ANSWERS are being demanded over delays to complete a car park scheme in Ammanford.

Carregaman car park in the town centre is undergoing a major facelift to help make it more environmentally friendly and visually attractive.

The works began at the beginning of the year and were expected to be complete by the end of March.

Now the council has said it is not expected to be finished until next month after suffering setbacks.

But with the car park being one of the busiest in the town, the disruption is claimed to have been a deterrent for shoppers.

The upgrade is reportedly costing £280,000 with money coming from the Welsh Government’s Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity fund.

Once complete the car park will include a series of rain gardens to help alleviate potential flooding and protect the sewer network.

The council is also using funds from a Local Sustainable Transport Covid Response Fund to purchase a bio-diverse green roof cycle shelter.

But one resident of the town, who did not want to be named, said the site was causing “huge disruption” for shoppers.

“I know a lot of people are going to Cross Hands for their shopping because the car park situation has put them off,” she said.

“Residents want to know what is going on and what has held up the work, because surely this isn’t doing the local trade any good.”

Meanwhile, Amman Valley councillor Kevin Madge has said investment should be ploughed into upgrading buildings and not car parks.

“The upgrade is a shambles and an eyesore that should have been completed months ago,” he said.

“Schemes like upgrading car parks that are already fit for purpose do nothing for local businesses. I am once again calling for capital investment from the council to help make a difference in Ammanford.”

Responding to the works, Cllr Emlyn Dole, leader and executive board member for regeneration, said: “We are working hard to make this area more environmentally friendly and visually attractive and whilst these works are underway there will be some disruption, however we are trying to keep this to a minimum and appreciate people’s patience and cooperation.

“Since it began, the scope of the project has increased to include two more rain gardens which has added a few more weeks to the original plan. Unfortunately we have also experienced delays with weather which has affected planting works on site, and slight delays caused by availability of materials which is a national issue. We hope the work will be complete early in July.”