Deprived ward plans to link town centre with the new Wellness Village

LLANELLI’S Tyisha ward could be transformed with a multi-million pound regeneration project, following a major consultation with residents and businesses.

The feedback has helped Carmarthenshire Council develop a new masterplan for the area.

Tyisha has the highest population density in the county, and more than a quarter of housing is social rented, in low demand and difficult to let.

The council said the area had strategic importance, providing a link between Llanelli town centre and the planned £200m Wellness Village at Delta Lakes.

It wants to create a vibrant community by delivering mixed-use housing, improving the environment, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, developing more community facilities, bringing vacant business premises back into use and providing education, training and employment opportunities.

Executive board member for communities, Councillor Cefin Campbell, said: “The people of Tyisha want to see the area improve and want to be part of the change, which is so important.

“They have come to us with their ideas for the area and we know what matters to them; now it is time to put all this into action.”

Planned actions include replacing temporary and supported accommodation in Station Road with smaller, dispersed and better managed units, and talking to residents of Clos Sant Paul and the accommodation known as the 4 Ty’s – half of which is empty – about their housing needs and future options.

Enforcement action could target private rented and empty properties to improve management standards and address anti-social behaviour in the area.

The council is working with Dyfed-Powys Police and Llanelli Town Council, among others, to drive forward the plans.

A community steering group has been set up, with £9.3m allocated via the council’s housing revenue account.

A report on the proposals will go before the council’s executive board on October 21.

Cllr Campbell, who chairs the steering group, added: “There is a lot of work to do but I am very excited about what is to come, I hope the community are too.”

Executive board member for housing, Councillor Linda Evans, said: “I would like to thank residents, tenants and businesses for working with us to develop this plan for future investment and development for the area.

“Drop-in sessions will be held throughout the ward during November and December to discuss the proposals with residents and we are also looking at setting up a base in the Station Road area.

“It is time for change and by working together we really can make this happen.”

Tyisha councillors Suzy Curry and Andre McPherson also welcomed the regeneration plan.

“It’s fantastic,” said Cllr Curry. “We have pushed and pushed for the regeneration of Tyisha.

“It’s the most deprived ward in Carmarthenshire, and one of the most deprived in Wales.

“It desperately needs money spent on it, and to be managed in a better way.”

She said she hoped a new park will be created off Ann Street after Christmas, after she and her ward colleague secured funding for it.

Cllr McPherson said politics had largely been put aside in the wider discussions about Tyisha to benefit the area.

“It’s time that Tyisha was given this opportunity,” he said.