A TOWY Valley project that received £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund in June could take a major step forward this week.

Plans for a centre of excellence to promote traditional rural skills in the area between Llangadog and Dryslwyn river bridges are set to be discussed tomorrow.

The project, entitled Tywi Afon Yr Oesoeddi' or Twyi For Ever' is looking to focus on three key areas.

It will develop rural skills to restore and repair old buildings and promote local crafts and rural skills to provide a base for the interpretation of the landscape In addition, the project will undertake landscape investigation and develop the sustainable management of the landscape.

Carmarthenshire Council's executive board member for regeneration and leisure, Clive Scourfield, will meet with officers tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss a grant to pay for pre-development costs towards a Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Cllr Scourfield said: "This application is the very early stages of what would be a very important move to nurture and promote our traditional skills."

The grant application for £15,000 is to meet the costs of a detailed project design and planning, surveys, community consultation and feasibility study.

If the sum is granted, it is expected that the project can start next month with submission of the Stage 2 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund by July 2007.

"The Towy Valley is not just a very beautiful part of our country," said Cllr Scourfield.

"The landscape also has huge economic significance and is of national importance."

The Guardian reported on June 28 that the project had received the grand total of £1,653,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Adam Price MP said at the time: "I am excited about the way this project will increase awareness and enjoyment of the Towy Valley's special qualities."