THE Leader of Carmarthenshire Council has blasted the minority of residents who showed “a flagrant disregard for the safety of others” by breaching coronavirus regulations.

Cllr Emlyn Dole said such behaviour was threatening the health of the majority, who deserved praise for their adherence of the ongoing restrictions.

“I for one will not allow the selfishness and stupidity of a minority to further jeopardise the health and safety of the majority,” he said at a meeting of full council.

The Plaid leader added that he was deeply disappointed by members of Drefach Football and Cricket Club, who had held an event on August 29.

“They organised a presentation evening in breach of the law and failed to comply with the required regulations or any reasonable social distancing,” he said.

As a result, Cllr Dole said nearly 100 people had been traced and, as of September 8, 14 people linked to the event had tested positive for Covid-19.

“There may be more,” he said.

A closure notice has been served on the person responsible for the premises, which will last for 14 days.

“We are considering whether further action may need to be taken in relation to the club,” said Cllr Dole.

“These negligent actions have put the whole community at risk.”

He said he has asked council officers, in tandem with Dyfed-Powys Police, to take robust action against businesses and clubs which did not comply with the regulations.

“Additional enforcement officers will be on duty this weekend to visit settings such as bars, restaurants and sports clubs to ensure that they are doing all they can to comply with the regulations,” he said.

“I also ask the public to learn the lessons from this incident – to observe social distancing and to please avoid events where more than 30 people could be in attendance.”

In Wales, people must not gather outdoors in groups of more than 30. You should continue to maintain physical and social distancing from people outside your household, or extended household, if you have formed one.

People should not gather indoors with anyone who is not a member of their household, or extended household, unless they have a good reason.

Extra restrictions are in force in Caerphilly after a rise in cases.

Cllr Dole said a collective effort was needed by everybody.

“The only way we can move forward and eventually defeat this pandemic is to do that together and do it safely,” he said.

Drefach football and cricket teams share the club, off Heol Caegwyn.

Allan Carter, who is chairman of the club but more involved in the cricket side (and was not involved in the decision-making for the August 29 event), said: “We bitterly regret what happened. We are working closely with Carmarthenshire Council and all the appropriate agencies to put things right as a club, and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

He said that to the best of his knowledge no cricket players attended the evening, which he said was organised by the football club.

Mr Carter added: “We share the facilities, we are one club, so we have to take responsibility for what happened.

“Some serious lessons have been learned.”