RESIDENTS and businesses in Llandeilo have launched a petition to pedestrianise the lower part of Carmarthen Street.
The road is currently blocked off for the refurbishment of the Shire Hall and has been since the end of last year.
A local resident, Keeley Clarke said: “Cars used to speed down our narrow road, with no pavements to talk off it’s been very dangerous for me and my kids and it forces wheelchair users right onto the road.”
Claudine Barr, a local jeweller on Carmarthen Street said: “I used to be sceptical about blocking the road off, but now that it is, people are strolling the street and footfall for us has increased.”
Creator of the petition and resident, Mered Williams said: “It should fit well with the Ten Towns Regeneration plan, businesses need more footfall and tourists and residents more quiet and peaceful areas to enjoy our beautiful town.”
Despite strong support for the online petition, response from the County Council and Llandeilo Town Council has been discouraging.
“My proposal to full-heartedly support the petition was voted down 6:5 in council,” Llandeilo Town Councillor Christoph Fischer reports.
He added: “While this signifies a hesitation and doesn’t mean an eventual rejection of the plan by the town council, to me and the residents it is disappointing that the council didn’t at least in principle, fully support this improvement to our town.”
“Admittedly, there are details to be sorted out,” says Williams, “but a more encouraging or stronger support would have been welcome.”
“Two new developments in the area, the Market Hall and Shire Hall, both on Carmarthen Street, have reduced local parking, but will increase traffic and footfall through the currently blocked off road,” explains Fischer.
“Issues like residents parking have been addressed several months ago and have brought us local residents together. We had little official response for our proposals since we began lobbying,” Keeley Clarke adds.
Meanwhile the traffic and parking situation by the Primary schools on Rhosmaen Street carries on frustrating parents and residents. Lack of dropping bays for parents and removal of the Lollipop lady have stirred up emotions and concerned citizens have created a Facebook page to reinstate the Lollipop lady and bring in safeguarding measures for the children.
“A lot needs to be done, but it’s great that people are showing initiative,” says Fischer.
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