Town councillors’ fears a disused petrol station could result in an explosion in the heart of Ammanford have been dismissed by the owner.

At a recent meeting, Ammanford town councillors expressed concerns vandals targeting Viji Garage on High Street could potentially put lives at risk.

The station has been derelict for several months, but community leaders fear unless the site is safeguarded, it will remain an easy target for vandals.

Cllr Wendy Evans said: “The major concern is that there is still petrol at the site.

“The pumps are all still there so something needs to be done immediately.”

However owner of the garage, Mr Joy Yoganathan, told the Guardian there was no cause for concern as there has been no previous vandalism at the site.

He said: “There has been no vandalism at the garage and there is no petrol there either.

“I have had one call from the police, it was very informal.

“They told me that they saw a couple of boys hanging around the garage, and that there was a hole in the door which should be boarded up, which I did straight away.

“The alarm is still connected, so if anything does happen the police will be notified.”

Plans are underway to fence off the site, but councillors have insisted the work is done as a matter of urgency.

Speaking at the town council meeting, PC Kevin Jones said: “As far I understand, the owners have been told to do it themselves and if they don’t, he will be billed for the work.”

According to Mr Yoganathan the site is due to be redeveloped and the old garage will soon be demolished to make way for flats.

He said: “There are plans to build 20 luxury flats at the garage site.

“Planning permission was approved 18 months ago.

“We are making progress and soon we will be looking to demolish the garage and flatten the site, ready to build.”