LLANDYBIE community councillors have agreed to throw their weight behind a move to establish a memorial stone and plaque on the site of the old Cwmgwili Colliery.

But they were shocked by the disclosure that such a monument could cost £4,000-£5,000 and are now seeking a meeting with Cwmgwili Miners Welfare As sociation to discuss how potential costs can be slashed.

Community clerk Dilys Griffiths reminded members that the association’s request for financial assistance had been approved at a previous meeting and the group had now produced their accounts for inspection as requested.

But councillors questioned the estimate the association had received for the erection of a memorial stone and plaque.

“The sum of £5,000 seems rather a lot to me,” commented Cllr Nigel Evans.

County councillor Peter Cooper said a plinth and memorial stone at Saron Square had cost “less than £2,000”, which he felt was more reasonable.

And he suggested that developers planning to build six houses on the site of the old village school should be made to dig into their pockets and contribute towards the mining memorial.

“The county council are going through the process of selling the school and the welfare committee could get some money from there,” he suggested.

Cllr Cooper added that although there had been suggestions that the school could be transformed into a community centre, such a proposal had only received a lukewarm response from villagers.

“We did put that idea forward but I have to say that the response we received from villagers was very weak,” he said.

Community clerk Dilys Griffiths said the association was also seeking a £500 grant to carry out improvements to the village hall, and it was agreed that Cllr Cooper and fellow county councillor Alun Davies would set up a meeting to establish exactly what was required.