The Ammanford ‘masterplan’ is set to commence after the town was granted funding from the Welsh Government last week.

With ‘Transforming Towns’ grant funding, Carmarthenshire County Council now have the finances to begin feasibility and design work in Ammanford.

This coincides with the county council’s plan to build a new leisure centre and introduce more commercial space in Ammanford town centre.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Plaid Cymru’s Hazel Evans said: “The county council is determined to do its utmost to develop Ammanford, our county’s third largest town.

“A new leisure centre will need regeneration funding from UK and Welsh governments. But we intend on having plans that are good to go as soon as that funding becomes available.

“Over the next few months, we’ll be looking to develop the next iteration of our masterplan for Ammanford, and I look forward to engaging with a wide range of businesses and individuals as part of the process.”

Local Plaid Cymru County Councillor Colin Evans added: “Ammanford already has a lot going for it, but we want to see it thrive further, and I believe that developments like a new leisure centre could be a real boost to the town centre.”

The funding comes after some locals accused the county council of neglecting Ammanford, when compared to development in Carmarthen.

Debbie Elias from Ammanford Miners Theatre expressed how the facilities at the performing arts centre were ‘subpar.’

Meanwhile, Shadow Cabinet Member for Resources and Environment, Kevin Madge had his notice in motion for the Ammanford ‘masterplan’ rejected.

Ammanford’s Plaid Cymru County Councillor Deian Harries said: “‘This is really exciting news for Ammanford. The council has supported the town through a number of leisure and other initiatives over recent years.

“The new 3G pitch opened only last year and the council also supported the development of the football club’s new stand. We’ve also seen improvements to traffic flow as a result of the £2.3m works at the Wind Street–Tir y Dail junction.

“Giving people a reason to come into the town is crucial and it’s been great to see successful businesses like Coaltown coffee and Blas set up during recent years. The council is also trying to increase footfall in town.

“It runs the Hwb, the library and the Miner’s Theatre, all of which help draw people into Ammanford. Compared to other towns, the number of empty shops is quite low, but we’re constantly thinking of ways in which we can improve our town.”