MORE than £250,000 of funding has been secured to improve road and pedestrian safety in Saron, Penybanc and Gwynfryn Estate.

The successful bid for funding will be used to create a footpath at the bottom of Dyffryn Road, near the public cemetery, described by councillors as “much-needed”.

The bid for a Welsh Government Road Safety Grant was made by the Transport Department of Carmarthenshire County Council following years of concerns raised by residents and councillors.

Work is scheduled to start before the end of the financial year, and will cover the stretch of road from Capel Hendre Square to Coleg Sir Gar, along Saron Road, Dyffryn Road and Station Road.

The investment was welcomed by Plaid Cymru County Councillors Carl Harris and Alun Davies, who said they would be holding a full public consultation for residents to shape the improvements they wish to see.

Suggestions put forward by transport officers included traffic islands in the centre of the road to enable pedestrians to cross, a series of driver feedback signs to warn motorists of their speed and the installation of a footpath at the bottom of Dyffryn Road for pedestrians.

There is also the possibility of a 20mph speed limit being introduced outside of Coleg Sir Gar.

Councillor for the Saron Ward, Carl Harris said: “Both Alun Davies and I are absolutely delighted to have received confirmation this week that the communities we represent are to receive another major investment to improve safety for both motorists and local residents.

“The announcement comes almost one year to the day since the council election, and of course follows the substantial investment being undertaken at Capel Hendre square.

“The £260,000 will enable a suite of measures to be put in place to slow down drivers and enable residents to better enjoy their community.

“We are particularly pleased that we will be able to deliver a footpath to the infamous bend on Dyffryn Road which currently sees pedestrians taking their lives in their own hands when trying to walk to town. This is a measure my colleague, Alun Davies, has pursued for years.

“Traffic officers have put together draft plans based on the feedback we’ve provided from our conversations with residents. We will announce dates for public meetings soon.”