Llantwit Major Town Council will soon take over responsibility for a range of local public facilities following an agreement with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Car parks at the Town Hall and on Wine Street are to be managed by the town council, as is the car park and toilet block on Boverton Road.
This comes after the Vale of Glamorgan Council arranged a series of Community Asset Transfers (CATs), each with a 99-year lease, that will pass operational control from one organisation to the other once legal formalities are concluded.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has also carried out upgrading work, included car park resurfacing and toilets improvements.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “Our new five-year plan sets out how we will continue building Strong Communities with a Bright Future.“In a challenging financial climate, we must be creative to achieve this, and a key strategy is to work closely with local groups, third sector organisations and town and community councils.
“This move will save the Vale Council money that can be reinvested into other areas that will benefit the local community.
“It will also see these important local facilities manged by the community that uses them, with the town council best placed to understand and meet the needs of Llantwit Major residents.
“This is an example of our Reshaping Programme in action, a plan to look at new and innovative ways of providing services to ensure they are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
Cllr. David Powell, Recreation and Buildings Chair for Llantwit Major Town Council, said: “Following extensive negotiations between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Llantwit Major Town Council, we are pleased to confirm the imminent asset transfer of the toilet blocks at the Town Hall and those on Boverton Road, along with the Town Hall, Old School and bottom section of Boverton Road car parks. This was done in order to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for both the Vale and the Town.
“The Town Council recognises the importance of preserving these facilities for the benefit of our residents and the many visitors who come to explore and enjoy this historic town and its surrounding Heritage Coast. This was recently highlighted when the Vale Council identified structural issues with the Town Hall toilets, which meant immediate closure and the inconvenience this created for residents and visitors alike.
“By taking over these assets, Llantwit Major Town Council can continue to ensure that Llantwit Major maintains its importance as a focal point for the Rural Vale, and we look forward to the Vale of Glamorgan Council continuing to invest in this area.”
