News that work has started to transform the empty Glanaman workshops has been hit with backlash from a community councillor claiming it is more "empty promises".

Last week Carmarthenshire county council announced it has invested £2 million pound to bring the Tabernacle Road workshops back into use.

The works will be carried out over two phases which will provide 26 industrial units.

The council says phase one - a £1m investment - to refurbish the first block is well underway and will create 13 industrial units for business, general industrial, storage or distribution use.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

However, Glanaman Labour candidate in the local elections, Emyr Jenkins, says the news is another "never never promise" for Glanaman residents.

He said: "I think it is misleading to say 'work has started' when there is no activity whatsoever on site and no sign of a planning application.

"The county council should never have closed down the workshops which saw them ship everyone out to Capel Hendre. It was another case of the Amman Valley being forgotten."

However the council maintains the upgraded workshops will not only encourage job creation but will increase supply and demand of industrial units in the area.

A second phase to revamp another block of 13 units will follow after a further £1million was set aside from the council’s five-year capital programme.

The council’s executive board member for resources, Cllr David Jenkins said: “This is fantastic news for Glanaman and the surrounding area. The upgraded workshops will undoubtedly provide jobs as well as great opportunities for people looking to set up their business in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”

Responding, Cllr Emyr Jenkins added: "These latest claims are all smoke and mirrors and empty promises. In 2015 we were told there would be money allocated, in 2016 we were told work would start yet nothing has been done. I will believe it when I see construction workers on the site."