CARMARTHENSHIRE is to follow Ceredigion’s lead and pedestrianise parts of its town centres.

Parking spaces will be moved, speed limits lowered and one-way pedestrian systems put in place to allow safe queuing and social distancing in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford from 3 August.

The move is part of a Carmarthenshire Council recovery plan to help businesses get back on their feet as coronavirus restrictions ease.

Council leader Emlyn Dole said: “These changes have been implemented after much consideration and within the boundaries of what the council can do safely and responsibly to protect businesses and visitors whilst also keeping our town centres flowing and operating well.

“We really hope that people will come back to our town centres and help them thrive again by shopping and spending their leisure time locally. We’re urging people to buy local and support Carmarthenshire businesses.”

The council is asking businesses which are interested in using extra outdoor space to get in touch about licensing requirements.

The pedestrianisation of streets in Carmarthen and Llanelli will be from 10am to 4pm and affect King Street, Bridge Street and Quay Street, Carmarthen, among others.

The move affects Stepney Street and Cowell Street – up to the junction of John Street – in Llanelli.

There are fewer interventions for Ammanford, but they include a new walkway linking Wind Street and Lloyd Street, and pavement widening at the bus stop and on Carregamman Lane.

John Nash, the chairman of business group Carmarthen Bid, said he fully supported the proposals.

“It has been difficult times for everybody, and I think we have got to do our utmost to encourage people back safely into town,” he said.

The Bid group has 330 members and Mr Nash urged people in the area to support them as hospitality businesses finally re-open indoors on 3 August, as long as they comply with social distancing requirements and coronavirus cases remain low.

“Some businesses are confident but there is still some fear out there, and we are not over this pandemic yet,” said Mr Nash.