-led greening initiatives, made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund with additional support from Carmarthenshire County Council. This scheme is designed to support local communities in developing greener, more resilient, and accessible outdoor spaces that benefit people, place, and nature.

Cllr Carys Jones, Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Planning and Community Cohesion, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to take the lead in improving their outdoor spaces and strengthening community connections. By investing in our natural environment, we are enhancing biodiversity, tackling climate challenges, and creating healthier, more vibrant places for people to enjoy. I encourage all eligible groups within the target areas to apply and be part of this positive change for Carmarthenshire”.

Applications are open until Friday 6th June 2025.

#Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CrossHands #Cwmamman #Environment #grantFunding #GreenSpaces #Kidwelly #Laugharne #Llandeilo #Llandovery #Llanybydder #NewcastleEmlyn #StClears #Whitland

Milford Haven man jailed for six years after hiding cocaine in police car

Shaun Clawson, age 39, had been travelling as a passenger in a Seat Leon car on February 1, when officers stopped the vehicle on the A40 near St Clears.

Clawson was found with a phone, a cling film wrap and spoon containing traces of white powder in the footwell where he had been sitting.

After being arrested, police in-car camera footage showed Clawson removing a cling-film wrap from the back of his trousers and dropping it on the floor of the car while being conveyed to custody.

The wrap contained an approximate 48.5g of crack cocaine worth an estimated £4,850.

Clawson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Three other suspects were also arrested at the scene for possession with intent to supply a class A drug and have been bailed pending further enquiries. 

Detective Sergeant Vinny Barrett, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “This sentence should serve as a warning to anybody considering engaging in the supply of illegal drugs that Dyfed-Powys Police will not tolerate the supply of class A drugs into our communities. We will seek to relentlessly target those who engage in the supply of illegal substances.”

(Lead image: Dyfed Powys Police)

#cocaine #drugs #DyfedPowysPolice #MilfordHaven #StClears

Police issue warning after spate of burglaries in St Clears, Narberth and Haverfordwest

Police say they are investigating a number of burglaries in the St Clears, Narberth and Haverfordwest areas which were reported on January 22.

It is reported that damage has been caused to the properties and valuable items taken, including cash, jewellery and power tools.

Officers believe these incidents are linked.

Detective Inspector Owen Lock said, “We would like to reassure members of the public that enquiries are ongoing and we’re committed to catching those responsible.

“I would also ask that any suspicious people/activities are reported to the police. Remember, we can’t act on something if we don’t know about it.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, please report all suspicious activity to police immediately, and don’t assume someone else would have notified us.”

Officers are advising residents and second-home owners to check their vacant properties and to ensure it’s secure and valuables are protectively marked and locked away.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#burglary #Carmarthenshire #Crime #DyfedPowysPolice #Haverfordwest #Narberth #Pembrokeshire #StClears

Interesting day spent in Carmarthenshire visiting the Rebecca Riots sculpture made from a 120 year old cedar trunk and the National Botanic Gardens. #RebeccaRiots #Becca #Riots #StClears #Llanarthne #Carmarthenshire #GardenOfWales #Cedar #Sculpture #Gruffalo #Selfie #Sunday