Firms' worry as pub giant submits bid

AMMANFORD is one step closer to getting a JD Wetherspoon, after the food and drink giant submitted plans for a pub in the town centre.

The move, which has ended months of speculation and rumour about the development, would see the Cottage Inn and two adjacent shops converted into a 2,900 square foot pub in Wind Street.

It would be an average-sized Wetherspoons premises, according to a spokesman, who said the pub might stay open until as late as 1am at weekends.

"JD Wetherspoon is keen to open a pub in Ammanford," said the spokesman.

Plans

"It is obviously at an early stage, but the plans are in and we will wait to hear the outcome."

The pub would create around 40 jobs in the town, but local opinion has been mixed.

Manager of the Railway Inn in Quay Street, Gareth Edwards, said it would be hard for local businesses to compete with JD Wetherspoon's low prices.

"I do not think that building the new pub would be a good idea," he said.

"It will undercut the other businesses in Ammanford. Residents might welcome it at first but if they see other places struggle, they might change their minds."

A number of traders have been against the proposal ever since it became clear last month that Wetherspoon was on the verge of submitting its plans.

Sam Wilcox, who runs Welcome Caf� in the College Street Arcade, claimed the pub giant coming to Ammanford would be the "death of the town".

If approved, the new Wetherspoon would take over a former strip of five cottages in Wind Street, which currently houses the Cottage Inn and several other businesses.

As well as the Cottage Inn, Best Kebab & Pizza and S&L Taxis would also be taken over by the pub development.

The only changes to the front of the building would be a large stained-wood double door.

The rest of the facade would be kept as it is, according to the proposals, which will eventually go before Carmarthenshire Council for a decision.

The planning application has been open since January 31.

alex.smith@swwmedia.co.uk

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