CONCERNS are mounting over a 'rat-infested eyesore' in the centre of Ammanford.

Residents are pushing for more action to be taken against the owner of the former Castle Garage site on High Street, which has been abandoned and left in a mess.

In December 2014, planning permission was granted for a car wash on the site, near the fire station, which was also being used as a clothes recycling business.

But, in 2019 a council enforcement notice was served on the owners and occupier for the removal of the clothes recycling business - which didn't have planning permission - along with storage units and two caravans.

Last February the owner was prosecuted and given eight weeks to remove the mess.

Six months on and with the site untouched residents and a local councillor are pressing the owner to clear it up after growing increasingly frustrated at its condition.

Hefin Williams, who owns a property on High Street said: "I understand that there is a pandemic but I hope the owner is not hiding behind it.

"I also hope the council's legal department will refer the situation back to court and come up with a satisfactory solution.

"This pandemic may be with us for quite some time but does this mean that we have to put up with this eyesore for much longer?

"We know that there are many Ammanford people who feel the same. This is a lovely town to live in - such a shame it is blighted by something like this.

"We hope the owner will show some civic pride and clear the site as soon as possible."

County councillor Deian Harries described the situation as a "disgrace".

"It is a rat-infested eyesore and a heath hazard in the centre of Ammanford," he said.

"The council have successfully prosecuted the owner and he was given eight weeks from March to clear up the mess he has left.

"Many business owners have worked hard to improve the centre of Ammanford and Carmarthenshire County Council have invested large sums in improvements.

"How can we attract people to our town with this eyesore in the centre?

"I call on the owners to do something as a matter of urgency before the council takes further action."