AN AMMAN Valley gay and lesbian support group has slammed a national newspaper article which branded the area homophobic.

Gay Ammanford dismissed claims made by The Observer magazine’s article, Story of a Male Escort, which gave a frank interview with ‘Josh Brandon’ a 21-year-old originally from Ammanford.

In the article “Josh” claimed that during his teenage years he became addicted to drugs, was expelled from school and had to move to London, where he become professional a male escort.

The group hit out at the article which, it said, gave the impression his upbringing in Ammanford was somehow responsible for his lifestyle, is a homophobic area and that ‘Josh’ had escaped a “Tesco town”.

A spokesperson from Gay Ammanford said: “We dismiss claims made in the article such as this quote – “Living in a community like this and being like that, which a lot of people don’t accept” that suggests the area is homophobic.”

A gay man and Gay Ammanford service user who did not wish to be named said: “Having been born and bred in Ammanford, I have never experienced any prejudice against me due to my sexuality. If anything the area is one of the most supportive and accepting communities in the county.”

The organisation has strongly rejected the article for labelling Ammanford a ‘Tesco Town’ with no other career prospects available for young people.

“The town has numerous local independent café’s, butchers, and shops and the area boasts a list of home grown talent who have not forgotten their roots,” said Cairn Newton, media and liaison officer for Gay Ammanford.

“We find the wider Carmarthenshire area is a strong and welcoming community and a safe place to live or visit which also offers good schools.

“It has further and higher education establishments leading to great career prospects – no matter what your sexual orientation may be.

“Where you are from doesn’t determine the type of person you will become or your place in life.”