Ammanford nightclub will revive 'ghost town' - claim (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford nightclub will revive 'ghost town' - claim

9:00am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Ammanford news

THE man hoping to run Ammanford’s first nightclub since the fiery demise of the Eriskay in 1976 believes it will “breathe newlife” into the town.

Mr David Griffiths, who formerly ran the Tycoch nightclub in Pontaman, expects an application by Mr David James for a nightclub in the old snooker hall aboveShoppersWorld, tobe heard shortly.

“A nightclub should be part of the social fabric of every town,” he told the Guardian. “Whenyoulose one facility, others tend to follow – and that’s what’s happened to Ammanford.

“But with Wetherspoons also coming to town,wecan breathe new life into the place.”

The plan has received a mixed reception from local councillors. While the Labour Group on Ammanford town council have welcomed the proposal, Plaid county councillor Deian Harries fears vandalism and rowdy behaviour.

“I don’t believe Ammanford could cope with the anti-social behaviour which comes with latenight drinking establishments,” he said.

“Can the local police force cope with 300 or more revellers leaving the club at around 3-4 o’clock in the morning?With all theimminent cutbacks, I dread to think of the consequences.”

But speaking on behalf of his Labour colleagues, town councillor Chris Jones said Ammanford was “a ghost town” on Saturday nights after 7pm.

“A nightclub will not onlygivethe youngpeoplea place to meet and socialise, it will also create a number of jobs and will keep spending pounds in Ammanford,” he said.

“There has been concern that the level of policing is being reduced in Ammanford, but a nightclub in the townwill ensure the police will have to maintain a presence.

“Noiseandtroublecanbe controlled as long as we ensure the club follows the planning guidelines and is properlymanaged.”

Ammanford’s last night club, the Eriskay, was destroyed in the largest blaze ever seen in the town in April 1976.