The Cabinet Member for Deputy Leader and Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism meeting was scheduled to discuss the declaration of a local nature reserve, funding applications for community projects, and the allocation of grants for business development. The meeting also included items that were not for public consumption.

Declaration of Ffynnon Helyg as a Local Nature Reserve

A key item on the agenda was the proposed declaration of Ffynnon Helyg (Pwll Match Fishing Lakes) in Pwll, Llanelli, as a Local Nature Reserve. This designation, made under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, aims to recognise the ecological importance of the site. The report pack highlighted that Ffynnon Helyg, originally created as part of the Millennium Coast Park project, has naturally developed into a valuable wildlife refuge. A survey commissioned in 2025 indicated that the site is an ecologically significant lagoon habitat within Wales, contributing to the limited national resource of saline lagoons. The report noted that Natural Resources Wales had reviewed and approved the application for this designation.

Targeted Finance Fund

The meeting was scheduled to consider one application submitted under the Targeted Finance Fund. This fund, administered by Carmarthenshire County Council's Bureau, supports projects that contribute to the development of sustainable communities within the county. The report recommended the approval of an application from Dryslwyn Community Shop Ltd for £20,000. This funding was intended to support the fit-out, launch, promotion, and marketing of a new purpose-built café and retail facility, which would expand the shop's reach, increase profitability, and stimulate local economic activity. The project aims to create a new income stream, strengthen the organisation's sustainability, and provide a valuable amenity for residents and visitors.

Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Round 16 Applications

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing applications for the Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. This fund, managed by Carmarthenshire County Council's Bureau on behalf of ESB, provides capital and revenue funding for projects addressing themes such as recreation, education, health, environmental improvements, energy efficiency, and culture. Ten applications were recommended for approval, totalling £91,769.19. These included:

• Ystradowen Community Centre: £4,233.60 for Healthcare Jubilee Chairs to enhance their luncheon club.
• Black Mountain Centre: £7,548.92 for Essential Building Repairs, including roof repairs and the purchase of a generator and CCTV upgrade.
• Llandybie Community Council: £4,474.80 for Public Rights of Way Interpretation and Information Boards to improve access and awareness of local heritage.
• Garnant Park Golf Club: £15,000 towards a New Inclusive Buggy Path and practice area to improve course accessibility.
• Cwmaman Bowls Club: £3,819.65 for a Replacement Mower to maintain their bowls green.
• Llanedi Community Council: £15,000 for a Woodland Learning Hub for Future Generations to create an outdoor learning and community engagement space.
• Amman United RFC: £12,000 for a New Mower to maintain their home grounds at Cwmamman Park and Golwg Yr Aman.
• Ammanford AFC: £15,000 towards Site Investigation Works for a new Community and Wellbeing Hub.
• Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli Cyf: £10,278.24 for the Pavilion Wellbeing Centre to improve visibility and deliver community projects.
• Garnant Family Centre: £4,413.98 for Volunteers, Wildlife, Gardening and Beyond to establish a volunteer group focused on gardening and conservation.

Ten Towns Town Centre Spaces Fund (Pride in Place Impact Fund)

The meeting was also scheduled to consider applications for the Ten Towns Town Centre Spaces Fund, which aims to support impactful town centre community projects that improve health and well-being, bring people together, and strengthen communities. The fund is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council's Ten Towns Programme and the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact fund. Eight applications were recommended for approval, with a total grant request of £501,729.41. These included:

• Llannon Community Council (Cross Hands): £75,000 for the conversion of a tennis court into a double padel court facility at Cross Hands Park.
• CETMA (Kidwelly): £55,112.52 for the redevelopment of the former Post Office into a community space.
• Llandeilo Town Council: £75,000 for enhancements to Parc Le Conquet, including a children's play area and pickleball court markings.
• Llandovery Town Council: £75,000 for the redevelopment of the children's play area at Maesglas Park.
• Cwmaman Town Council: £74,592.89 for improvements to Penpound Park, Cwmaman Park, and Grenig Park, focusing on accessibility and play facilities.
• Llanybydder Community Council: £75,000 for the enhancement of Llanybydder Park, including recreational features and landscaping.
• St Clears Town Council: £72,000 for the redevelopment of the play area at Welfare Field.
• Whitland Town Council: £74,924 for the creation of an outdoor fitness space and trim trail within Parc Dr Owen.

One application was not recommended for approval, and two others were to be presented at a future meeting.

Local Growth Fund - Business Start Up, Growth and Research & Development Grants

The final item on the public agenda was the Local Growth Fund, specifically concerning Business Start Up, Growth, and Research & Development Grants. However, the details of the discussions and any recommendations for this item were not publicly available, as the relevant documents were marked as restricted.