The work done as part of the Laugharne Environmental Enhancement scheme was officially opened last Friday at the Town Hall.

Carmarthenshire County Council's physical regeneration department began the Streetscape improvements on focal points in the township, the Grist and Market Street area, in November 2013.

Market Street provides access to the castle and is a key route towards the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and other attractions along the coast. The Town Hall building is itself an attractive historic feature and, as the meeting place of the ancient Laugharne Corporation, a landmark within the town. The enhancement included the resurfacing and widening of pedestrian areas and the provision of new street furniture and tree planting in an appropriate style.

The Grist, near to the castle and the estuary, was dominated by cars and the enhancement sought to rationalise the space and create a more attractive, easier to use and safer pedestrian environment whilst still enabling vehicular circulation and parking.

Executive board member for regeneration and leisure, Clr. Meryl Gravell, said: "Funding from the Council and RDP Sir Gâr enabled the £320,000 project to go ahead and now the improvements have been finished in time for the popular Laugharne Weekend and increased tourism to the area due to the Dylan Thomas 100 anniversary."

RDP Sir Gâr's Strengthening the Tourism Appeal of Rural Carmarthenshire (STARC) was funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The physical regeneration department were also successful in securing a further £90,000 from RDP Sir Gâr towards a £112,500 Laugharne Township Commercial Property Enhancement Grant Scheme that complemented the Streetscape enhancement. They provided support to improve the frontages of commercial premises with those to benefit including: Castle View chip shop, Choices gift shop and the soon to open delicatessen at Exeter House.

Following the official opening, there was a public exhibition of work carried out through the Rural Development Plan funding in the area at the Town Hall.

Executive board member for rural affairs, Clr. Jim Jones said: "This scheme has made Laugharne even more attractive for visitors and this will help to promote tourism."