Facelift for Drovers B&B in Llandovery

The Drovers Bed and Breakfast in Llandovery is being given a facelift thanks to a grant under the Rural Development Plan for Wales.
The owners of the business in Market Square, Llandovery, Jill and Michael Blud are looking to restore the building in order to match an adjoining property which has recently been updated as a result of the Town Heritage Initiative.
The B&B has recently been upgraded from 4 Star to 5 Star accommodation. It offers two double and one twin room, all en-suite, and has featured in Alistair Sawday’s ‘Special Places to Stay’ guide.
The business in Market Square, Llandovery, has been given a Village Improvement Grant (VIG) of £2,030 towards the £4,060 cost of the project to upgrade nine sash windows and paint the frontage of the property which is a Grade 2 listed building.
This grant has been made under the Village Enhancement Project, which has received funding of £940,049 through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural fund for Rural Development.
The Project aims to enhance the appearance of rural towns and villages and stimulate economic growth.
The VIG itself is aimed to enhance the branding of commercial properties in rural areas.
Project Development Officer Michael Morgan said: “The Drovers B&B is a prominent building in the heart of Llandovery. The applicants’ newly acquired 5 Star status requires them to maintain the property to a high standard.
”The enhancement of the Drovers B&B falls in nicely with the objectives of the Village Enhancement Scheme and links in with both the economic and tourism aspects of the scheme.”
Mr Blud said: “We are having the windows at the front refurbished in keeping with the old building. The work will start in May. It will all help to maintain the fabric of the building.”
Mrs Blud added: “The Drovers is featured on the front cover of the book ‘Market Town Wales’ by David Griffiths aswell as inside. It is a landmark building.”
Local member Cllr Ivor Jackson said: “This will enhance the Market Square which is a popular area, particularly during the summer when the tourists come in.
“It will complement the money already spent in the area under the Town Heritage Initiative.”
Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “I’m pleased to see a Llandovery business taking advantage of a Village Improvement Grant to renovate the facade of the building.
“The work will enhance the look of the Drovers B&B and fit in well with work carried out to improve other premises in Llandovery.”
The Village Improvement Grant is open to sole traders, partnerships, private companies and community businesses that are based, or wish to be based, in Carmarthenshire’s rural villages and towns.
Priority is given to applications that work in partnership with neighbouring properties to develop envelope schemes in order that the scheme has a bigger environmental impact.
Applicants demonstrating a need for support can secure up to 50 per cent of the eligible project cost, up to a maximum grant of £15,000.
For further information on the Village Improvement Grant contact Project Development Officer Michael Morgan on 01267 242335.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Former Gower MP Gareth Wardell the guest speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club

'Class of 1980' from Burry Port enjoy reunion

Lauryn Davey is making her mark in athletics - but needs sponsors