Council grants peppercorn lease to Burry Port Park Appeal

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council’s Executive Board has agreed to grant a 21-year lease of part of Burry Port Memorial Park to the Burry Port Park Appeal at a peppercorn rent.

The move will allow the Appeal to secure external funding for new equipment and investment.

The group wants to include a multi-use games area and two tennis courts, including equipment suitable for use by people with disabilities, and has applied for around £200,000 of funding.

But in order to benefit, the group requires formal confirmation that the council is willing to grant a lease of part of the land.

Local Member Cllr Pat Jones said: “The granting of this lease will allow the Burry Port Park Appeal to access external funding. I’m delighted that they can now move forward quickly with their exciting plans to develop the park.

“The volunteers have worked tirelessly to identify the needs of the local community, and we will all look forward to seeing their plans come to fruition.

“They are to be thanked and congratulated for their efforts.”

The county council, along with Burry Port and Pembrey Town Council, have undertaken extensive community consultations with surveys, an open day, various awareness initiatives and meetings with service providers, local community groups, Dyfed Powys Police, local schools, youth clubs and sports clubs.

Young people have also been involved in designing new recreational areas.

The project will provide volunteering opportunities involving the whole community, increasing skills through participation and involving young people in fundraising events to give them a sense of ownership.

It is hoped that summer sports activities such as tennis lessons, basket ball skills and open play days coordinated by play workers will also be organised when the project is complete.