CALLS to scrap parking charges in Ammanford have been turned down by councillors in Carmarthen.

A motion put forward to a full council meeting last Wednesday by Betws councillor Ryan Bartlett calling for free parking in the town was turned down following an amendment by councillor Darren Price.

In his motion at last Wednesday's meeting Cllr Bartlett said: "This council acknowledges the difficulties by retailers in Ammanford and in an attempt to encourage more people to shop in the town we would ask the executive board to consider the introduction of free parking for a maximum of three hours daily in all of Ammanford car parks."

Cllr Bartlett said the motion had the backing of Ammanford town councillors who had discussed the issue at its recent town council meeting.

He added: "The town is dying on its feet. I welcome the investments that are seen in the county. Carmarthen has had millions put into it, the same goes for Llanelli. But what have we had? new paving stones, the shops have been painted - all superficial. No real change.

"To go to Ammanford is a very disheartening experience these days. I’m asking for something for the town to improve its status."

The news comes as residents and councillors in Ammanford fight to make the town a bustling centre following the shock revelations up to six stores have closed in recent weeks.

Cllr Bartlett went on to explained that the business rates had put a strain on shop owners but as these are set by the Welsh Government the council had no control of them, so he wanted the council to be seen doing something.

He added: "The cost (of free parking) will be very little to how much the town will suffer if we we take no action."

Seconding the motion, County Councillor Colin Evans added, "Ammanford is in a slow spiral of decline, the town's shops are closing, even a charity shop has closed recently. It is a town in serious trouble."

However, an amendment put forward by Cllr Darren Price slammed the motion with Plaid Councillors voting against the Labour led motion.

Cllr Price said: "This council acknowledges the difficulties people face in Ammanford. The council notes a task a finish group has been established to look specifically at the issues of car parking charges across the county and calls on the executive board to respond as quickly as possible to the findings.

"I support the intention of the original motion to see more people visiting the town.

"We as a council decided to establish a task and finish group and I feel the motion totally undermines the process that we set up.

"It is not just about car parking, reversing the charges is not going to change the situation."

The amendment was carried by 35 votes to 17.