Locals claim Ammanford is being left behind by council

According to residents, the town has become run down and is in desperate need of new shops and buildings.

This comes after the council revealed they purchased a former Wilko store for an undisclosed price last month in Carmarthen and have started transforming a Debenhams in the same area.

Ken Jones described Ammanford as 'disgusting.' (Image: Newsquest) Ken Jones said: “It’s like a slum town. I remember when I went to school in Ammanford there were decent shops everywhere. Look at it now. It’s disgusting.

“You can’t tell me anything is going on. You wouldn’t take your cat to some of the pubs around here. Shops are shutting down. The part from Greggs until the end of the high street is unrecognisable. There is no character left here at all.”

Ann Evans thinks the teenagers in Ammanford are suffering from a lack of investment. (Image: Newsquest) Ann Evans agreed with Ken and expressed how the younger population are the ones suffering from a lack of investment in the town.

Ann said: “There’s not enough investment and there’s no work around here. People don’t have much money to spend. It’s a shame as it used to be a nice little village. There is nothing for teenagers here.

“There used to be dancing in Cross Hands. Now they all must go to Carmarthen or Swansea. And if you can’t drive, that’s not possible. It doesn’t give the youngsters anything to do which is why some are getting into trouble.”

Bryn Thomas reveals how the town used to a busy and lively place. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, Bryn Thomas remembers how busy the high street used to be many years ago.

Bryn said: “The town has got bugger all. It’s on the way out. This used to be a very busy place. Part of the problem is that everything can be bought online now. Still, they could regenerate the library.”

One local who wished to remain anonymous added: “It’s always been that way. Carmarthen is a bigger place than Ammanford. But the town needs a boost because shops seem to be closing.

“We even used to have the Amman Valley Boxing Club before with Welsh champions in divisions like heavyweight, cruiserweight and more.”

However, at the last county council meeting, the council's cabinet member for resources, councillor Alun Lenny claimed there was a ‘masterplan’ in place to regenerate Ammanford.

Mr Lenny also claimed there was no favouritism with regard to providing investment for various towns around Carmarthenshire.