A STRATEGIC REGENERATION PLAN FOR CARMARTHENSHIRE

An ambitious 15-year plan has been unveiled which aims to transform the economy of Carmarthenshire.

The regeneration plan identifies six key transformational projects which will create over 5,000 new jobs and make the economy of the county more productive and competitive.

The six projects are based upon specific geographic locations across the county, with each focusing upon local need and opportunity.

They are Ammanford; Carmarthen; Carmarthenshire coastal belt;  Cross Hands growth zone; Llanelli; and the rural economy.

A range of business sectors are being targeted including the creative industries, tourism, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, energy and environment, financial and professional services.

In addition, investment in key infrastructure projects to unlock economic opportunity will be targeted, together with investment in rural Carmarthenshire to tackle poverty. The council will also develop a new programme of support to improve skills and help longer term unemployed people back into work.

Significant investment is taking place to ensure the county is well connected and at the forefront of the digital age.

Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “High levels of digital connectivity are now in place in Carmarthenshire for us to benefit from in both our home and work lives.

“More investment is underway and planned within our transport infrastructure including new link roads at Cross Hands and Carmarthen West.

“The scale of the projects is hugely ambitious and transformational. To be successful we will need to think big and work closely with the private sector.

“I firmly believe Carmarthenshire has the right mix of elements to create the foundations of a strong and healthy economy for current and future generations.”