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Rural regeneration launch success

OVER 100 people from all walks of life turned out to the launch of the council’s rural regeneration strategy.

The event was held in Newscastle Emlyn and was an opportunity for people to hear more about the Moving Rural Carmarthenshire Forward strategy which focuses on strengthening local economies, creating jobs and business opportunities and protecting the Welsh language.

Carmarthenshire County Council leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole and Chief Executive Officer Wendy Walters gave presentations on moving forward.

Rural affairs executive board member Cllr Cefin Campbell discussed findings and recommendations from a cross-party task group review which was set up to investigate, understand and plan what is needed to create more sustainable rural communities and economies.

Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “The event was well attended and was an opportunity to discuss recommendations put forward by Carmarthenshire Rural Affairs Task Group to ensure that we do everything in our power to support our rural areas to grow, to thrive, and to become self-sustaining – communities that offer opportunities for all.

Everybody living and working in one of our rural communities should see this an opportunity to get involved and play a part – this is not something we as a council can do alone and we welcome all input from residents, businesses and organisations.”

At the heart of the new strategy is an emphasis on creating jobs, affordable homes and business opportunities so that young people stay and settle in Carmarthenshire. There is also an emphasis on encouraging young people to return to their roots.

It is the first time ever that a wide-ranging strategy has been developed by the council to specifically focus on its rural areas.

Over 60 per cent of Carmarthenshire’s population lives in a rural area and the council’s executive board was the first to create a specific portfolio to represent rural affairs.

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