THE leader of Carmarthenshire county council has visited the site of a proposed new community health and fitness centre in the Amman Valley, being planned by former Ospreys, Wales and Lions star Shane Williams.

Cllr Kevin Madge visited the former industrial unit, in Station Road, Glanaman, to find out more about the Amman Valley Centre project being developed by the rugby ace in his home village.

Shane, 35, has drawn up plans to convert the premises into a gym, catering facility, bicycle hire, spa, office space and other facilities.

Project manager Shane Fairburn, of the Elisblu architectural consultancy, said: “Shane is purchasing this facility and we are in the process of setting up a social enterprise and looking for funding.

“We will be applying for planning permission to open the gym and run it while we secure funding for the ambitious redevelopment.”

The concept behind the gym is Crossfit, a system for developing functional fitness, which includes a combination of gymnastics, power lifting and circuit training.

Shane said: “My vision is bringing something back to the community.

It’s where it all started for me and where it’s probably going to end.

“We could put a facility like this anywhere in Wales, but part of the appeal for me is bringing it to the Amman Valley.

“The community needs a facility like this, in the heart of Glanaman alongside the Riverside Walk, which is a very important part of the Amman Valley.”

Cllr Madge said: “I’m delighted to have the chance to look at Shane Williams’ exciting proposals.

“The scheme could make a tremendous contribution to this community and I would like to thank him for planning this investment in Glanaman.”