Local party members were really impressed when they heard Ed Balls speak in the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli on Friday afternoon.They felt he understood the issues that worry people like us here in Llanelli such as shortage of affordable housing, student debt, unemployment and making ends meet on a modest income. They really like the way he is prepared to take the fight to the Tories, defy the rightwing press and has an alternative vision for our country – a vision that means stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and not slashing the help to those who need it most.  Many of them are now thinking of joining Nia Griffith MP in supporting Ed for Labour Leader.

As Nia Griffith MP explained, “Now is the time while the Local Health Board is drawing up its five-year strategy, to tell them that we want to keep all the existing services that are offered at Prince Philip Hospital, and that we are not going to stand for any salami slicing of services. At a recent meeting I made this very clear to senior managers at the local health board.”

Keith Davies, Labour’s candidate for the Assembly elections next year, said “We have got to make the Board listen to the people of Llanelli. We have the largest concentration of population in Carmarthenshire, and deserve the full range of services at Prince Philip Hospital. Now is the time to tell the Board, before decisions are made and it is too late.”

If you want to add your name to the petition, or want copies to distribute, please contact Keith Davies on 07875416595 or Nia Griffith MP on 01554 756374.

You can also sign the petition online here.

Cllr Hubert Hitchman with Nia, fighting to keep the crossing open.

Nia Griffith MP and Keith Davies, Labour’s Assembly candidate, are backing town councillors’ pleas to Network Rail to keep open the Glanmor Road level crossing.

In a strong statement to Network Rail, Nia has stressed the need to keep the Glanmor Road Crossing open to avoid huge traffic jams on the New Dock Road crossing. “We need to keep this crossing open or there will be total chaos on New Dock Road.”

Keith Davies said, “Although the plans are on hold at present, the Draka site on Copperworks Road has been designated for a new primary school, so there will be an increase in traffic and it would be crazy to close one of the crossings.  We will fight this closure all the way.”

(Photo) Nia with Stephanie, Marlene and Pete from the Carnival Committee.

Big thank you to all of the organisers of Seaside Carnival;  it was a fantastic day!

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“Supporting Hendy Carnival with Vernon and Francis Hicks in their splendid 1940s theme outfits”

As Nia explained

“We really want to see better facilities for the children of Burry Port, and that’s why I am working with local councillors and parents to set up a community group which will enable us to apply for funding for the park. To get grant funding, it is important to show evidence about what people want in the park. That’s why Mary has sent out questionnaires to parents via the local schools, and we would really like to have as many back as possible.”

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Parklife Fun Day on 15th August. It raised £1400 for the Park, which is a fantastic start. Now we have to get on with the hard work of applying for funding to buy new equipment for the park .

Nia inspecting Parc Howard Paddling Pool with Town Councillors Carl Lucas, Jan Williams and Bill Thomas.

Then Nia organised public meetings to hear what local people wanted for Crown Park, People’s Park and Parc Howard.

Everyone wanted to keep the facilities and Cllr Carl   Lucas, leader of the Labour Group on Llanelli Town Council took up the challenge, and with the support of fellow Labour Councillors, persuaded the Town Council to fund the three pools – in Crown Park, Parc Howard and People’s Park for the next three years.

Nia said “I am delighted that the Town Councillors have found a way to fund  the pools for the next three years. They have listened to local residents. All we need now is some good weather so that children can enjoy the pools .”

Supporting Help the Heroes tea in Bynea

Speaking at the event, Nia thanked everyone for their efforts and said

“It is marvellous to see so much support for this excellent cause. We have all seen on TV the immense bravery of those who have been injured in battle and who are struggling to rebuild their lives, and we should do all we can to help them”.

Nia said, “It was a privilege to join Y10 pupils at Coedcae school who had organised a tea to help raise funds and publicise the fantastic achievement of their classmate Robert who has been selected to take part in the kayaking in the Special Olympics next year. We’re all really proud of Robert and excited about next year, and I know we’ll all want to help with the fundraising. Phil Bennett got us off to a really good start by donating a very limited edition prize – a signed photo momento of that legendary 70s rugby victory in South Africa which will certainly help raise funds.”

Nia said, “I am delighted to have been able to support Abigail Davies’ fantastic effort in raising thousands of pounds for Help the Heroes through the auction she organised. The Prison Officers Assoication were so impressed that they have sent a cheque for £3000 to boost the funds, which you see Meirion Evans of the Prison Officers’ Association presenting to Abigail here. Abigal has a great future, and I hope she will consider using her talent in politics, following in the footsteps of her grandmother Cllr Tegwen Devicahnd currently Chair of the County Council (pictured here on right) and her mother Cllr Sharen Davies, Currently Chair of Llaneli Rural.”