Green Seas

IMPROVEMENTS to the facilities at Pembrey and Pendine Beaches are planned under the Green Seas Programme.

Total funding of £110,000 has been allocated for improvements to the two beaches over the next few years, thanks to the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Assembly Government.

At Pembrey funding of £21,000 has been ring fenced to refurbish existing beach Ladies and Gents toilet blocks and provide baby changing facilities in a new toilet block to be located on the main beach access.

The transformation of the beach toilets at the main beach access point will involve the installation of energy conservation schemes aimed at reducing  electricity and water consumption, thus reducing revenue costs.

A new, more efficent and effective extractor fan system will also be installed. False ceilings with sun tunnels may be introduced to provide a facility which will be far easier to maintain than is currently the case with the present high wooden beams and opening window lights which are both open to the rough seabourne weather.

The now defunct Mother and Toddler unit will be replaced by a new parent and toddler unit, which will have separate units for either mothers or fathers to use, each with their individual baby changing facility. The new unit will have separate access points to each baby changing toilet facility thus allowing for unisex usage.

These measures are intended to lead to a brighter, warmer,cleaner looking facility which would be far more energy efficient and will meet the needs of thousands of people who use the beach toilet facilities each year.

The EU funding has been secured from the European Union’s Convergence funded Green Seas Programme, which aims to invest in capital improvements to the coastal environment which will create a lasting tourism infrastructure which will add value beyond the life of the project and help enhance the tourist experience and ensure repeat visits.

At Pendine, a development of the western promenade, valued at £210,000 has been given the go ahead, thanks to funding of £88,000 ring fenced from the Green Seas Programme. The funding will enable the creation of the first phase of continuous promenade route from its border with the Ministry Of Defence land in the east to Dolwen Point in the west.

It will also include providing new resin bound paving, erecting new signs, seating, a circular feature/performance space; grass and landscaped areas; co-ordinated street furniture including bins; and disabled car parking spaces.

The proposal will result in the creation of a new public space and landscape features, and provide an attractive area that enhances links between public spaces, commercial businesses and the coast.

The work will improve visitors’ experience of Pendine by undertaking a further phase of a multi phase programme of environmental improvements to improve the visual image of the village of Pendine.

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The aim is to realise Pendine’s potential as a high quality all year round tourism resort. This will be of benefit to both residents and visitors and will provide a significant boost to community pride and the economy.

“It is envisaged that this project, combined with the improvements undertaken on an environmental enhancement scheme and further works which have commenced to improve the gateway into Pendine from Llanmiloe, will as a catalyst for further public, voluntary and private sector investment along the seafront.”