The city status application was started in 2023 by the LLANELLI CHAMBER OF TRADE AND COMMERCE. We are not a political party and we are all volunteers. Support has begun to roll out with people lending us their particular specialities like photography, branding and marketing. The passion that binds us together is the love of Llanelli and we want to work towards enhancing its environment, restoring energy and regaining our civic pride.
As Sir Doug Perkins of Specsavers wrote in a letter to us,
“I do think the Chamber are best placed to lead this city award project which would also involve regional businesses, political councils at local, county and national level. West Wales is clearly different to the other city regions and would benefit by uniting behind this initiative”.
Yes, the Town Centre needs work and fifteen million pounds are going to be invested to improve it. The fabric will be cleaned, trees will be planted and the town centre will be greened up for us. There will be money spent on the infrastructure so that we can enjoy the town.
Sir Robert Buckland wrote,
“The conferring of city status is ultimately a matter for the crown and important events such as Jubilees when city status has been granted to many towns across the UK. I am not aware of any decisions relating to the accession of HRH the Prince of Wales to his new role and am wondering whether that might present a suitable opportunity? “
Lord Michael Howard wrote,
“I would be happy to endorse the campaign but unfortunately I am unable to join you on the 30th. I hope the official launch is a great success”
These endorsements are great and very important to our application.
However, we must remember that although we have the right to have an attractive town centre , we also have responsibilities towards the town and the whole of Llanelli. We have to stop the littering and fly tipping. We must care about our environment. Anti-social behaviour needs to be replaced by a community ethos. Let us respect where we live.
The Chamber is dealing with the cost of the application. We appreciate what local people do for the town and the range of volunteer contributions from organisations and individuals is heartwarming. If external sources of funding are available we will seek them out.
People say that it is the wrong time to start something like this. So is there ever a right time? Why should Llanelli not become the 8th city of Wales. Our heritage is interlaced with innovation, commercial prowess and community strength. Of course we cannot guarantee immediate success but we shall persevere.
Wrexham got status on the fourth go with the help of 2 movie stars. If anyone knows any movie stars, let me know.
This is the start! The Chamber has kicked off the preparation with masses of research and correspondence.
Consultation with the community began last year through Facebook and the release of media articles. We plan to hold public meetings and undertake face to face surveys. We have a timeline and hope to achieve your support which would enable us to submit the application at the end of the year.
From April to June we will consult with local people and Councils to define the potential city limits. From July to December we will hold public consultations and engagements. We will then put together the results of these consultations.
Some are concerned that living costs and taxes will rise. if we achieve city status. Council tax will not be affected as these come under the County council. There may be a little expense as some street signs would have to be re- branded but this does not need to be done immediately or all in one go.
We cannot prove that this will bring in new investment but we believe it should. Other new cities have attracted external interest through their individual branding and raised profile.
We want to do this to draw attention to Llanelli’s proud history, rich culture and its heritage.
We would continue to be part of Carmarthenshire as the 8th city of Wales and the 1st city of Carmarthenshire. Councillors would not be paid more as this is decided by the Welsh government.
We do not need to have a Cathedral or a university as we are applying for a charter from the King.
Why city status?
1. To bring back civic pride
2. To make the people more ambitious about their town(city)
3. To attract more investment
4. To attract more skilled workers
5. To encourage our city to grow more sustainably
6. To enable us to market Llanelli in a positive way
7. To develop tourism with our fantastic history, our leisure facilities and culture
8. To perhaps develop major projects as a city
9. To work with our cities in the South
10. To make Llanelli a more vibrant place
