Our Rural Towns: Llanybydder

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. This month, our focus turns to Llanybydder to explore how the town has benefited from funding through Carmarthenshire County Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF].

Llanybydder marks the border between Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, with a foot in each county. The county is a gateway to the Cambrian Mountains, a place where hills meet river valleys. The market town of Llanybydder has drawn people to trade for hundreds of years- but is perhaps best known for its horse market held on the last Thursday of each month.

Said to be Europe’s largest horse market, Llanybydder comes alive with market stalls, horse boxes, and sights of horses of all shapes and sizes. Run by a local family, Llanybydder horse market remains one of the few monthly horse sales in the UK and its reputation pulls visitors from across the country.

One of the main focuses in Llanybydder is the redevelopment of the Old School, the driving force behind this was to provide easier access to services, a place for small businesses to operate and a café where local people can meet and socialise. The space already provided fitness and wellbeing facilities for the community, making it the ideal candidate for redevelopment.

To support the Old School centre during its period of redevelopment, and to raise awareness for local people about the future opportunities and facilities that will be offered there, the Ten Towns programme has financially supported a Co-ordinator.

The circular economy is a priority area for the redevelopment, a repair café and other activities surrounding sustainability and environmental health. To date, 3 monthly sessions have taken place in the Old School which has gained more attendees each session.

Through the SPF Revitalising Rural Town Centre fund, several Llanybydder businesses have received funding to refresh their commercial facades. As well as supporting a refresh of exterior and new signage, an art mural will be created that depicts the history of the town visible to residents and visitors. Local artist, Steve Jenkins, or better known as Jenks Art will be starting work on this artwork in early February.

Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, Cllr Carys Jones commented: 

It is great to see that money is being invested in our smaller towns. The redevelopment of the Old School will suit the needs of all those in Llanybydder, by providing much needed social and economic provisions in the town. I am eagerly awaiting the opening of the new and improved space.” 

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 period poverty items, advisors can signpost residents to relevant Council departments and organisations who can further assist with their enquiries.

Hwb Bach y Wlad will be at Llanybydder Rugby Club on the last Thursday of the month, 10am- 3pm.

During its next visit to Llanybydder Rugby Club on the 27 February, Hwb Bach y Wlad will host the he Tourism & Business roadshow to welcome businesses, community groups and organisations. Officers from the Tourism team, licensing, communities for work and business support will be on hand to speak on a one to one basis. No need for prior booking, just drop in between 10am-3pm.