22-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford 'neglected' by Transforming Towns funding decision
In the last four years, Carmarthenshire County Council was granted £6.65m from the Transforming Towns scheme.
However, shadow cabinet for resources and environment Cllr Kevin Madge believes this confirms that Ammanford has received less investment compared to other towns in the county.
Cllr Madge thinks millions of pounds need to be spent in Ammanford. (Image: Newsquest) Mr Madge said: 'This document proves all the money has gone everywhere apart from Ammanford. £6.5 million has been spent and we have only been given crumbs.
'The only way to improve Ammanford is to spend a lot of money. I am doing everything I can to make this happen. We need to spend millions because millions have been spent elsewhere in other towns.
'I've been saying for years that all I'm asking is for Ammanford to get its fair share. I'm not against spending money in other parts of the country.
'Too many statements have been made. Anyone can make statements. It's about delivering. I think this reiterates that Ammanford has been neglected for the past ten years. I would like further information on where the money has gone.
'Most of the money has gone towards building a new Debenhams store in Carmarthen. Meanwhile, there is a lack of decent shops in Ammanford. When I was leader ten years ago, I made plans for Ammanford and spent millions of pounds.'
The document lists examples on how the funding has been used in each Welsh county, including places such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport.
The following is listed for Carmarthenshire:
Carmarthenshire County Council has responded to Cllr Madge's accusations and claimed the document displays just a "snapshot" of the investments made.
Councillor Hazel Evans, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: 'The detail on Carmarthenshire, along with the other local authorities, is snapshot of examples rather than all activity completed through Transforming Towns.
'We have a number of third-party projects in Ammanford which have been missed from the list in question.
'We have consultants engaged to look at a feasibility plan funded through Transforming Towns and work is ongoing to develop a potential project to enhance Ammanford town centre.'
