How The Level Crossing Really Does Give "TLC" to Llandovery

The Level Crossing (TLC) opened as a new, state-of-the-art hostel in May 2013. It was set up as a Community Interest Company, to help put some “TLC” back into Llandovery. Nearly a year later, it is attracting new visitors to Carmarthenshire, and provides valuable work and training opportunities for local people.

Prior to opening, TLC was a redundant public house, closed and up for sale. TLC successfully raised a total of £157,000 which was 50% matched by the owner to fully renovate the building. They received funding through RDP Sir Gâr’s Rural Community Inclusion, Innovative Communities and Strengthening the Tourism Appeal of Rural Carmarthenshire projects. RDP Sir Gâr is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The Collaborative Communities project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government, awarded a grant via their Targeted Finance Package.

Over 30 local trades people were employed during a 5 month period to complete the refurbishment. Many of the suppliers were also local. As a result, TLC now offers high quality accommodation, comprising family and bunkrooms for 35 people, plus a friendly bar and bistro.

TLC aims primarily to attract more outdoor lovers to the area, including groups and it has all the facilities they require including secure bike/equipment storage, washing facilities, and a drying area. Its unique selling point is to provide quality accommodation and food at an affordable price. In its first 8 months of trading TLC has already hosted over 500 overnight guests including cyclists, bikers and school groups. The vast majority of these guests come from outside the area – 50% from England, with the remainder from Wales, Ireland, Belgium, Scotland, Germany, Denmark even as far as Russia and Australia. Interestingly, only 4% of visitors live within 25 miles of Llandovery.

It has also developed a reputation for accommodating visiting school groups which has allowed local schools in the area to host sports competitions which they were unable to do previously. Schools have visited from as far as Plymouth, Ireland, and shortly Canada. Ysgol Bro Dinefwr and Llandovery College both regard TLC as a real asset to the community.

Guy Ayling, Warden of Llandovery College explained that “without TLC we would not be able to host our many visiting teams from beyond the region – we are really pleased with this facility which is right on our doorstep, and we will be arranging more fixtures and events as a result.”

TLC has already received many fantastic reviews on Trip Advisor. “The friendliest place I have stayed in years”, July 2013. “Great place on a budget”, February 2014. It has been awarded Visit Wales 4* Hostel status, and also won a coveted Bronze Award at the 2013 Carmarthenshire Tourism Awards.

The team of TLC comprise 2 full time staff, plus 4 casual staff, all of whom live in Llandovery. 3 volunteer Directors also give their time to ensure TLC is a successful business. TLC is committed to training – all staff have received NVQ Level 2 Basic Food and Hygiene, plus training in social media, World Host and Welsh language. Young people from Llandovery are gaining valuable on the job training in a range of duties including hospitality, catering, bar work and house-keeping. TLC encourages local young musicians to play live music on weekends. It is also working in partnership with Mencap to provide work placement opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

TLC is committed to the environment – solar panels heat the hot water. Last summer it hosted an electric car which travellers could hire to enjoy the local area. Two electric bikes were also available for guests to use. TLC continues to work with Arriva Trains and the Heart of Wales Railway to encourage more visitors to Llandovery by train.

The Level Crossing is a community enterprise, set up and run by local people for the benefit of the Llandovery community.

Contact Jane Ryall 07739 748627 – 01550 777021 www.thelevelcrossing.co.uk