THE transformation of “the most dangerous building in the Amman Valley” into a state-of-the-art care facility will mark “the biggest investment in the village in more than a generation,” according to a county councillor.

Proposals for the 70-bed facility on the site of Garnant Workmen’s Hall have been submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council and are expected to receive the green light from planners keen to address concerns over one of the valley’s most notorious derelict buildings.

If approved the plans will see the demolition of the 90-year-old hall, which has become a growing eyesore and increasingly dangerous in recent years.

Garnant councillor Kevin Madge has welcomed the application, both in terms of the facilities and employment it would bring to the valley as well as its removal of the hall.

“I am absolutely over the moon that this application has finally gone before the planners,” he said. “It has taken a lot of work to reach this point.

“A facility such as this is desperately needed in the valley to support our growing elderly population and it is fantastic that older residents will be able to remain within their own community.

“The proposals are for a state-of-the-art facility that is much bigger in size and ambition then the £10 million scheme currently being constructed at Gwynfryn in Ammanford.

“The care home will bring around 30 new jobs to the valley, which is something I would always welcome with open arms.

“Obviously it is incredibly sad that is will lead to the demolition of the hall, which was built using pennies contributed by our fathers and grandfathers.

“The hall is part of the village heritage and it is a wonderful old building that has been an Amman Valley landmark for almost a century, but the time has come when it will have to come down.

“The hall has been left in a derelict state and has now reached a situation where saving it is no longer an option.

“The Fire Authority has told me many times that they consider the Workmen’s Hall the most dangerous building in the valley so tackling the problem is long overdue.

“Coupled with the development at Arcade Terrace, this is a really exciting time for Garnant.”