CWMAMAN Town Council’s plans to modernise the disused paddling pool at Garnant park have taken a major step closer following an offer from Betws building contractor TRJ to supply the work-force needed to transform the ageing facility.

The firm has agreed to send ten apprentices to work on the pool, including sealing and replastering the lining for free.

The move comes after the council announced it planned to modernise the pool as a community facility alongside the proposed installation of splashpads in the park.

“I am absolutely delighted that TRJ has agreed to help,” said Cwmaman mayor Kevin Madge.

“We, as a council, decided that we wanted to rejuvenate the pool, which is around 80 years old, but feared the expense of having the work done might prove too much.

“For a local company to step in and help out is fantastic and just goes to show the community spirit we have in this area.”

Councillor Madge is now calling on parents to show the same commitment.

The council is urging mums and dads from Cwmaman to volunteer to train to be lifeguards at the pool throughout the summer months.

“I am asking parents to support the town council in bringing this facility back to life for the children of the community,” said Cllr Madge.

“We do not have the funds to employ full-time lifeguards, so we hope we can get parents to volunteer to do a couple of hours at a time.

“Anyone willing to volunteer would receive full training from Carmarthenshire County Council.”

The council has arranged a public meeting for parents, to be held at Ysgol y Bedol, on Monday at 3.45pm in the hope they will come along and find out more about the scheme and sign up to be volunteers.

“The pool is a fantastic facility, but we cannot get it going on our own,” said Cllr Madge.

“We need parents to get behind the project and show their support.

“With a little bit of help we can bring the pool back to life in time for summer and give the kids of Cwmaman a brilliant park to play in.”