Frontline services saved from cuts

School crossing patrols, flood defence, coastal protection and remedial earthworks have all been saved from budget cuts.

Councillors decided not to proceed with proposed cuts of £55,000 for school crossing patrols, £52,000 for flood defence works and £11,000 for coastal protection works.

Remedial earthworks; which includes highway support schemes such as the construction of retaining walls or embankments, escaped a planned reduction of £46,000.

Furthermore, a proposed cut of £312,000 to the cleansing service has been reduced by £100,000.

Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “We had some very difficult decisions to make when it came to the budget for next year, but there were a number of frontline services we felt very strongly about.

“Keeping the public safe is one of our main priorities, particularly the safety of our children which is why we decided to retain the budget for school crossing patrols.

“Similarly, the remedial earthworks programme is vital as it has a significant impact on our roads; a prime example is the recent work undertaken in Capel Dewi where the road was in danger of falling into the river had we not built a new retaining wall.

“Protecting our beautiful coastline and carrying out flood defence works is so important as we have seen in recent years with the stormy weather and the devastating impact it can have on communities.

“Carmarthenshire is one of the cleanest counties in Wales and we want to keep it that way. Our staff do a fantastic job all year round and in all types of weather conditions. Maintaining high cleanliness standards for both residents and visitors is vital.”

This council will reduce its budget by more than £12million next year and must find savings of £45 million over the next three years.