RESIDENTS of Llandybie are still pressing for buses to be directed back through the village, it emerged last week.

First Cymru axed the routes after drivers experienced problems with double parking, but local councillors say the issue won’t go away.

Veteran Llandybie community councillor Nesta Price maintained buses were essential to keeping local businesses open but some of her colleagues argued such a move might inadvertently have the opposite effect.

“The other day a heavy lorry that should have been going along Heol Gwilym turned down by the church and held up the traffic for ages,” she said.

“When the driver was asked what he was doing he simply replied that he wanted his breakfast. If he was allowed to park on double yellow lines, why aren’t buses?”

County Councillor Anthony Jones said the bus company had withdrawn its services through Llandybie due to congestion problems.

“This is a matter for them,” he said. “We have been doing our damnest to get them back through the village so we are very disappointed as well.

“The village is a victim of its own success. Many people are coming into Llandybie but unfortunately disruption does occur.”

Cllr Meirion Bowen argued things had changed since the matter was last discussed and a new traffic review was required although Cllr Jones revealed an assessment had already been carried out and a further one was due.

Chairman Alwena Roberts remarked: “It’s the double parking that’s the biggest problem, not these big lorries.” But County Councillor Anthony Davies warned further parking restrictions to allow buses greater access could have a detrimental effect on local shops.

Cllr Dorian Lewis agreed: “Do we want people shopping and supporting businesses in Llandybie or a bus coming through the village every hour?” he asked. Cllr Brian Rees also feared double yellow lines would drive prospective shoppers away.

Cllr Pat Tiddy commented: “The fault lies with us. Every time a plot of land that could have been developed for a car park has come up, we have sold it.”

Technical officer Brian James said he was perplexed by the problem. “Most of us park in Ammanford and walk to the shops,” he said.

“There’s a large car park in Llandybie by the hall. Shoppers don’t mind walking to the shops in Ammanford so why don’t they like walking in Llandybie?

“When I was in the fish and chip shop in Llandybie the other night, five cars were double-parked outside when a police car pulled up.

“But the police didn’t book anyone – they just came in and ordered some fish and chips!”