NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR GROWING SPACE IN LLWYNHENDY

Spring is in the air and the Dwyfor Growing Space in Llwynhendy has been offered a new lease of life thanks to Llanelli Rural Council. The Council is now able to spring into action and make the site accessible for a wide-ranging set of purposes and projects for community benefit.

The site was originally created around ten years ago by the Communities First programme and more recently was managed by Llys Caradog Children’s Centre. In 2018, the council submitted an asset transfer request to Carmarthenshire County Council, the site landlord and now at long last the transfer has finally come to fruition. The council agreed to the engrossment of the lease at its meeting held on Wednesday. The asset transfer also includes a grant received from the County Council’s Homes and Safer Communities Division. The grant will be spent on rejuvenating the site as well as improving general site infrastructure while making the site accessible to all.

The space was previously used as allotments for residents and also as a community garden space for the community. The space lends itself to similar uses once more but also much more. The Council has plans to use different sections for a variety of uses such as wildflower areas, orchards, outdoor classrooms, raised beds, seating and growing plots for residents and community groups. It is also looking to work with local schools, other education providers and community groups to adopt their own spaces.

Work has already began at the front entrance, thanks mainly to the volunteers of Llwynhendy aand Pemberton Forum, who last year were successful in securing a Keep Wales Tidy Local Places for Nature food growing package.

Expressions of interest in the site can be made by contacting Llanelli Rural Council on 01554 774103 or by email on enquiries@llanelli-rural.gov.uk

Chairman of Llanelli Rural Council, Cllr Sharen Davies said “We’re delighted to finally approve the terms of the lease agreement. This has been in the pipeline for some time but I believe the wait will be worth it in the end. We will soon be consulting with local residents and community groups for their opinions on future projects on site. If this last 12 months has taught us anything, it is that we must respect, look after and work with our local environment. Growing your own produce has proved to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and mental health, whilst at the same time helping the environment. Get in touch with the Council to find out more.”

Leader to Llanelli Rural Council, Cllr Tegwen Devichand added “I am excited at the possibilities that come with this asset transfer for the local community. This is the first time the Council has taken on a site of this nature however, we have the experience of managing other green spaces such as the Llanelli District Cemetery and local parks and are confident that we can make a success of this space. Our development plan for the space will look at the short, medium and long-term needs and gradually open sections of the space after some initial remedial works are carried out.”