Labour politicians, on a local and national level, have been accused by Plaid Cymru of putting jobs and public welfare schemes at risk by trying to spike plans to invest an extra £20m. in new projects in Carmarthenshire including Llanelli.
The allegation follows a veiled threat by Labour Welsh Government minister Leighton Andrews to intervene in county council spending, and support for his stance by leading Labour councillors.
The £20m. was found by the new Plaid-led administration after detailed research into the council’s extensive reserves.
Council Deputy Leader Cllr. David Jenkins said:
“This is a reckless ploy by Labour, who seem perfectly happy to jeopardise these projects out of pure political spite. It just shows how desperate they have become,”
“Having been totally outflanked by Plaid Cymru, Labour now challenge the plans to invest this extra £20m in capital projects – projects which will benefit the people of Carmarthenshire across the board in all kinds of services: from social care and job creation to heritage and leisure. It appears they don’t want jobs and prosperity for our people.”
Plaid Cymru Assembly Candidate for Llanelli, Helen Mary Jones added:
“I welcome the news that some of the reserves are being used to progress some exciting new projects. This will help to bring jobs and prosperity to communities across the Llanelli constituency. The £300,000 upgrade planned for Llanelli Market will provide a much needed boost to our town centre and help to create more opportunities to attract more shoppers and support our businesses. There are exciting plans for a new leisure and wellbeing centre too.
“The investment in Pembrey Country Park totalling £1.5m can help grow our tourism sector. I’ve long felt that this brilliant community asset is underused and undermarketed.
“A £10m spend for disabled facilities grants will enable our disabled people to live independently and with dignity, as well as a £12.5m investment in a new care home in Llanelli in order to address our short supply of good quality care placements. It’s welcome to see that the Plaid-led Council is investing in care and not just leaving it to the private sector as is happening elsewhere.
“I’m very concerned to hear that the Welsh Labour Government would risk the progression of these projects within the Llanelli area. The projects announced even in these hard times will invest in our future and therefore should be welcomed by all. These initiatives will make a huge difference to our communities.”
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