A new car park has been unveiled at the site of a longstanding eyesore in Brynamman.
Land in Mountain Road has been completely transformed in recent months into a much needed parking area for the community.
Three buildings on the corner of the road have been bulldozed after complaints from residents.
Two of the properties had been empty for many years, and sheds at the site have also been cleared.
The work has been carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council, as part of a £167,000 environmental improvement scheme.
The project was co-funded by a grant of £116,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Western Valleys Strategic Regeneration Area Programme.
It forms part of the 10 year Group Renewal programme in Upper Brynamman, which is leading to regeneration schemes across the area.
The council’s Principal Area Renewal Officer Clive Thomas said: “The buildings were in the centre of the village and were an eyesore for the community.
“We are pleased to have been able to complete this scheme. The work has greatly improved this part of Brynamman and provided much needed car parking space for Post Office customers.”
Upper Brynamman is one of two areas in Carmarthenshire to be designated as a Renewal Area, meaning there are recognised housing, social and environmental problems.
The Renewal Area programme is part of a 10 year plan to provide vital improvements in the area, which is funded by the county council and Welsh Assembly Government.
Works are carried out to improve homes, shops, commercial premises, the local environment and the infrastructure, leading to health and well being benefits for residents.
The council’s Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: ““I am delighted that this scheme has been carried out, providing much needed car parking in the area as well as ridding the community of these buildings which have been an eyesore for some time.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies AM said: “The Western Valleys Regeneration programme contributes to all sorts of projects from large scale town centre improvement schemes to grass roots community projects.
“The aim of all of the initiatives is to improve the lives of the people of the area and to encourage others to visit by maximising the potential of what an area has to offer.
“This project is doing exactly that, by not only providing much needed facilities for Brynamman, but also removing an eyesore and making the area more welcoming for visitors.
“I am pleased that the Western Valleys Regeneration Area programme is making such a positive contribution to the area.”
