A first pop-up unit has opened in Llandeilo.

Papercraft by Jessica Anne is the first of four potential businesses using pop-up spaces secured as part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Ten Towns Pop-Up Shops, Meanwhile Spaces Project.

Jessica Anne, the owner, has been running her business, which makes handmade greetings cards and papercraft items, from home.

She expressed her excitement about the new venture, saying: "I have been steadily trying to grow my papercraft business over the last year, attending various events and craft fairs.

"By chance, I saw the post on Facebook about the Ten Towns Pop-Up Shops/Meanwhile Spaces Project, and I immediately enquired.

"I was thrilled when The Means got in touch about the possibility of occupying this space in Llandeilo.

"I am very happy to have been given the opportunity of this pop-up shop, and I am excited at the prospect of growing my business."

Papercraft can be found at 77B Rhosmaen Street in a unit owned by CKs Foodstores.

Director Alun Littlejohns said: "We are delighted to take part in the project and give a local business the chance to start out in a retail unit.

"We wish Jessica all the best in her venture and hope that at the end of the project, she may become a permanent tenant."

The Ten Towns Pop-Up Shops/Meanwhile Spaces Project aims to give small businesses the chance to trial a bricks-and-mortar space at a low cost. It is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The project, run until November 2024, also addresses the number of vacant properties across the county’s ten rural market towns.

The Means, a Llanelli-based placemaking consultancy with more than 30 years of expertise in economic development and area-based management, leads the project. The Means promotes community involvement, wellbeing, economic recovery, sustainability and growth.

Cllr Carys Jones, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for rural affairs, community cohesion, and planning policy, said: "The 10 Towns Project is giving Carmarthenshire businesses a unique opportunity to trial their businesses on the high street, whilst also encouraging people to visit our town centres and shops that would otherwise be vacant, ultimately helping to revitalise our high streets.

"I wish Jessica the best of luck in her endeavours."

The units are free to rent with no business rates applied.

Businesses can register their interest in a space on the project by visiting the Meanwhile in Carmarthenshire website.