As part of the Ten Towns programme delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, the County’s rural market towns have received support to develop exciting new projects to add vibrancy and economic benefit to their town - with the focus turning to St Clears this month - exploring how the town has benefited from funding through the Local Authority and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF].

The small town of St Clears lies in the southwestern corner of Carmarthenshire around 8 miles from Carmarthen itself.

St Clears is steeped in rich history and is closely associated with the Rebecca Riots in the 1800s in rural parts of west Wales.

Take a walk around modern-day St Clears and experience a range of independent shops and places to eat and drink.

As an anchor building in the centre of town, Y Gât was identified as a key building to be enhanced to suit both the economic and social needs of St Clears’ residents and visitors.

As the Town Council embarked on an asset transfer from Carmarthenshire County Council, financial support was secured to redevelop the downstairs area to create a better fit for purpose layout for activities and provisions to be held.

The reconfiguration also provides better access to the café area, which has now reopened with a new local business operating from the café area.

A co-ordinator will be managing the centre, with their role primarily to facilitate provision and services in the building, which also has small business unit workshop space, houses the local library and meeting room space for hire.

Local resident Rebecca who was recently appointed as the new Facilities Manager and Event Co-ordinator at Y Gât on Pentre Road, introduced herself, laying out the aims for the facility.

“Our vision for Y Gat within St Clears Town Council is to create a thriving community hub; a base for creative, commercial and community activities within the town.

“But your help and support is needed to make this a success and to work for us all!

“So, people of St Clears, what events/activities/clubs would you be interested in attending locally?

“What would you like Y Gât to bring to the area? Are any of you, or do you know of someone, looking for a space to hold an upcoming event/meeting/class/club?

“We have versatile spaces available, suitable for hosting many different types of activities. Room hire is affordable, and we provide a welcoming environment.

“I look forward to working with you all to grow the wonderful sense of community within St Clears!” she added.

You can get in touch with your suggestions, enquiries or to arrange a tour of the venue, by contacting Rebecca by phone on 01267 224963 or pop in to Y Gât. She is available Tuesday to Friday, between 10 am and 4 pm.

Long consultation periods with local stakeholders identified the need to improve both the town’s digital presence and communication.

Digital screens have been installed outside Y Gât and in Pentre Road car park to showcase local activity, highlight local business and community news.

A number of the business premises in St Clears have benefited from support from the Revitalising Rural Town Centre fund. As well as supporting a refresh of exterior and new signage, an art mural has been installed on the Evans Pharmacy building showcasing St Clears’ history and historical landmarks.

Local artist Steve Jenkins known as Jenks Art, has created two murals in St Clears which have gained positive reactions from visitors and residents.

One sits on the pharmacy, which he completed back in the summer; and the other on the Santa Clara community pub, which was finished up before the end of 2024.

“What a great couple of days in St Clears painting this on the side of the Pharmacy. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi. I feel like one of the locals now. Huge thanks to Fiona and the Town Council for having me over to do this, one down, one to go,” shared Steve on Facebook, before returning to the town for his second request.

“Thank you to the guys at the Santa Clara for trusting me with thier wall!” he added.

Works are near completion on high street enhancements to Pentre Road, with the addition of new inclusive street furniture at the riverbank, a refresh of street furniture and pathways, as well as new bus shelters due for installation in the spring.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has also supported other projects in the St Clears area.

Tŷ Croeso, located at Bethlehem Newydd Chapel in Pwll Trap was successful in gaining support as they develop the chapel into a centre for the Pwll-trap community and its needs; specifically, a centre to promote activities through the medium of Welsh and the use of the language in the community as well as social, leisure and well-being activities.

An exciting project is also underway that raises awareness of the circular economy agenda in the town.

Lisa Evans is a Carmarthenshire based sculptress that has been commissioned to create an art installation that will be located in a space that is accessible to the whole community. Aluminium will be the material used to create the art piece, and local school children and members of local community organisations such as the Men’s Shed have fed into the design stage.

If you are local to the area and would like to donate aluminium material to this project, a drop off point has been set up at Y Gât for members of the public to deposit material for the project.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Rural Customer Service team, Hwb Bach y Wlad is visiting rural locations across the County offering help, support and advice. Experienced Hwb advisors can help Carmarthenshire residents with their Council enquiries and provide waste and recycling bags as well as Period Poverty items.

Alongside this, advisors can signpost residents to relevant Council departments and organisations who can further assist with their enquiries.

Hwb Bach y Wlad will be at Y Gât on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, between 10.30 am and 3 pm.

The next Tourism and Business roadshow will be heading to St Clears Leisure Centre on Thursday, January 23 giving businesses and community groups the opportunity to meet with County Council officers.

Advice will be on offer covering all aspects of the tourism and business sector; from licensing, planning, funding options, grants that are currently available to businesses as well as marketing support.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, Cllr Carys Jones, commented: “With thanks to the 10 Towns programme and funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, St Clears has benefitted from a number of interventions that benefits local residents and visitors to the town.

“As local member for the town, I am pleased to see the amount of work being done in St Clears, and I would encourage anyone to visit the town and experience its rich history and atmosphere.”

For more information about the 10 Towns project, head to: https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales

To know more about St Clears as a destination, please visit: https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/places/st-clears/