LLANELLI Town Councillor Winston Lemon has called for the Town Council to fully support sports organisations in the Seaside area of Llanelli in their bid to secure Section 106 money totalling £144,000, which he said if left unclaimed would be handed back to wealthy developers with interest. It is unclear what the total of the Section 106 money being held by Carmarthenshire County Council but some have speculated that it runs into millions of pounds.
Speaking at the full town council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 4) Cllr Lemon proposed a Notice of Motion asking the Town Council to support three bids for the section 106 money by Seaside AFC, Bwlch AFC and Havelock Bowls Club, which was ring fenced for sport and recreation for the ward itself. He explained that people from as young as 6-years-of-age up to 90-years-of-age would benefit from the money through sport, regeneration and health and fitness benefits. He said that the bowls club wished to reintroduce coaching for children free of charge.
Addressing the Chairman Jeff Edmunds he explained that bowls was a sport, which needed to attract younger players. The councillor went on to say that if a bid were successful Seaside would like to purchase a new cricket mat. He asked the council to back him up by writing a letter of support to the planning department at Carmarthenshire County Council.
He said: “This money is not from rate payers it is from wealthy developers. Should this money not be used in the time allocated the County Council would be obligated to reimburse these developers with interest. Time is of the essence.”
Cllr Jan Williams seconded the motion and Cllr Sean Rees said: “I would like to add my full backing. This investment would make a huge difference to clubs in this area. We have a proud sporting past in Glanymor.”
Cllr John Prosser left the room before the item was discussed having declared an interest in the matter. The Town Council voted unanimously in favour of the motion.
