Welcome to our web site. A Welsh version of this page is currently under development and will be added shortly.

What is an
Independent Councillor?

Independent Councillors make up the second largest group of Councillors in Wales.

As Independent Councillors we have no political allegiance and unlike other political groups do not have to take heed of political diktats or dogma and there is no pressure on an INDEPENDENT Councillor to vote one way or another.

INDEPENDENT Councillors either live within the areas they represent or have very close associations with the area. INDEPENDENT councillors in Carmarthenshire have joined together to form an INDEPENDENT group in order to influence decisions made at council level for the benefit of the areas they represent and the County as a whole.

They have local knowledge about local issues and problems which enables them to act quickly and with an understanding on issues and concerns that give problems to their local communities. We believe that party politics should play no part in Local Democracy and that councillors should be elected for their skills and abilities, not because of their party allegiances.

Above all, we are the voice and champions of our communities and county. In order to work effectively for our areas we need to listen to our communities, understand their point of view and respond.

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What have the Independent Group of Councillors done for Carmarthenshire?

Independent Councillors make up the second largest group of Councillors in Wales.

Above all, we are the voice and champions of our communities and county. In order to work effectively for our areas we need to listen to our communities, understand their point of view and respond.

Some or our achievements over the past 17 years

CARMARTHEN

A few of the projects in which the INDEPENDENT group have supported key developments.

Redevelopment of Carmarthen Market Site and Provision Market. The creation of St. Catherine's Walk shopping area together with a multiscreen cinema and associated car parking.
New Build Leisure Centre in Carmarthen together with a new 27 million pound secondary school.
Working in partnership with Towy Church we have been involved with the development of a Ten Pin Bowling Centre incorporating a food bank and furniture restoration and recycling centre.
Reconfiguration of railway car park and the building of a foot bridge across the river joining the station to the town centre.
Developing a park and ride facility at Nant a Ci and, after consultation, extending the bus service out to Glangwili Hospital to help ease the car parking problems encountered by patients and visitors alike.
Building new primary schools suitable for the 21st century in both town and rural areas. Building extensions to some town primary schools where needed.
Many and varied road schemes eg. Traffic lights at Pensarn roundabout realignment of Priory St and mini roundabout near St. Peter's Church.
Working up a scheme with the Heritage Lottery to reinstate the land around the Abergwili Museum and also looking at a grant to renovate and repair the Museum Building. Plans are in hand to relocate the archives and a new specially designed facility to house the archives.
Plans to make Carmarthenshire a centre of excellence for cyclists. Helping to fund the Velodrome in partnership with the town council. We are planning for a closed-circuit cycle track to the South of the County and a cycle path between Abergwili and Llandeilo following, where possible, the old railway line.

LLANELLI

A few of the projects the INDEPENDENT group have been involved with.

The Millenium Coastal Park stretching from Loughor to Cefn Sidan and beyond, together with the associated cycle track.
Building of the Discovery Centre at North Dock.
Development of Trostre and Pemberton shopping areas.
Developing, in partnership with the Scarlets, a new fit for purpose rugby stadium and training barn.
Building a new modern theatre Yr FFrwnes in Llanelli together with a Travel Lodge and new pub and eatery.
Reconfiguration of road layouts to form a pedestrian precinct surrounding Llanelli House which has been completely restored.
Building new primary schools suitable for the 21st century and also adding extensions to others.
We have been active in supporting the Ammanford Area and the Rural Hinterland.
Phase 1 road in Ammanford to reduce traffic flow through the town Traffic improvement in Ammanford
Quay Street Improvements to enhance the shopping experience Glanamman Workshops Renovation
Extensive addition and renovation of Amman Valley School
New Secondary School at Llandeilo suitable for modern day requirements
Modernising Council Housing In the whole of Carmarthenshire to the Carmarthen Home Standard with a planned ongoing maintenance plan
Extra Care Home with modern up to date facilities
Supported Brynamman Black Mountain Centre
New primary schools in Tycroes and Bryn Amman and more planned for the area in the future
Investment in Bridge repair and renewal in Llangadog and Rhandirmwyn

The Wellness and Life Science Village will aim to deliver health, wellbeing and economic benefit to the people of Llanelli and the region. The project proposes to deliver a cluster of new facilities with ideas including a new sports and wellbeing centre a wellness hotel, an incubation facility for business start-up, growth and research and development ,assisted living, a health care centre, a learning and development facility for wellness and life science, together with associated housing and health tourism assets. The project will create significant job opportunities across many professions.

The master plan for Burry Port includes investment in the harbour walls. The town will benefit greatly from the amount of interest from the private sector to create a leisure and commercial centre creating a number of jobs.

Knowledge and expertise

We have been successful as a group of INDEPENDENT Councillors because we welcome the opportunity to work with partners who can bring their knowledge and expertise to help bring about a successful outcome to projects.

As can be evidenced above the success of the INDEPENDENT group in Carmarthenshire has worked very well for the benefit of our residents. We are the first to admit that we do not always get things right BUT on balance the improvements to services and employment opportunities is something of which we are justifiably proud.

Would you like to join the INDEPENDENT Group in Carmarthenshire?

How do you go about becoming a councillor?
To become a county councillor you will have to stand for election in early May 2017. Unlike the political parties (who financially sponsor their candidates) you will have to pay for your election expenses yourself. There is no deposit to be paid so the only expenses are for the leaflets you will need to post through doors and also the time involved before the election on visiting and speaking to residents in your electoral area.

As INDEPENDENT group members we will advise and help you with your election material and also with the door knocking if needed.

What is your commitment as a County Councillor?
Full Council meets once a month usually on a Wednesday morning.

Scrutiny committees meet every 6 weeks although should you wish to be on more than one, and the membership allows for this, your time commitment will increase.

Regulatory committees i.e. Planning Committee meets every 3 weeks whilst the Licensing committee meets regularly when needed. So, the time you are able to give to will be taken into account when your committees are assigned.

At present, all committees take place during the day, but a new Council is able to decide when Council Meetings take place.

Constituency problems will take up a large part of your work load and it is impossible to quantify how busy you will be. From experience, it seems to occur in fits and starts. Sometimes you will be busy and at other times there will be no concerns in your area - so nothing to do.

What help will I get?
INDEPENDENT councillors may rely on help from their colleagues. To begin with you will be paired up with an experienced "Buddy" who will be available to help you in your first few months, should you so wish.
As a Councillor you will be entitled to an I pad and any training you may require. Travelling expenses are paid for approved duties and of course, all councillors receive a basic salary as prescribed by the Independent Remuneration Panel.

There will be an extended period of induction training that will give you a good insight into the working of the Council and its officers.

You will also have the assistance of our Members Services Department who will help you with day to day enquiries from your residents or businesses.

INDEPENDENT group members can seek help at any time from the INDEPENDENT group officers and their fellow councillors.

We hope, after reading this, you might be interested in representing your area as an INDEPENDENT Councillor at the next County Council elections to be held on 4th May 2017. We look forward to meeting you.