L O N G - s e r v i n g Llandeilo councillor Ieuan Jones is among a host of familiar faces who will not be returning to county hall after the forthcoming local elections – regardless of how people vote.

Joining the former Ysgol Tre-Gib deputy head teacher in retirement are Labour’s Hugh Evans, of Ammanford, independent Gorslas councillor Clive Scourfield, i n d e p e n d e n t Manordeilo councillor Jim Davies, and Plaid stalwart John Edwards, of Saron.

“Standing down was a difficult decision to make because I found the work at county hall very interesting,” said Cllr Jones, an independent who, during his stint on the executive board, was responsible for education and children’s services.

“I feel I’ve done all I could do there and in many ways seen the best of times with the county council.

“I don’t know what the outcome of the election will be – I feel it’s wide open.

“I turned 80 earlier this year and as for what I’ll be doing in the future I haven’t really looked that far ahead.”

Cllr Scourfield, 70, a member of the ruling executive board, said: “I’ve so many things I’d like to do before I die, so I thought I’d better take advantage of what’s left to me.”

Cllr Evans, the executive board member for housing, has represented Ammanford for 20 years.

Cllr Edwards, his long-time political opponent, said his decision was formed by the knowledge he would be 76 by the time of the next elections in 2017.

Cllr Davies, a former mayor of Dinefwr, hopes to remain as a community councillor.