Plans for a community wellbeing centre to open in Cross Hands are ‘gathering pace’ according to the local health board.

In 2012, Hywel Dda Health Board announced plans to build a new community facility in the village to replace the current surgery as part of the modernisation of centres across the region.

However, a lack of movement at the site left residents doubting the proposals will make it to bricks and mortar.

Work was earmarked to start in 2015 but the health board has now confirmed the plans are underway.

Rhian Dawson, Interim County Director and Commissioner for Carmarthenshire, said: “Our proposals to develop a Community Wellbeing Centre in Cross Hands are aimed at providing a sustainable solution for the continued provision of primary and community health and social care as well as providing a community space that will support the promotion of health and well-being of communities living in the Amman Gwendraeth area.

“Cross Hands is a core element of the proposals that the health board is currently developing in line with its Transforming Clinical Services (TCS) programme.

“Following initial meetings with key stakeholders, including local and county councillors, the health board will be embarking on a comprehensive process of continuous engagement and co-design with local communities so that everyryone who will potentially use or be affected by the development will have opportunities to engage with the health board.

“This will take the form of engagement events and opportunities throughout 2019, which will provide opportunities for local residents and stakeholders to contribute to the project going forward.

“The project is now gathering pace and provides an exciting opportunity to bring together community services in modern and fit for purpose accommodation and ensures that services, particularly primary care, remain safe, sustainable, accessible and kind for current and future generations.”

The development could potentially see the closure of surgeries in the surrounding area.

In a recent Llandybie Community Council meeting, members discussed the development.

Some councillors were unaware that the plans for the health centre were still going ahead whilst others supported the health centre.

Cllr David Thomas, who represents the Penygroes ward, told The Guardian: “I am worried for the potential loss of services in Penygroes and the health centre will result in constituents travelling further to see a doctor.

“However I welcome the improvements to primary care and hopefully the development will reduce the burden at A&E units.”

Cllr Peter Roberts added: “The last time we discussed this we were told that the health board would get back to us with more information.

“Some residents will have an issue to get to Cross Hands.”