Funding to improve town centres deemed ‘a drop in the ocean’

As part of the funding, Carmarthenshire County Council plan to develop new projects and boost economic growth.

The work promises to refresh areas around Carmarthenshire, but Councillor Kevin Madge believes more investment is needed to make a significant difference.

Councillor Kevin Madge believes more investment is needed for towns around Carmarthenshire. (Image: Carmarthenshire County Council) He said: “It’s a drop in the ocean. It will make a bit of a difference by cleaning up the locations, but a bigger investment is needed. Especially after losing European money in a big way.

“The plan for ten town funding has been going on four years. That’s how long it’s taken for this project to come through. Plus, when you take into account inflation, £100,000 for each town is not that much money.”

Two examples of areas the council want to revitalise include Glanaman Square and Raven Square in Garnant.

A spokesperson for the council said: “As part of the ten towns programme led by Carmarthenshire County Council, funding has been secured to revitalise town centre spaces.

“Cwmaman will benefit from enhancement works to both Glanaman Square and the Raven Square area in Garnant.

“The focus of the work will be refreshing both areas to include new bus shelters and new floor surface at Raven Square. The area will also benefit from refreshing railings and small-scale greening.”

Another town that has taken advantage of ten town funding is Llandeilo which has launched a brand-new pump track, located at Parc Le Conquet.

The pump track is an all-purpose cycling track, usable by all ages and abilities, that allows users to maintain speed by using their body weight and gravity rather than pedalling.

The track was opened on August 2 and some users have praised the new town attraction.

Thanks to ten town funding, Llandeilo has opened a new all-purpose pump track. (Image: Carmarthenshire County Council)

The pump track allows users to maintain speed by using their body weight and gravity instead of pedalling. (Image: Carmarthenshire County Council) Locals Tomi and Danny Butcher said: “The pump track is great. It means we don’t have to go in the car somewhere to ride our bikes on a pump track anymore. It’s been nice to meet new people too and see adults using it.

"We spend hours up there, there’s always someone using the pump track, sometimes on their bike but sometimes on their scooters or skateboards. It’s a really good way of learning new bike skills and exercising too."

Fellow user Edward Friend added: “Such a superb investment, the kids love it, it’s such a great investment in Llandeilo and the area. You’ve done an excellent job."