KEVIN Madge, newly appointed leader of Carmarthenshire county council, launched a new service to help Carmarthenshire residents get back into work, education and training.

The project – Un Sir Gar/One Carmarthenshire – offers people a first-stop shop to go for information on what is out there.

Cllr Madge says it will bring together all advice, information, education, voluntary and employment opportunities in the county. “There are 300 organisations in Carmarthenshire so this will make life a lot easier for those people who want to return to work, education and training,”

he said.

“I remember how tough it was in this valley after the pits closed and I’m determined to do everything I can to give our young people an opportunity in life. I knowsome young people who have not had a job since they left school.”

“Prime Minister Cameron’s decision to scrap benefits for under- 25s will cause chaos and local councils such as ourselves will end up picking up the bill. These measures are going to hit some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

But Cllr Madge stressed that the new servicewas aimed at people of all ages and that retraining would play a key part in the scheme.

Un Sir Gar will go ‘live’ on Monday July 9 when this new service can be accessed via www.onecarmarthen shire.co.uk or freephone 0800 9173 408.