£4.3 million cash boost for county roads

THE council is investing £4.3 million on road improvements across Carmarthenshire as well as a further £750,000 on bridge strengthening works.

The money, which has been made available through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI), will be spent on resurfacing works, footway repairs, new street lights and bridge improvements.

In total, 82 roads across the county will benefit from resurfacing works this financial year and 64 of those schemes have already been completed.

Bridge improvement works will be carried out at Nant Hir Bridge in Capel Isaac (almost complete); Pont Cothi in Abergorlech, Pont Cennen in Derwydd and St Clears Bridge (subject to approval from CADW); and at Loughor Bridge, as part of a joint scheme with the City and County of Swansea.

A further £750,000 of capital funding has also been allocated for bridge strengthening / replacement works at Star Forge Bridge, Upland Arms, Llandyfaelog; Pentrecwrt Bridge;

Horsepool Bridge, Laugharne and Piano Bridge, Lower Trostre Road, Llanelli (with Network Rail).

In addition, 250 lighting columns across the county will be replaced by the end of March.

Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said the council was committed to improving the county road network but under very difficult financial circumstances.

He said: “We welcome this funding as part of the Local Government Borrowing Initiative to help us improve the condition of our roads and increase safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Unfortunately, there has been a large gap between the amount of money needed to bring roads in Wales up to standard and the amount being spent each year but the condition of our roads is a top concern for residents and this money will allow significant progress to be made.”