County in ‘race’ for a share of PM’s cash

CARMARTHENSHIRE is in a “race” to get its hands on Boris Johnson’s Levelling Up Fund, council leader Emlyn Dole has said.

Wales is expected to receive a £30m to £50m share of the new fund in 2021-22, and bids must be submitted by June 18.

Ca rma r t h e n s h i re Council’s executive board has approved the submission of two bids: one to create a multi-use and multi-agency development in Carmarthen town centre, and the second to buy land to help deliver the Towy Valley shared-use path between Carmarthen and Llandeilo.

“In essence we are part of a race here,” said Cllr Dole.

Council officers are also developing a project bid for Llanelli but more work is needed before it is submitted for consideration.

The Community Renewal Fund is revenue money for pilot projects run by various community organisations, including charities, town councils and education providers.

“The (UK) Government is unwilling to give the money to the Welsh Government – in a way they are going behind their backs,” said Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths. “It’s very disappointing in that sense.”

Cllr Dole agreed, saying there was a “trampling over the Welsh Government here”.

The Carmarthenshire Plaid Cymru leader also said the UK Government had promised Wales “pound for pound” in terms of the financial support it used to receive from the European Union. He said this parity of support was not clear yet.

Cllr Hazel Evans said she fully supported the Towy Valley shared use path funding bid.

The Plaid-Independent council suspended funding for the 16-mile path for 2021-22 and called on the Welsh Government to stump up cash for it, but council leaders have reiterated their commitment to the project.

Cllr Evans said the Towy Valley path was vital for the county, linking villages and towns along the way and providing leisure opportunities.

She said: “It’s a route to work for a lot of people who would never cycle on the A40.”