Ryan Thomas

There are times that I feel an overwhelming wanderlust. It's not just a desire to jump on a plane for a weekend city break. It's a calling to pack everything in - my job, my public duties, sell my home, throw away almost all my commitments. I know I am not alone. My partner Ana sometimes suddenly declares that we should go and live in Paris for three months next summer, or that we should simply travel for the rest of our lives. The human brain is fascinating. One moment you are struggling with your ordinary life. The next you are backpacking through the Himalayas. At the beginning of this year we decided we would travel. We somehow agreed that we would visit five foreign countries this year. Life and money get in our way. But we decided that we really would travel so be just bought tickets, booked a hotel and spent Valentines week in Paris. We always knew that we would be visiting Bucharest in June for Ana's sister's wedding. We also managed to spend a few days in Londo...

I've been trying to write this post for a long time. Europe is a place and an idea that I am passionate about. Since my fiancé is Romanian I am probably quite biased when it comes to it as well. The reason why I have found this post so difficult is because I have been trying to justify my support for the European Union using political arguments. The trouble is the referendum campaign has descended into a playground squabble. I think the economy will be damaged by leaving and the UK will be forced to negotiate entry in the European Free Trade Area where we will end up losing more sovereignty and democracy that we currently exercise collectively as full members of the EU. The EU institutions are flawed and the commission is over bureaucratic. But there is a democratically elected parliament and a council where all national governments are represented. It's a bit hypocritical for us Brits to criticise a lack of democracy in the EU when we continue to put up with the unelected Hous...

Earlier today I decided to go for a walk through Llanelli town centre. It was warm and the sun was shining and I wasn't going to spend another lunch hour in front of my computer at work. People are always complaining about the 'state' of the town centre. It's hard to argue with them. However, their complaints are not properly thought through. I have worked at several different points in my career close to Llanelli town centre and have always struggled to find something nice to eat for lunch. There are a few excellent cafes if you have time to sit for lunch. But if you're in a hurry it's tough to find a quick snack unless you go to the same two or three places every day. When you walk around you get a casual sense of decline, much like the majority of Welsh town centres. But in Llanelli you can also spot the potential. You look at the buildings, you look and the empty spaces. You think that the empty store would be a great location for a boutique or a gift shop. ...

Traffic Update I am continuing to work on traffic concerns in a number of areas of Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg. I am working with residents and council officers to tackle poor parking around Ysgol y Castell at the end of the school day. Officers are currently patrolling the school on a regular basis to ensure the safety of children. Council officers are also considering the introduction of a no waiting/loading restriction near the school to prevent any parking (including blue badge holders). Officers are continuing to pursue schemes to reduce traffic speeds and improve safety along New Street and Water Street. The council is considering parking restrictions outside the post office. Litter along the River Walk The town council is responsible for an area of land along the River Walk which is sometimes strewn with litter. I have asked that the town council make more of an effort to keep this land clean. Kidwelly Town Hall The company that was founded to redevelop the town hall has folded...

I, along with town Cllrs. Mike Thomas and Phil Thompson will be holding a surgery between 9am and 10am on Saturday 28th May at the Kidwelly Community Hub, The Pelican, Bridge Street, Kidwelly, SA17 4UU. Please feel free to come along and discuss any issues regarding Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg or the county council. No appointment is necessary. If you are not able to come along please do not hesitate to contact me using the details on this page. Byddaf i, ynghyd â cynghorwyr tref Mike Thomas a Phil Thompson yn cynnal syrjeri rhwng 9yb a 10yb ar Ddydd Sadwrn 28ain Mai yn Hwb Cymmunedol Cydweli, Y Pelican, Cydweli, SA17 4UU. Mae croeso i chi dod i trafod unryw fater parthed Cydweli a Mynydd-y-Garreg neu'r cyngor sir. Nid oes angen apwyntiad. Os nad ydych yn gallu dod i'r syrjeri peidiwch ag oedi i gysylltu â mi gan ddefnyddio'r manylion ar y dudalen hon.

Flooding Concerns The county council has been able to secure funding for and has made improvements to drainage and the public highway in the Ferry Road area. Parc Stephens I attended the March meeting of the Parc Stephens Sports Association. There were issues regarding the emptying of litter bins by the town council that have now been resolved. Traffic Update I am continuing to work on traffic concerns in a number of areas of Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg. Police are working with local residents for a community speed watch scheme in Water Street. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have objected to proposals to introduce a one-way system along Hillfield Villas on the grounds that it will affect emergency responses. Alternative suggestions for traffic calming along this street are welcome. Litter and ASB at the River Walk I have met with the head of estates at CADW to discuss littering issues at the castle. CADW were unaware of the extent of their responsibilities and have now ext...