THESE were the stories making the news in the South Wales Guardian 50 years ago on December 10, 1964

COUNCIL officials were keeping a watchful eye on the monster coming in the midst – the computer.

A council spokesman said: “Automation is coming and we are already aware of its presence. However, it is reassuring to know that it will not consume our entire staff in its first meal but we will be keeping watch as the monster approaches.

A 24-year-old labourer from Ammanford was sentenced to eight months in jail for setting fire to a barn that destroyed hay worth £400 and a side spade worth £40 because his girlfriend jilted him.

The judge told the man: “Your actions had been the outcome of thwarted emotions and the frustration as a suitor who had proved unacceptable for the farmer’s daughter.”

COMMITTEE members agreed that Amman valley tenants should be given the right to buy their council houses.

The clerk drew up a schedule for executives use as a guide to which of the houses could be sold.

THE council temporarily suspended loans for tenant to buy their own homes because of the banks interest rate.

The council was also considering raising the interest rate on future loans from six per cent to six and a quarter per cent, these changes would not affect tenants who had already bought their homes.

A REPORT conducted by the road safety committee stated that the road lights in Bryn Aman are only 40 watts.

Chairman of the committee said: "I'm astounded that the lights are only 40 watts I need a 100 watt bulb to light up my kitchen.