Llanelli handed £20m lifeline as decade‑long regeneration drive targets town’s most deprived communities

Tyisha, Glanymor and Llanelli town centre will share the cash over the next decade in what ministers say is a bid to “rebuild community pride” and help neighbourhoods that have been left behind.

The area — home to nearly 14,000 people — ranks among the 20% most deprived in Wales, with Tyisha 1 listed as the sixth most deprived neighbourhood in Wales for community safety. Deprivation is also high across income, employment, health and education.

‘People here have been ignored for too long’

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said: “I am pleased to have been able to secure this additional £20m of long‑term investment for Llanelli which these communities can now use to address issues that they raise with me day‑in, day‑out.

“It will be for the people who live there to decide how this money will be spent, based on what they feel is most important — whether it be improving the places that their families live, work and grow up in, supporting better local facilities and community organisations, helping people access skills and training or making our streets safer, cleaner and more welcoming.”

She said residents had been “overlooked for far too long” and needed a fair deal that reflected their priorities, not someone else’s.

New Neighbourhood Board to take control

A new Neighbourhood Board will now be created to oversee the project. It will include Carmarthenshire Council representatives, Dame Nia Griffith, local residents, community leaders and businesses.

Griffith urged people to get involved. “I can’t stress enough how important it will be for everyone living and working in these areas — as well as the wider Llanelli community who want to help revive our town centre — to make their voices heard over the next few months,” she said.

“I will be insisting residents are involved in the decision‑making process throughout so that it properly reflects their needs and delivers the improvements and the fair deal they rightfully deserve.”

Crime, deprivation and a town centre in decline

The targeted area includes Tyisha, the core of Glanymor and Llanelli town centre — a stretch long associated with anti‑social behaviour, empty units and stalled regeneration schemes.

Officials say the town centre remains the “functional economic area” for the wider community, linking key regeneration sites including the route to Pentre Awel via Llanelli railway station.

The funding is expected to focus on community safety, cleaner streets, better facilities, skills and training, and support for local organisations — but the final priorities will be set by residents.

Part of a wider regional funding battle

The £20m for Llanelli comes from the UK Government’s Pride in Place scheme — a nationwide programme aimed at reviving struggling neighbourhoods and restoring pride in local communities. But across South West Wales, the rollout has already sparked fierce debate over how the money should be carved up and who gets to decide where it goes.

In Neath Port Talbot, councillors have backed a decade‑long regeneration plan for the Upper Afan Valley, while Carmarthenshire’s allocation has triggered political clashes over transparency and control. Swansea MPs have also warned that Pride in Place funding must be shaped by residents, not handed down from above, with calls for open decision‑making and clear priorities.

Against that backdrop, Llanelli’s £20m package becomes the latest test of whether the decade‑long programme can deliver real change — and whether local people will genuinely be put in charge.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Upper Afan Valley lined up for £20m boost
Neath Port Talbot backs a decade-long regeneration plan under Pride in Place.

How Swansea should spend its Pride in Place funding
Swansea West MP Torsten Bell sets out his priorities for the city’s allocation.

South West Wales to share in £214m Pride in Place investment
Communities across the region set for major long-term funding.

‘Transformational for our communities’ say MPs
Regional MPs welcome the scale of the Pride in Place programme.

Clash over £20m Carmarthenshire Pride in Place funding
Political tensions rise over how the county’s allocation will be used.

‘Constitutional outrage’ as Senedd members revolt
MSs challenge the UK Government’s approach to distributing regeneration funds.

Llanelli station set for £multi‑million transport hub after councillors approve plans

The multimodal interchange will be built on land south of the station, where Great Western Crescent, Copperworks Road, Station Road and Trinity Terrace meet. Planning officers told the committee the current layout offers little in the way of onward travel and suffers from a lack of formal parking, with buses, taxis, cars and pedestrians competing for space.

What’s planned

The approved scheme will introduce a one‑way internal road layout with defined lanes for buses and taxis, 30 marked parking bays — three with electric charging points — and a dedicated taxi rank. Covered bus shelters will sit outside the station entrance, while new pedestrian crossings, raised tables and shared‑use paths will give walkers and cyclists safer routes.

Cycle parking for 22 bikes, rain gardens and compensatory tree planting are also promised as part of the council’s green infrastructure plan.

Committee reaction

The application was approved at Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee on December 16. Members backed the scheme after hearing it would create a safer, clearer interchange and support wider regeneration.

Cllr Terry Davies, Tyisha ward, told the meeting:

“This is an exciting improvement for the area, making the station a proper gateway again.”

Cllr Michael Thomas, Pembrey ward, said:

“It’s a really good development that will benefit travellers across the line.”

Cllr Russell Sparks added:

“It’s a wonderful scheme — and with Christmas in mind, one more gift for Llanelli from this Plaid‑led council.”

Flood safeguards and wider context

The site lies within defended flood zones 2 and 3. Natural Resources Wales raised no objection, but required drainage conditions and flood response planning.

The hub has been developed with Network Rail and Transport for Wales, and officers said it will act as a gateway linking the town centre with strategic projects such as the £200m Pentre Awel health and leisure development at Delta Lakes.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New images reveal detail of Llanelli’s proposed transport hub
Our earlier report showing the design and layout of the multimodal interchange before plans were approved.

Neath’s transport hub plans sent back to the drawing board
£15m scheme paused after public opposition, with councillors told to rethink as part of a wider town centre plan.

Swansea’s proposed transport hub on The Strand
Draft city centre placemaking plan includes a new transport hub alongside market revamp and cultural quarter.

Milford Haven transport hub plans unveiled
CGI images show how Milford Haven station could be transformed into a modern transport interchange.

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CopperworksRoad #GreatWesternCrescent #Llanelli #LlanelliRailwayStation #LlanelliTrainStation #LlanelliTransportHub #PlanningPermission #StationRoad #TransportHub #TrinityTerrace

Safety boost for Llanelli’s ‘danger road’ after series of collisions

Station Road and New Dock Road, which run through densely populated residential areas between the town centre and the coast, have long been highlighted as accident hotspots.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s road safety team has confirmed that a programme of improvements will be rolled out during the current financial year. The measures include the installation of raised tables at key junctions and side road crossings, designed to slow vehicles and improve pedestrian safety.

Road safety engineer Martin Owen said the interventions aim to reduce vehicle speeds in areas of high risk, particularly near crossing points used by children and other vulnerable road users.

“By reducing speeds, these measures will enhance driver awareness and reaction times, while also encouraging active travel by creating a safer environment for walking and cycling,” he explained.

Local councillor Andre McPherson welcomed the move, saying:

“Sadly this action has come too late to prevent a string of casualties over recent years, some of which have been fatal. But hearing that improvements are now coming is very welcome, and we hope the safety programme will save lives in the future.”

The safety programme follows a number of serious incidents in recent years. In 2023, a fatal collision on Station Road prompted renewed calls for urgent improvements see our previous coverage here.

The works come as Llanelli prepares for wider transport investment, including proposals for a new multi‑modal transport hub at the town’s railway station read more here.

#AndreMcPherson #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #RoadSafety #speedBumps #StationRoad #trafficCalming

Former Port Talbot bank could be turned into 13 affordable flats under new plans

Evans Banks Planning, on behalf of LIFE Property Group Ltd, has published plans to redevelop 48 Station Road — most recently used as a TSB branch — into a mix of residential and commercial space.

The scheme would see the historic three‑storey stone frontage on Station Road preserved and refurbished for continued business use as offices, while the rear of the building would be demolished and replaced with a modern three‑storey extension containing 13 one‑bedroom affordable flats.

Retaining heritage, adding modern living space

The Design and Access Statement says the front elevation, with its arched entrance and sash windows, will be kept to maintain the street’s historic character. Behind it, the new extension would align with the existing roofline but adopt a contemporary style, with large windows, balconies and modern materials to clearly distinguish old from new.

The flats would be spread across all floors — two on the ground floor, four on the first, four on the second, and three on the third — each with an open‑plan lounge/kitchen/diner, bathroom, and double bedroom.

Access, parking and active travel

The main entrance to the flats would be on the building’s side, with a secondary rear access leading to secure cycle storage. Four off‑street parking spaces are proposed at the back, alongside the retained rear access for the office space.

The site’s town centre location — just 400 metres from Port Talbot Parkway railway station and close to frequent bus services — is highlighted as a key sustainability benefit, reducing reliance on private cars.

Biodiversity and flood resilience

Although the site is in a highly urban setting, the plans include installing bat and bird boxes to enhance biodiversity. The building lies within a defended flood zone, and the design avoids placing residential accommodation at ground floor level, with flood‑resilient construction measures proposed.

Part of a wider regeneration trend

Station Road has seen a wave of conversions of former commercial premises into flats or mixed‑use schemes in recent years. The applicant says this project would make efficient use of a brownfield site, deliver much‑needed affordable housing, and support the vitality of the town centre by keeping a commercial presence at street level.

The statutory pre‑application consultation runs for 28 days, with full details and feedback forms available on Evans Banks Planning’s consultation page.

#affordableHomes #featured #newHomes #PortTalbot #StationRoad #TSB

Fatal collision in Llanelli sparks calls for safety measures on Station Road

A male pedestrian was fatally injured after being struck by a motorcycle near the Home Bargains store on Station Road, Llanelli, at approximately 9.55pm on Friday 1 August.

Emergency services, including Ambulance and Air Ambulance teams, attended the scene and provided first aid, but the man sadly died at the scene.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that a 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and other related offences. He remains in custody. Officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.

The road was closed overnight and reopened on Saturday 2 August. The victim’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam or Ring Doorbell footage to come forward.

Petition launched to demand safety upgrades on Station Road

In response to the fatal collision, a new petition has been launched urging Carmarthenshire Council to install traffic calming measures on Station Road.

The petition, titled “Install Safety Measures on Station Road, Llanelli”, highlights the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in a busy pedestrian area lined with shops, takeaways, and hairdressers.

“Too many people are ending up losing their lives or ending up seriously injured due to motorists being able to drive at dangerously high speeds,” the petition states.

Campaigners are calling for the installation of speed bumps, speed cameras, and frequent pedestrian crossings to reduce accidents and protect residents.

Citing national data, the petition notes that such measures can reduce accidents by up to 50%. It urges local authorities to act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.

The petition was created on 2 August and is gathering signatures from residents and visitors concerned about road safety in Llanelli.

#DyfedPowysPolice #fatalAccident #Llanelli #pedestrianCrossing #petition #RoadTrafficAccident #speedBumps #SpeedCamera #StationRoad #trafficCalming

Councils in South West Wales to get £27m boost to improve local transport

The grants from the Welsh Government will fund projects that improve the condition of local roads and address disruptions caused by severe weather; pilot new bus services and upgrade bus journey times and waiting facilities; and make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use wheelchairs.

It will also fund the installation of more publicly available electric vehicle charging points; the creation of safer routes for children to travel to schools; and improve road safety.

Swansea

Swansea Council will receive core transport funding of £1.11 million, plus £50,000 for the Clyne Common Active Travel scheme to provide a safe cycling and walking route from Bishopston and Murton across the common.

There is £600,000 for a ‘Northern City Link’ that would see improvements made to the A483 North of Cadle along Carmarthen Road, through Dyfatty and High Street to its junction with Welcome Lane in the city centre. This includes remodelling the busy Dyfatty junction, bus priority measures along the whole route as well as improvements for walking and cycling. The grant money would be for a traffic modelling exercise to look at the potential impacts of any changes to the road network.

£500,000 is to go towards work on the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro. Swansea will act as host authority for the region with projects including the creation of a new Regional Transport Plan covering all of the local authorities in South West Wales.

There is £380,000 towards plans for a multi-modal transport interchange at the Dairy Car Park in Mumbles, with funding going towards talking to the community and business owners about the proposed design and engaging with landowners affected by the proposals.

Flood alleviation measures on the A4118 Gower Road in Killay and on the same road between Scurlage and Llandew will see £265,000 of grant funding from Welsh Government.

There’s also £333,700 for motorcycle safety provision, £205,000 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £60,000 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £30,900 for National Standards Cycle Training and £3,250 for Bike Safe training.

There’s £208,700 of safe routes in communities funding for Penllergaer and

£233,500 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The council will also adopt Cae Rowland St in Manselton thanks to £80,000 of grant funding.

Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Council will receive core transport funding of £716,000, plus £990,000 for phase 1 of the Neath to Cilma active travel route.

There’s £730,000 for Cymmer carriageway improvements, £440,000 towards plans for an Integrated Transport Hub in Neath outside of Neath Train Station and £1.6 million to deal with drainage and flooding issues on the A483 Fabian Way.

There’s road safety grants of £890,000 for the A4241 between Harbourway and Rutherglen and £220,000 for the B4242 Ynysygerwn to Glynneath.

In addition, there’s £14,000 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training, £12,180 for Pass Plus driver training, £6,700 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,600 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £5,500 for Mega Drive pre-driver training for ages 16 to 18, £3,720 for First Responder (FBOS), £3,500 for Drive for Life, £3,000 for level 3 National Standards Cycle Training.

£50,000 will go towards creating a safe route between Coed Darcy and Skewen.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council will receive core funding of £732,000, plus £1.14 million for a replacement for Black Bridge in Llanelli that would see the construction of a new ramped access and shared use bridge for cycling and walking linking to previously completed routes to Trostre and Halfway with access to Pentre Awel and the Millenium Coastal Path.

There’s also £2.05 million towards the proposed Llanelli Interchange at the train station, as well as £574,000 for the A484 Sandy Road improvement scheme.

The council will get £1.5 million for highway drainage improvements across the county, as well as £520,000 for safety improvements to the B4304 Station Road and New Dock Road in Llanelli.

There’s £450,000 for the implementation of 20mph speed limits, £41,500 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £34,000 for active travel and road safety training, £28,120 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,880 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £4,200 for Biker Down motorcycle training.

A safe routes in communities scheme in Five Roads will also receive £712,305.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Council will receive core transport funding of £500,000, plus £802,880 for Saundersfoot shared use paths at Stammers and Frances Road.

There’s also £6.07 million towards the Milford Haven Transport Interchange project which sees improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange, by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

£1.1 million will go towards projects in Newgale, including rerouting the Newgale section of the A487, creating a new walking and cycling path through the village, changing access to the beach and coastal businesses and releasing space for the beach to naturally adapt to coastal change.

In addition there is £39,200 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £32,080 for National Standards Cycle Training, £3,500 for Mature Driver training for ages 65 and over, £2,520 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £1,200 for Biker Down courses.

£500,000 has been given to the council towards EV Charger Network rationalisation and £84,000 for the council to adopt Mayfield Acres in Kilgetty.

Responding to the Welsh Government grant, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This is tremendous news for Milford Haven and allows us to move forward on a scheme that has been in development over a number of years. Not only will this significantly help the overall look of the station approach, it will also hopefully lead to better connectivity along the network for our own residents and also encourage more tourist visits. As this is an interchange scheme, it will also help us link up buses and taxis in a more seamless way.”

Bridgend County

Bridgend County Borough Council will receive core transport funding of £707,000 from Welsh Government, plus £119,000 for phase 1 of the council’s Pen y Fai active travel scheme that looks to create a shared pedestrian and cycle track from the safe crossing point along Tondu Road into Bridgend town centre, including work to improve the A4063 Pen-Y-Fai Junction.

Other funding commitments include £226,000 for Bridgend Bus Station information displays and £357,000 for improvements to the A4061 from the Junction 36 on the M4 to Heol Canola, Sarn. There’s also £137,000 for improvements to the A4064 King Edward Street in Blaengarw.

Welsh Government have given Bridgend County Borough Council £208,689 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £29,636 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training and £25,440 for National Standards Cycle Training.

There is also £104,000 for residential charge point initiative and £16,000 towards the adoption of Lakeview Close, Porthcawl.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting communities and delivering better transport for all is at the heart of this £27 million investment. We want to make it easier for people to travel to work, school, healthcare and to see friends and family, while also building a more sustainable transport network for future generations.

“These improvements will make real differences to everyday journeys – whether that’s safer routes, better paths for walking, wheeling and cycling, or more reliable bus services. We’re working with councils to ensure this money delivers the greatest benefits to communities across Wales.”

#A4063 #A4118 #A4241 #A483 #A484 #ActiveTravel #B4304 #BridgendCouncil #CarmarthenRoad #Carmarthenshire #featured #GowerRoad #Junction36 #Llanelli #NeathPortTalbot #Newgale #Pembrokeshire #SandyRoad #StationRoad #Swansea #Transport #TransportInterchange #WelshGovernment

Station Road, Colwyn Bay, Wales between ca. 1890 and ca. 1900. Views of landscape and architecture in Wales Wales Colwyn Bay

#StationRoad #ColwynBay #Wales #WalesWales #photography #historicalPhotos

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2001703461/