SPLASHING START TO SUMMER HOLIDAYS

The sun is shining and children across Carmarthenshire can start the summer holidays with a splash.

The paddling pools at Crown Park and Parc Howard in Llanelli have been filled early by the council’s grounds maintenance team ready for the school holidays.

The paddling pools have opened this week with attendants present between 8am and 6pm seven days a week until Sunday, September 4, funded by Llanelli Town Council.

As well as the paddling pools, splash pads managed by community volunteers at Havelock Park and Penyfan Park in Llanelli are already in operation, as is the popular splash pad at Ammanford Park, which is managed by Ammanford Town Council.

The splash pads work on an automatic timer system from 10am to 7pm seven days a week.

The council’s Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “With the warm weather we are having this week and with the schools breaking up early for the summer, we are delighted to be working with Llanelli and Ammanford town councils, as well as community volunteers, to ensure local children can have a splash about and cool off during the holidays. We hope that the facilities will be well used and looked after by everyone.”

Llanelli Town Council Leader Carl Lucas said: “I am delighted that the town council has reaffirmed its decision to support local facilities, particularly when this involves provision of recreational services for children in our community that would otherwise have been taken away from them had we not stepped in to offer our support.

“It further demonstrates our commitment to supporting grass roots community facilities, and our willingness to consider partnership arrangements with the county council and other bodies when services are either threatened or in need of development.

“I sincerely hope that the community will take advantage of these facilities over the summer months as it is only by regular use of the paddling pools can we as a town council justify the financial commitment to retaining them.”

Ammanford Town Council clerk Miriam Phillips said: “Ammanford Town Council is delighted with the success of the splash pads at the park. This is a facility which offers local people and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the warm weather at no cost – so, weather permitting, bring your picnics and have a lovely day out.”