8 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Petition launched for investment into Ammanford from council
Debbie Elias, the Vice Chair of School Governors at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, believes the time has come for the town to have better facilities to keep young people out of trouble and offer new jobs to local people.
Despite the county council carrying out a feasibility exercise for the Ammanford masterplan, Debbie thinks the process is being overcomplicated.
Debbie Elias started the petition. (Image: Debbie Elias) Debbie said: 'They are advertising that they have received funding and are now doing a feasibility study. But they don't need to spend money on consultants. A stranger doesn't have to come in and tell them how to invest.
'The issue with Ammanford is footfall. We need to create opportunities for local businesses and create an entertainment centre for children. We need to encourage people to come to Ammanford.
'It's just common sense. We don't need more red tarmac. We don't need more flower beds. We just want more opportunities. At the moment, Ammanford is absolutely neglected.
'Hopefully, when the county council receives the grant from Welsh government, they can plan on building some facilities for children in Ammanford.'
Debbie believes Ammanford needs better entertainment facilities. (Image: Newsquest) In Debbie's opinion, children have nowhere to spend their time during half-term or in adverse weather conditions.
She continued: 'You can't take children anywhere when it's raining. There's no ten pin bowling, cinema or anything like that.
'The council needs to spend money to increase footfall, encourage business and create more job opportunities. Something could also be done with the Poundstretcher building.'
The petition comes after Debbie previously revealed the facilities at Ammanford Miners' Theatre, where she teaches performing arts, are 'subpar' with a lack of space in the changing rooms and on stage.
'The Ammanford masterplan is in the pipeline and the council had planned on providing a leisure centre.
'Meanwhile, our theatre remains unfit for purpose. We have 130 children who attend every week. We need better provision for theatres, like the ones in Carmarthen and Llanelli that are much larger.'
Since starting the petition in September 2024, Debbie has received over 800 signatures, but she wants to reach 1000.
The petition says the following: 'Residents of Ammanford, we have a fantastic opportunity to come together and work with Carmarthenshire County Council to encourage them to spend much needed money in our town.
'Our children, families and senior citizens need an entertainment centre in Ammanford where there is ten pin bowling, a modern theatre, art rooms, party rooms, meeting rooms and dance studios.
'Let's come together and show the cabinet members how much our town needs investment.'
