SIX thousand essential household items – free ‘Christmas ‘gifts’ – have been distributed for Llanelli people in need by a leading Labour town councillor and a multibank inspired by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The ‘incredible gesture of support’ comes as hundreds of families in the town struggle with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, made worse by what for many is the festive season but is described by councillor Shaun Greaney, who represents Lliedi ward, as ‘a Christmas nightmare’ for those on a low budget.
Councillor Greaney said: ‘Too many families in our town are facing hardship this Christmas.The wonderful Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea very kindly approached me to help support such families.’
IHpousehold items ranging from shoes to detergents, nappies to washing up liquid have been delivered to charities in Llanelli for distribution to those in need to help cut household bills at ‘the most expensive time of year’, he said.
‘I know what it’s like to be in poverty. I’ve had to use a foodbank and I’m delighted the help was there when needed. Unfortunately even in the fifith richest country in the world, Great Britain, the legacy of 14 years of Conservative austerity and Brexit has fuelled a chilling whirlwind of hardship that may be worse than the Thatcher years,
‘It’s sad but this will take time to repair. As a Labour-led town council we have sought to bring the Cwtch Mawr Multibank, which has bought dignity to familis in need weith overa million items distributed within two years – to Llanelli.
‘I feel we have been thwarted in this endeavour by the Plaid-led county cvouncil, despite a successful motion brought by/ my Labour county council colleague Martyn Palfreman, which had
‘A million items distributed in Swansea, with the support of the Labour council, is an incredible feat. Labour in Carmarthenshire want to see that level of assistance on offer throughout the county without delay, yet despite taking this invredible concept to the county nine months ago, our dream has still to be born.
‘I don’t believe it’s rocket science to make it happen. People are in need. The goods are available. The county council must get its act together. Plaid are showing that they can’t even run a multibank, let alone Carmarthenshire, and on this showing, certainly hot the whole of Wales,’ councillor Greaney said.
Deliveries of the every household items are being made to ?y Gwyn Church in Vauxhall Road, Myrtle House food bank, Tyisha Food Bank, Llangennech and Bryn Community Action Group, and ~Links mental health charity..
Councillor Greaney added: ‘There is a lot of potential for the Cwtch Mawr Multibank to help the county council’s Christmas Toy Box appeal next year, which would be great.’
