AMMANFORD JOINS HEALTHY HIGH STREET SCHEME

Ammanford town centre is to join Business in the Community’s Healthy High Street  programme.

It was announced at this week’s meeting of the Ammanford Town Centre Partnership that it had been successful in its application to join the initiative.

The programme provides support for up to 100 high streets over a three year period, through access to business expertise and resourses to help town centres realise their potential.

Ammanford was one of 34 towns across the UK chosen to join the programme which focuses on high streets that serve deprived areas, have potential for growth, have partnerships to represent them and businesses involved in the campaign.

The programme is backed by national retailers including Boots, the Co-operative, Marks & Spencer, Santander, EE, Exterion Media and Greggs.

They work with local teams to develop and implement activities such as helping landlords address empty and unsightly properties; creating high profile events to drive footfall; supporting start-up businesses through pop up shops and markets; helping to improve customer service; and providing expert marketing help.

Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “I am delighted that the Ammanford Town Centre Partnership’s efforts in working together to increase the vibrancy of the town has been recognised by a national group backed by some of the biggest high street brands.

“With only 34 new high streets selected across the whole of the UK it is recognition indeed and a well deserved result.

“I look forward to seeing the results of this initiative over the next few years.”

The Ammanford Town Centre Partnership, which is supported by funding from the Welsh Government, is currently working on 10 projects designed to increase footfall in the town centre, reduce vacancy rates by bringing activity and vitality into town and by supporting town centre businesses and services to establish and grow.

It includes the launch of  the Ammanford boar brand, giving support to several events and activities, producing new, branded town centre signage, establishing a web presence and offering business training support.