AN action group has been launched in the Gwendraeth Valley to fight plans for a controversial opencast mine.

The group is run by volunteers, many of whom live in Pontyberem's Railway Terrace and Capel Ifan Road.

It follows talks between residents, Llanelli MP Nia Griffith and AM Helen Mary Jones — who are also against the mine scheme.

Proposals for such mining in Pentremawr, which is between Pontyberem and Ponthenri, were submitted to Carmarthenshire Council by developer Draeth back in 2008.

Villagers are now being given the opportunity to air their views to county council and company officials during another public meeting.

The event has been organised by Ms Griffith and Ms Mary Jones, and will be held in Ponthenri Community Hall, on Thursday, September 24.

Read more of this story in this week's Llanelli Star.