More funds for hospitality businesses

Hospitality businesses in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli town centres are to benefit from a grant to purchase equipment to help maintain social distancing measures.

Carmarthenshire County Council has agreed to re-direct £75,000 from its Targeted Regeneration Investment Programme to assist trading businesses adapt to the new safety guidelines as a result of Covid-19.

The funds made available by Welsh Government, through the Transforming Towns initiative, will be distributed by the three town councils and will cover equipment such as gazebos, tables, chairs, and outdoor heaters for cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Carmarthenshire County Council Leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said: “Many businesses are looking at how to make use of the space outside their premises in order to meet the new social distancing guidelines and they need help to do this. This money will support local businesses who are really embracing the challenges they are facing and doing everything they can to adapt to meet these new measures and continue trading.”

The council is also waiving application fees for the street café licence until September 30 and fast tracking the usual process.

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Town centres are facing big challenges as a result of the pandemic so I am pleased to see Carmarthenshire Council and the respective town councils supporting Llanelli,  Carmarthen and Ammanford town centres to not only survive but thrive. These adaptations will help businesses to make the most of the space available to them and will boost people’s confidence that they can visit town centres safely.

Any business interested in utilising the equipment should contact the relevant town councils or the Business Improvement Districts for Carmarthen and Llanelli.

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