Fears over future of civic buildings

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board was asked to consider the sale at a meeting on Monday, but the item was quickly adjourned without any decision made.

However, the future of the Iscennen Road buildings will be again discussed as the authority considers selling the buildings in order to save £2.5 million over the next five years.

The proposals form part of the Agile Working Investment Plan, a document drawn up to assess the future use of council buildings.

One possibility is the closure of buildings such as the Town Hall with the creation of a central “hub” similar to that in Llanelli.

The two council-owned properties currently house 67 council employees, providing front office services plus children’s services, housing and environmental health.

Labour councillor Kevin Madge said: “There are so many services based in the Town Hall and the Old Library - services which people rely on a daily basis.

“There has been not consultation with the public, or even Ammanford Town Council. It is unacceptable.”

“There are 67 people are employed in those buildings. Will they lose their jobs or be expected to travel to get to work?”

Ammanford Mayor Colin Evans told the Guardian that the town council had “not been consulted in any way, shape over form” over the proposals.

Labour deputy leader at County Hall, Cllr Rob James, said: “The proposal to close Ammanford Town Hall and the Old Library by Carmarthenshire Council is deeply concerning.

“The closure of both buildings would have an enormous impact on local traders, with fewer council employees working in Ammanford, whilst the proposed annual saving of £90,000 a year with the closure of both would be a drop in the ocean of the £12.5m

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illion that the authority aim to cut next year.

“This is a policy that the Labour Group does not support and we will continue to put pressure on Plaid and Independent Councillors to change their mind.”

Plaid Cymru councillor Deian Harries said: “Ammanford Town Hall and the old Library provide good quality jobs and vital council services to local residents.

“My priority as the local county councillor will be to preserve the integrity of this iconic civic building which has been a strong and proud feature of our town for decades.

“As the council tries to deal with the significant budget cuts handed down from the Labour Welsh Government, with the prospect of even more cuts next year, I will be making the case for bringing council services to the town centre.

“Although it was rejected on Monday, the draft proposals for the hall and old library suggest there will be no job losses as a result of any changes. I will be seeking assurances on any future plans.

“Plaid Cymru councillors in the Amman Valley have approached the council’s executive board with a number of suggestions to improve the availability of services to local residents.

“These include a council customer services shop on the high street as has been done in Llanelli. Of course this suggestion needs further consideration and exploration, but it could prove to be pivotal in increasing town centre footfall and making council services even more accessible to residents.

“All services which available at the Town Hall will continue as normal.”

Carmarthenshire county council deputy leader Cllr Mair Stephens said no decision had been taken on the future of the buildings.

“The principal of the report is to look to ways of working more efficiently, including more efficient use of our buildings, while retaining appropriate local access and retaining council presence in our main centres,” she said.

“All the potential properties identified in the report would be subject to further detailed assessment in terms of future use of the buildings and any movement of staff. The report has been deferred for further review, and may be subject to change.”

Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “I would like to reassure people that we remain fully committed to the regeneration and future of Ammanford and the surrounding area.

“I am working with the town centre task force in order to achieve this, and I will be bringing forward plans shortly which will provide more detail.

“Regardless of what happens to the Town Hall or any other building in Ammanford, none of which has been decided I must stress, my intention is to open a Hub in the town centre, to mirror that of the one set up so successfully in Llanelli.

“It will not only be more accessible to people, it will also help increase footfall in the town.”

Town councillor Carol Cadman said: “Enough is enough.

“Ammanford is the poor relation of Carmarthenshire once again, with the threat of the possibility of selling off the Town Hall and the Children’s Centre next door for revenue.

“Where will the residents of Ammanford and surrounding area go to pay their rates etc?

“In fact, what do we pay our rates for?”that the authority aim to cut next year.”

Plaid Cymru councillor Deian Harries said: “Ammanford Town Hall and the old Library provide good quality jobs and vital council services to local residents.

“My priority as the local county councillor will be to preserve the integrity of this iconic civic building which has been a strong and proud feature of our town for decades.

“As the council tries to deal with the significant budget cuts handed down from the Labour Welsh Government, with the prospect of even more cuts next year, I will be making the case for bringing council services to the town centre.

“Although it was rejected on Monday, the draft proposals for the hall and old library suggest there will be no job losses as a result of any changes. I will be seeking assurances on any future plans.

“Plaid Cymru councillors in the Amman Valley have approached the council’s executive board with a number of suggestions to improve the availability of services to local residents.

“These include a council customer services shop on the high street as has been done in Llanelli. Of course this suggestion needs further consideration and exploration, but it could prove to be pivotal in increasing town centre footfall and making council services even more accessible to residents.

“All services which available at the Town Hall will continue as normal.”

County council deputy leader Cllr Mair Stephens said no decision had been taken on the future of the buildings.

“The principal of the report is to look to ways of working more efficiently, including more efficient use of our buildings, while retaining appropriate local access and retaining council presence in our main centres,” she said.

“All the potential properties identified in the report would be subject to further detailed assessment in terms of future use of the buildings and any movement of staff.

“The report has been deferred for further review, and may be subject to change.”

Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “I would like to reassure people that we remain fully committed to the regeneration and future of Ammanford and the surrounding area.

“I am working with the town centre task force in order to achieve this, and I will be bringing forward plans shortly which will provide more detail.

“Regardless of what happens to the Town Hall or any other building in Ammanford, none of which has been decided I must stress, my intention is to open a Hub in the town centre, to mirror that of the one set up so successfully in Llanelli.

“It will not only be more accessible to people, it will also help increase footfall in the town.”

Town councillor Carol Cadman said: “Enough is enough.

“Ammanford is the poor relation of Carmarthenshire once again, with the threat of the possibility of selling off the Town Hall and the Children’s Centre next door for revenue.

“Where will the residents of Ammanford and surrounding area go to pay their rates etc?

“In fact, what do we pay our rates for?”