Ammanford locals question space for new leisure centre

Earlier this week, the council revealed ‘Transforming Towns’ funding would be used to begin feasibility and design work.

This comes after the county council vowed to begin the Ammanford ‘masterplan’, which also includes more commercial space in the town centre.

Jeff Thomas questions where the land for a new leisure centre will come from. (Image: Newsquest)

Jeff Thomas said: “How are they going to get the funding? It will help the youngsters, but it needs to be accessible and affordable. Where will the land come from? There’s two swimming pools and a leisure centre already.”

Ron Lewis added: “I couldn’t tell you where they could build a new leisure centre. The only place I can think of is the recreational ground. Still, it might give the youngsters something to do. There are so much drug problems here.”

Despite a leisure centre already existing in Ammanford, Steffan James believes a new leisure centre would accommodate more sports clubs.

Steffan said: “We’ve got a lot of schools and teams in the current leisure centre. So, a new, larger centre means the lesser clubs and teams won’t miss out.

Ron Lewis thinks the recreational ground is the only possible space for a new facility. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, Sian Thomas was happy to hear about planned investment in Ammanford.

Sian said: “It’s nice to see the council investing because it’s a bit of a ghost town. A new leisure centre might attract people from other towns who could spend their money here and built the town back up again.”

Concerns over the leisure centre’s feasibility was echoed by Shadow Cabinet Member for Resources and Environment, Kevin Madge.

Cllr Kevin said: “I welcome any investment into Ammanford, but I challenge the county council to publish the masterplan in full.

“I hope they do get funding for the leisure centre. But where would they find the land? What is the timescale? They need to start delivering what they promise.”

Sian Thomas is happy to see planned investment into Ammanford. (Image: Newsquest) Carmarthenshire County Council have since released a statement on how building a new leisure centre in Ammanford is possible.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism - Cllr Hazel Evans: “Supported by Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme, £100,000 is being allocated to carry out a feasibility study to enhance Ammanford town centre, which will consider business space, office accommodation and potential leisure services.

"On completion of the feasibility study, Carmarthenshire County Council will require to apply for further external funding to enable any significant redevelopment work within Ammanford so to benefit its community and economy.

“Should the Council be successful in securing external funding and subject to public consultation, a timescale for the project will be communicated to the local community.”