IT IS a crying shame that a charity gig at the Aman Centre had to be cut short on Friday night due to apparently drink-fuelled violence on the street outside.

The outcome was a crushing disappointment to organisers, spectators and, of course, to the young musicians denied the opportunity of showcasing their talents.

Amman Valley Mencap have stated that Friday’s unfortunate events make it unlikely they will ever support such an event again.

While such a reaction is per - fectly understandable, we hope they re-consider their position.

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THE disclosure that Carmarthenshire County Council chief executive Mark James will act as returning officer at May’s European election raises several questions.

Mr James “stepped aside” from his £180,000-a-year role when it was announced Gloucestershire Police would launch an investigation into two transactions deemed “unlawful” by the Wales Audit Office.

At the time, it was said he would have no contact with staff while investigations were ongoing – how then can he perform the role of returning officer single- handed?

County Hall insist this specific role is separate from his position as chief executive – we wonder whether Gloucestershire will agree?