Some temporary COVID road closures in Carmarthen, Ammanford and Llanelli to go – but others will be made permanent say council

The temporary pedestrianisation of key shopping streets in Carmarthen and Llanelli will be lifted from September 20, Carmarthenshire County Council has announced.

The council introduced changes to Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford town centres as part of its response to Covid-19 to allow social distancing and opportunities for outside trading.

Taking into consideration recent changes in Wales Government guidance and feedback from public consultation, the Cabinet has now decided that some of the changes are no longer needed.

From 20 September King Street in Carmarthen and Cowell Street in Llanelli will re-open to traffic.

Carmarthen’s Nott Square area will be again be enforced by parking officers in accordance with the permanent order that was temporarily suspended during the Covid restrictions.

Some of the changes though will stay across all three town centres – 20mph speed limits will remain in force to support town centre safety and air quality, and the temporary ‘access only’ traffic order on Carmarthen’s Water Street will become permanent and enforced.

A number of changes to on-street parking that were trialled under an experimental order will also be confirmed as permanent, except for temporary changes outside 20-33 Blue Street and 18 Lammas Street in Carmarthen which will be removed. Cowell Street and John Street parking arrangements in Llanelli will also return to those arrangements in place prior to Covid.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of the Council, said: “Getting our town centres back up and running is a key priority of our economic recovery plan and we’re pleased to be in a position where we can revert some of our temporary measures.

“That said, we are pleased to take the opportunity of retaining some of the measures that have improved safety and air quality. This not only makes sense, but aligns with our objectives to promote walking and cycling as sustainable travel options.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Environment, added: “We thank everyone who provided us with valuable feedback during the consultation which has supported our decision making on this issue.”

For more information about the town centre measures, the authority’s economic recovery plan and sustainable travel objectives, visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales.

(Lead image: Geograph / Stephen McKay)