Howzat! for developer donation?

Carmarthen Wanderers Cricket Club are the latest recipients of Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Community Champions scheme.

The £2,000 cheque was handed over to Club Chairman Nigel Roberts, and junior coaches Rachel Howells – who is also Vice-Captain of the women’s team – and Ian Hughes, with local ward Cllr Gareth John in attendance.

The club’s successful application will further support their indoor winter coaching programmes – as its junior numbers grow, it will allow more of these young cricketers, both girls and boys, to participate. It will also benefit the Ladies team whose section continues to flourish, assisting them to purchase new junior girls training equipment.

Persimmon’s donation comes alongside fundraising activities held by the club from raffles and quizzes to meals and Santa runs.

Persimmon Homes West Wales recently submitted its application to construct 123 new zero-carbon ready homes in Carmarthen on land it acquired with outline planning permission for 250 properties.

This is adjacent to its site north-west of the old St David’s Hospital off Ffordd Pendre, where it secured full planning permission for another 93 homes three months ago. Together, both estates make up a strategic site for the local authority in the area and a further reserved matters application will be brought forward in the future for the remaining 127 houses.

As part of Persimmon’s contribution to the local community, 15 of these homes will be designated for local community need. By the completion of the second phase, the developer will also have provided over £2.7 million for community investment on top of a playground.

The five-star developer grants over £48,000 each year to good causes and much-valued organisations across Wales. Recent local recipients include Carmarthen Family Centres, Wales Air Ambulance, and Scarlets’ Women U18s.

Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director Sharon Bouhali said:

“Carmarthen Wanderers is an incredibly popular and prominent cricket club in the area and we’re keen to support local organisations as we work to ensure we leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build.

“Persimmon is excited about its plans to bring new, high-quality homes to the town, and by providing quality and affordable housing options, we are helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership, making a significant contribution to the local community.

“Carmarthen Wanderers CC is in an exciting period in its history right now and we wish the club the best of luck for the season ahead.”

Nigel Roberts, Chairman of Carmarthen Wanderers Cricket Club, added:

“It’s great that Persimmon were able to support our club, especially given our ambition both on and off the playing field.

“We will be looking to spend this donation on supporting our youngest players as well as our women’s team as we ensure that the cricket is as accessible as possible for people across the town.

“We therefore appreciate Persimmon’s financial support, which helps us meet these objectives.”

Cllr Gareth John commented:

“It is great to see developers like Persimmon engage with and involve themselves in communities in ways like this. As they are due to have an increasingly significant presence in Carmarthen as they develop land in the west of the town, it is important and appreciated that they show what else they can deliver here beyond the homes and amenities at their sites.

“As a local councillor, I am grateful that they have already made a contribution to the Carmarthen Family Centre and I know how treasured Carmarthen Wanderers CC is by the town’s residents, so contributions like this that help them carry on doing that great work is much appreciated.”