Still time to take over local assets

Still time to take over local assets

JUST 23 recreational assets are remaining on Carmarthenshire’s transfer programme with months left to go until the 31^st March deadline.

Around 80% of the county council’s recreation assets have already been transferred, or are nearing completion, to town or community councils, or community groups.

Now consultation is taking place for the last 23 before councillors take a decision regarding their future.

Two years ago the council’s executive board agreed a package to offer community councils or groups the opportunity to take over the running of facilities in their areas.

Councillors believe it gives local people greater control in the future of their area and their community.

The Board also set a timetable for the transfers and confirmed that the future of any assets not transferred would need to be considered further, including the option of ceasing to maintain them.

Executive board member for assets Cllr David Jenkins said: “Unfortunately, we can no longer afford to maintain all the recreational assets in our portfolio.

“However, this is not just a cost saving exercise – communities are often best placed to manage facilities in their local environment.

“They make extensive use of volunteers and their local knowledge and hands-on management of the asset is likely to result in lower overheads and better value for money, as well as a more intensive use of the asset.

“Community councils and other organisations can also apply for grant funding to help improve their facilities.”

It is not too late for communities to express an interest in taking over the management of one of the remaining facilities on offer.

Expressions of interest will be welcomed from individuals, community and voluntary sector groups or town and community councils.

Consultation is taking place between now and December 8 to give people an opportunity to make comments on the future of the facilities, or express interest in running them, before the transfer deadline of March 31.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered as part of an update report to Executive Board in early 2018 to decide on the future of those assets not transferred. The outcome of the decision will be effective from April 1.

Visit http://ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/consultations/community-asset-transfer/ to take part or email EHughes@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

The available parks and playgrounds are:

• Maesquarre Playground, Betws
• Golwg yr Amman Park, Garnant
• Parc Pendre Playground, Kidwelly
• Dyffryn Cennen Playground, Ffairfach
• Llandybie Recreation Ground
• Part of Bancyddraenen Recreation Ground
• Maesawelon Playground, Cwrt Henri
• Pant Bryn Isaf Playground, Llanelli
• Dan y Banc Playground, Llanelli
• Penyfan Quarry Playground and Open Space
• Nightingale Court Playground, Llanelli
• Morfa Park, Llanelli
• Clos yr Ysgol Playground, Llanelli
• Land at Bigyn, Llanelli
• Heol Plas Isaf Playground, Llangennech
• Bryn Park, Llangennech
• Maes Ty Gwyn Playground, Llangennech
• Talyclun Playground, Llangennech
• Llannon Playground
• Llansteffan Beach Playground
• Bancffosfelen Playground
• Ystradowen Recreation Ground
• Felinfach Playground, Ystradowen