Council gives pledge on Parc Howard's future

Carmarthenshire Council leisure chiefs have reinforced their commitment to keeping Llanelli’s Parc Howard open.
They have also vowed to continue seeking grants to secure its future and are asking for the public’s support in this.
The move follows concern that the popular facility is at risk after a multi-million-pound grant bid was turned down.
Carmarthenshire County Council put the bid together to help secure the park’s future through major investment and development of new facilities.
However, the Heritage Lottery fund did not approve it, a decision described as a ‘devastating blow’ to the park.
It costs around £106,000 a year to maintain the park and mansion house, a sum which the authority has to reduce given the severe financial pressure it is under.
The council needs to save over £30million over the next three years, and cuts are being made across the board.
However, officers were keen to stress that the commitment for the future of the park was as strong as ever.
Head of Leisure Ian Jones said: “It was a devastating blow when our Heritage Lottery bid failed, we are facing severe budget cuts and are struggling to continue funding the maintenance of the park, let alone find the investment it sorely needs.
“However, we remain totally committed to securing the future of the mansion and the park, the authority is keen to keep these important facilities open and properly maintained.
“We continue to work with the Friends of Parc Howard Museum and the Parc Howard Association and will keep looking for any suitable grants that are available, most of which will require the full support of users to be successful.”