Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Plans for regenerating Jackson’s Lane and King Street in Carmarthen are moving forward after asking members of the public and businesses for their views. Carmarthen Town Regeneration Forum held a public consultation at the former Myrddin Day Centre in John Street, Carmarthen, last month. The team introduced the concepts and explain the principles behind each proposal. Members of the public were able to use the displays to understand the proposals, speak to members of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Regeneration team, and provide feedback on the ideas. The proposals are part of the Carmarthen Town Regeneration Forum Master Plan and the consultation aimed to allow members of the public a first look at some of the first schemes being developed. Council executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that Carmarthen residents took the opportunity to see the exciting proposals for Jackson's Lane and King Street and to tell us what they thou...

Gas work is leading to the temporary closure of King and Queen Streets in Carmarthen on Sunday, November 22, from 8am to 6pm. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety whilst Wales and West Utilities install three new gas supplies. The alternative route for south-west bound traffic will be via Church Street and Spilman Street detailed on the attached plan.

Oriel Myrddin gallery bosses in Carmarthen are investigating ambitious plans to further develop both the gallery and Carmarthen’s emerging cultural quarter in King Street. The gallery has commissioned a feasibility study to look in to the artistic, community and business benefits of the redevelopment of the Oriel Myrddin site. The gallery has been operating successfully for more than 20 years and has gained an excellent reputation as the main publicly funded art and craft gallery in the South West region. The team are now looking to extend the reach and impact of the gallery’s programme and education provision and explore plans to integrate an iconic new-build on the site of the bus shelter with the aim of attracting more footfall to the town. RDP Sir Gâr’s Innovative Communities, part of the Axis 4 Innovative Hubs scheme, has part-funded the feasibility study along with the Arts Council of Wales. Gallery Manager Meg Anthony said: “We’re really excited to have been given this opportu...

Good news today in the bid to breathe new life into King Street in Carmarthen. It comes from Origin Dyfed, a cooperative of artists and craftmakers who have been established for 21 years. They previously had a gallery in Blue Street, Carmarthen. They have now rented the old Siop y Seld at No23 King Street and are opening to the public on Saturday (September 24). The shop itself was rebuilt following a fire in 1932 in Art Deco style and many of the original features remain. There is a private 'invitation only' view on Friday night, 5pm to 8pm. One of the members of the cooperative is Mark Cox, who is well known to visitors to Aberglasney House and Gardens as he exhibits there on a regular basis. The cooperative includes traditional artists, a blacksmith, jewellers, other artists, wood turners, card makers, and glass makers. For more on Mark Cox, see - http://carmarthenartist.blogspot.com/ www.markcoxpaintings.co.uk

Traders in King Street Carmarthen are getting a raft of support measures from Carmarthenshire Council to help their Christmas tills ring out. The good news for traders is that there's 50p hour stop parking at St Peter's car park, a new Park&Ride service for that end of town and new finger post signage all being introduced for the festive period. County executive board member transport services, Cllr Philip Hughes, pushed through the 50p tariff for an hour's stay in St Peter's car park. He said: "Officers and members have been working with more than a dozen King Street traders to support and improve the economic viability of the town centre and in particular King Street, Queen Street and Nott Square. "The one-hour 50p tariff for St Peters car park will have a positive effect on footfall and help with the economic development if the town centre." The previous shortest stay was £1.10 for up to two hours. Cllr Hughes said the traders were also keen to cas...

The owner of a Carmarthen Listed building has lost his appeal against his sentence for failing to comply with an enforcement notice issued because of unauthorised works. An appeal by the owner of 51, King Street, Carmarthen, Michael Makin of Arbont, Llanarthne, against his sentence for offences contrary to Section 43 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservations Areas) Act 1990, was dismissed at Swansea Crown Court, Swansea on May 14. At the initial Magistrates Court hearing Mr Makin had pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement order issued by Carmarthenshire County Council with regard to unauthorised works at the Grade II* listed building. The magistrates fined him £6,300 plus £737.38 costs. Mr Makin appealed to the Crown Court against the level of fine imposed. At the first appeal hearing in the Crown Court on the April 14 the case was adjourned until the 14th May 14 to allow the county council to reply to a skeleton argument for mitigation put forward by Mr. Mak...