AN Amman Valley play area has been officially opened by the Mayor of Cwmaman after being refurbished with community benefit funding.

Cllr Dafydd Wyn officially opened the play area on Wednesday afternoon.

The Mynydd Y Betws Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund awarded £27,958.50 for new equipment to improve and enhance the Gelliwerdd play area in Glanaman.

The new equipment includes a basket swing, adventure/challenge unit, and roundabout net. It is hoped that the much-needed new play equipment will encourage children to participate in a healthier life style as part of their development.

Cllr Wyn said: “It’s great to think that a coal tip like this is now such a wonderful place for the children of the Amman Valley.”

Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I’m delighted that partnership working between the county council, Town Council and Welsh Government has enabled us to do this. It proves what can be achieved for the area by working together.”

Local Carmarthenshire member Cllr David Jenkins said: “I’m pleased that the play area is in place and has been opened successfully. It is an asset for the children of the area, especially those living near Ceidrim Road.

“The Town Council and County Council have worked together to get grants to do it.”

Local mum Jessica Williams, who was at the play area with her children, said: “It’s really good. We live in Ceidrim Road and can just pop here from our back garden.”

There was a significant demand to improve the play facility within the community of Cwmamman which was demonstrated through a Planning for Real Exercise carried out in 2012.

The Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is available for specific wards in Carmarthenshire and is for projects and initiatives that create vibrant and sustainable communities.

A contribution of £4,958.50 towards total project costs was made by the Sustainable Hubs project, which is funded by the Welsh Government Western Valleys Regeneration Area, Communities First, and Carmarthenshire County Council and in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.