£370,000 boost ‘will reinvigorate community’

COMMUNITY facilities in Penyfan, Llanelli, are set for a £370,000 boost thanks to Llanelli Town Council and the Welsh Government.

The ploughing of money into the area has been welcomed by town councillors who say it will reinvigorate community feeling and social activities.

Planning permission for a new community centre with car-parking, cycle racks and charging points was given this month and work is scheduled to be completed by April.

The major development comes after the Welsh Government gave a grant of £250,000 for the project and the town council raised £120,000 from the sale of the Pen-y-Bigyn Hall to Carmarthenshire Council.

The new centre with a dedicated kitchen will be sited near the Cruyff playing field and Penyfan changing rooms.

Town Council leader David Darkin said: “As well as the new community building, we are hoping to upgrade the existing changing rooms at Penyfan Park in a similar way as we have recently done to the changing rooms at Penygaer field.

“The community centre will be a 21stcentury modular building – that way we will get more bang for our buck. It ensures the future of community activity in the area for many years to come.

“As a Labour council, we want to promote healthier, cohesive communities and these facilities will be fantastic for that.”

Councillor Jordan Elliott said he was pleased with the project, adding: “I spent many years on that field when I was growing up and now to see the generations below me having more facilities is amazing.

“Having a hub for the community will be massive, a place for younger and older residents in Penyfan to congregate and it will boost the great area that is Penyfan.”

He added that he was “really excited” to see what opportunities the project creates. It will offer the chance to hold workshops, meetings and other events which are not weather-dependent.

Councillor Gareth Lloyd said: “The residents of Penyfan have been wellsupported by the committee and allies of the Penyfan and Llwynhilwg Tenants and Residents Association (PLTRA).

“A community centre and revamped changing room will allow this fantastic community to finally have the modern venue they deserve.

“I have no doubt it will be in continual use and put the welfare of those who live there at the heart of any future plans and projects.”