Hope for former play area in Kidwelly
Residents of a housing development in Kidwelly expressed their concerns at a meeting called by Town Mayor Phil Thompson and Nia Griffith MP to discuss the future of land behind their houses that had once sported a play park.
For a number of years now, residents of Clos yr Onnen, Rhodfa’r Gwendraeth, Clos y Derwen and Clos y Celyn in Kidwelly have been dismayed that a former children’s play area has been left to become a wilderness.
Summing up the meeting on Saturday (the 12th of January), Nia Griffith MP explained, “It has taken a long time to find out what exactly happened to this land.
“As some residents will remember, in order to meet planning conditions, the developers created this space and provided play equipment, but we have recently received confirmation in writing that not only did the County Council never in fact take over ownership of the land, but that they now do not intend to do so.
“Whilst residents have understandably felt let down by the County Council, they are anxious to see progress, so the meeting agreed that the way forward would be to approach Town Council to take over the land. Then Richard Williams of the Tycroes Group has offered to look at clearing the land, once Town Council had agreed to undertake the on-going maintenance.”
Town Mayor, Cllr Phil Thompson added: “We know that the County Council is not looking to take on any new parks, quite the opposite in fact – they are busy transferring assets to local town councils. So one solution, and probably the most practical one, would be for the Town Council to take over the maintenance of the land: this would ensure that the land is in the ownership of a statutory body.
“As a result of the meeting today, I will be approaching Town Council to take it over. As Town Councillors we very much like to work with the community, so the next step could be working with local residents to try and secure some funding to enhance the area and acquire play equipment.”
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