At a full Llanelli Town Council Meeting held on Wednesday 2nd July, a Notice of Motion was proposed by Independent County and Town Councillor Michael Cranham and seconded by fellow Independent Town Councillor Alan Cameron Williams both of Bigyn Ward which requested for a full public consultation take place on renaming a new community facility within the Penyfan area.
The motion presented read:-
“That Llanelli Town Council recognises the work of all its Council members and Officers in bringing a new Community Centre to Penyfan.
“We now urge the Town Council to understand the strength of feeling from the Penyfan community that they should have a say on the naming of the Centre and notes the petition already received from the area.
“We ask that the Town Council now undertakes a full public consultation exercise with all residents and community groups operating within Penyfan around the naming of this new facility.”
The Labour-led Town Council had previously voted to call the new facility the ‘Bigyn Community Centre’ which sparked concern amongst Penyfan residents who have now since submitted a petition requesting for there to be a name change to ‘Penllwyn Community Centre’.
Following a recorded vote, the ruling Labour administration group including Labour Town Councillors for the Bigyn Ward all voted against having a consultation into changing the name of the new Centre which was passed by 10 votes to 8 of those members present.
Councillor Michael Cranham said:
“It is disappointing that again the Labour-led Town Council is not listening to what the community of Penyfan are saying. Many residents are confused why they have called the new Centre ‘Bigyn’. Residents have stated that they feel the use of ‘Penllwyn’ better reflects the fact that this new Centre is actually located within the communities of Penyfan & Llwynwhilwg. Changing the name at this early stage would also cost the Council nothing to do.
“This new Centre follows years of hard work from all members and officers and has potential for the area but the Town Council needs to bring the Community along with us so they feel a part of it and this would have been an ideal opportunity to do so.”
Councillor Alan Williams said:
“When I was campaigning in the recent by-election, this issue was one which was coming up time and time again on the doorsteps in Penyfan. Everyone welcomes this new facility but many residents feel that they have not had their say on this matter and they should have an input regarding its name. After all this facility is for the community”
Penyfan resident Lisa Francis added:
“The leader of the Town Council (Councillor Darkin) has been vocal in recent times about the need to be consulted on local issues which are happening but now at the same time is not actually prepared to consult with us the people of his own Ward.
“I would like to know why has the name of this Centre not gone out for public opinion, does our view those who live in the area not matter?
