A group of residents have teamed up together with hopes to reopen a community facility which has been closed for over 10 years.

Betws Community Recreational Sports and Social Association has been created with intention to utilise the former Betws Recreation and Social Clubhouse.

The facility used to be home to several teams such as football, darts, and snooker and also held entertainment events and bingo.

The newly-formed group held their first meeting on June 23 at the Coopers in Betws where officials were decided.

The group’s chairperson Petula Matthews said: “I used to be a member of the club and when I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago we got talking about when we used to go out and that’s when the idea came about to try and bring it back to the community.

“The building is currently in a terrible state on the outside but I have been in the inside and it is still in a reasonable condition considering the length of time it has been empty.

“Mike Lewis, one of the club’s trustee’s, has done a great favour to the clubhouse by regularly calling and checking into on its security.

Ammanford Town Football Club senior team was based there but have since relocated to make sure of the facilities at the Rugby Club in Ammanford.

“The club has a very strong junior team and they are interested in relocation to Betws when the club is up and running.

“They currently used the Rice Road pitch and it would make more sense for them to be able to have the facilities for them at Betws.

The group’s Facebook page Save Betws Recreation Social Club went active in April and has already attracted over 100 members who are all getting behind the team.

“What we are hoping for is that these much needed facilities are obtained and that the clubhouse can be refurbished for other sports to be made available to the community,” said Petula.

“Betws residents don’t currently have a village hall or a community centre to hold meetings or for the young children to visit so we desperately need local support and funding for this venture to succeed.”

If you would like to find our more information about the group search for Save Betws Recreation Social Club on Facebook.