ST CLEARS has undergone remarkable changes through the Ten Towns Programme, delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council and supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). These projects aim to bring vibrancy and economic benefits to the town while preserving its rich heritage.

A town steeped in history

Located just eight miles from Carmarthen, St Clears is deeply rooted in Welsh history, famously linked to the Rebecca Riots of the 1800s. Today, it boasts a thriving community of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an appealing destination for visitors and locals alike. More information on St Clears as a destination can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

Y Gât: A revitalized hub

As part of the programme, Y Gât, an anchor building in the heart of St Clears, has been transformed to meet the town’s economic and social needs. Following an asset transfer from Carmarthenshire County Council, the town council secured funding to reconfigure the downstairs area, improving accessibility and functionality. The refurbished café space now hosts a new local business, providing a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

The centre is managed by a coordinator tasked with facilitating its services, which include small business workshop units, a library, and meeting spaces for hire.

Enhanced digital communication

Consultations with local stakeholders highlighted the need for improved digital communication. Digital screens have been installed at Y Gât and Pentre Road car park to display local activities, business news, and community updates, enhancing the town’s digital presence.

Supporting local businesses

The Revitalising Rural Town Centre Fund has provided grants to several businesses in St Clears. The funding supported improvements such as refreshed exteriors, new signage, and artistic enhancements. Notably, local artist Steve Jenkins, known as Jenks Art, has created two murals showcasing the town’s historical landmarks, which have been warmly received by the community.

High street enhancements

High street improvements on Pentre Road are nearing completion, featuring inclusive street furniture, refreshed pathways, and riverbank seating. New bus shelters are also set for installation this spring.

Tŷ Croeso: A community hub

Another beneficiary of the UKSPF is Tŷ Croeso at Bethlehem Newydd Chapel in Pwll Trap. The project aims to promote the Welsh language and support social, leisure, and well-being activities for the community. More details on Tŷ Croeso’s activities can be found online.

Art with a purpose

An innovative project is raising awareness of the circular economy through a commissioned sculpture by local artist Lisa Evans. The installation, made from recycled aluminium, involves contributions from local schoolchildren and community groups. A drop-off point for aluminium donations has been set up at Y Gât.

Rural outreach and support

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Hwb Bach y Wlad initiative offers advice and services to rural communities. Residents can meet Hwb advisors at Y Gât on the third Tuesday of every month from 10:30am to 3:00pm for help with council enquiries, waste and recycling supplies, and more.

Business and tourism roadshow

St Clears Leisure Centre will host a Tourism and Business Roadshow on Thursday, January 23. Businesses and community groups can access expert advice on licensing, planning, funding, and marketing opportunities.

A Message from Cllr Carys Jones

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, Cllr Carys Jones, praised the programme’s success:
“With thanks to the Ten Towns Programme and funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, St Clears has benefitted from numerous initiatives that enhance life for residents and visitors alike. As a local member, I encourage everyone to explore the town’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.”

St Clears stands as a testament to how well-planned projects can breathe new life into rural towns, ensuring a thriving future while celebrating its historical roots.

WEAKER declines in output and new orders Firms remain optimistic for 2025 Employment falls at fastest rate since September 2020

The latest Cymru Growth Tracker from NatWest highlights a slower pace of decline in business activity and new orders for Welsh companies in December 2024.

The Wales Business Activity Index, which measures month-on-month changes in output across the manufacturing and service sectors, rose to 48.9 in December from 47.7 in November. While still below the 50.0 threshold that indicates growth, the latest reading signaled the slowest contraction in the current four-month downturn.

The softer decline in output was underpinned by only a slight fall in new orders. Welsh firms expressed optimism for increased activity in the year ahead, although concerns over economic uncertainty, rising costs, and selling prices tempered expectations.

Employment and Cost Pressures

Despite improved business activity, subdued demand, spare capacity, and heightened cost pressures led to the sharpest drop in employment since September 2020. Redundancies were driven by cost-cutting initiatives and lower sales, with voluntary leavers not being replaced.

Although firms managed to increase selling prices at the fastest rate since May 2024, business confidence slipped to a 13-month low.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, commented:

“Welsh businesses saw a slightly brighter end to 2024 as contractions in output and new orders eased. Success in engaging new customers helped slow the decline in new business, and firms are cautiously optimistic about 2025. However, the pace of job cuts accelerated, and rising costs—particularly wages—pose ongoing challenges to margins.”

Comparing Wales to the UK

The performance of Welsh businesses contrasted with modest growth across the UK. While Wales recorded slower declines, the pace of contraction in business activity remained more pronounced than the UK average.

New orders also fell for a second consecutive month in December, though the decline was among the weakest of the ten UK regions experiencing downturns. Optimism among Welsh firms about future output fell to its lowest level since November 2023, lagging behind both the UK average and historical trends.

Inflation and Pricing Trends

Input costs at Welsh firms rose at their fastest pace since April 2024, driven by higher supplier prices, rents, and wage bills. The rate of cost inflation was slightly below the UK average, but the pressure remained historically high.

In response, businesses raised selling prices at the quickest rate since May 2024. Despite this, Wales saw one of the slower increases in charges among the 12 UK regions, with only Yorkshire & Humber, Northern Ireland, and the West Midlands recording weaker upticks.

Employment and Backlogs

Welsh private sector firms reported the steepest job cuts of all UK regions, with staffing levels falling at the fastest rate since September 2020. Similarly, incomplete work declined at the quickest pace among the monitored UK areas, reflecting subdued demand and increased spare capacity.

WITH a surge in gym memberships each January, many turn indoors for fitness. However, outdoor enthusiasts can find solace in exploring Wales’ beautiful coastline during the winter months. New research by outdoor specialists GO Outdoors has ranked the nation’s top beaches for winter walks, with Pembrokeshire’s shores earning high praise.

The study assessed beaches on factors such as rainfall, sunlight hours, temperature, and popularity, revealing Pembrokeshire beaches among the top contenders.

Whitesands Bay, St David’s
Whitesands Bay secured second place with a score of 8.50/10. Known for its pristine white sands and stunning views of the Welsh peninsula, the beach is dog-friendly during the winter. Visitors can also enjoy on-site facilities, including toilets and a café, making it a popular spot for a coastal escape.

Marloes Sands, Marloes
In third place with a score of 7.50/10, Marloes Sands is celebrated for its breathtaking views of Skokholm and Gateholm Islands. The area boasts nearby B&Bs, such as Gupton Farm Surf Lodge, and features scenic trails like the four-mile Marloes Peninsula Beach Walk, offering an ideal setting for a winter adventure.

Other Welsh Beaches
While Pembrokeshire beaches shine, Glamorgan also boasts notable spots:

• 1. Rhossili Bay: Topping the list with 9.26/10, Rhossili Bay is renowned for its three-mile sandy stretch and strong Atlantic waves, making it a favourite among surfers.
• 4. Three Cliffs Bay: This iconic beach, with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping sands, scored 7.31/10.
• 5. Dunraven Bay: A tranquil mix of sand and pebbles, Dunraven Bay earned a score of 6.93/10.

Why Winter Walks?
Calum Jones, blog author at GO Outdoors, encouraged winter exploration, saying: “Winter is a fantastic time to visit beaches, with fewer crowds, reduced parking charges, and off-season discounts at local eateries. I recommend dressing warmly with base layers and a waterproof jacket to enjoy the coastline no matter the weather.”

For those seeking to embrace Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty, Whitesands Bay and Marloes Sands stand out as must-visit destinations for the colder months.

For more information, visit www.gooutdoors.co.uk.

Photo Caption: Whitesands Bay: One of Pembrokeshire’s finest winter destinations (Pic: GO Outdoors).