The struggling Welsh town of Llanelli that wants to become a city

Llanelli is making an ambitious bid to become the eighth city in Wales, it can be revealed. The town’s chamber of trade and commerce has confirmed that it will officially spearhead a bid for city status later this year, and it has already received the backing of the local town council.

Llanelli is the biggest town in Carmarthenshire and the biggest in Wales west of Swansea. It has a population of more than 42,000 according to the last census, which is similar to Wrexham, a former town which was granted city status in 2022. The other six cities in Wales are Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bangor, St Asaph and St Davids. You can keep up to date with the latest Carmarthenshire news by signing up to the local newsletter here.

Traditionally, city status is associated with having a cathedral or a university, but formally it is granted by the monarch on the advice of ministers. Llanelli’s chamber of trade and commerce has now consulted with key figures including politicians and a prominent businessman from the area and they have been encouraged to formally apply for city status.

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The bid will be officially launched on March 30 and Llanelli Town Council members have expressed hope that a successful application for city status would provide a huge boost to a large Welsh town which had suffered from several issues in recent years, including the closure of town centre shops and a lack of footfall. In fact, in the letter sent to Llanelli Town Council, the chamber of trade and commerce said: "We seek the support of the town council to help us raise the local people’s low expectations of their quality of life in Llanelli”.

The bid is being funded by the chamber of trade and commerce, but the overall cost is unknown at this stage. The mayor of Llanelli, Nick Pearce, said the bid represented a “wonderful opportunity” for the town. “Well, what’s in a name? I think the big wins will come in the opportunities for more investment and improved services in the town,” he said. “But I also think there will be advantages and opportunities in so many ways should the bid for city status be successful. Many will not be immediately apparent but, moving forward, they will add up to a massive impact on the town, or should I say, city!

“It’s an exciting prospect and a wonderful opportunity to further develop the sense of pride that we should all share for Llanelli. Like many other places, Llanelli’s post-industrial transition has been long and painful - we have been seeing a slump in the town’s fortunes for quite a while.

"If successful, I think we will look back on getting city status as the turning point in those fortunes. It serves as a timely reminder that Llanelli, town and rural, is the most significant conurbation in west Wales. Never mind punching above our weight, let’s start punching our weight! I do hope everyone can get behind this bold and ambitious initiative by the Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce and that we will all enjoy the benefits of its success.”

Andre McPherson, the deputy leader of the town council, said being granted city status would boost Llanelli in a number of ways. “The decision made by the town council around granting city status to Llanelli is a significant and exciting opportunity for the area,” said Mr McPherson. “This decision has the potential to elevate Llanelli’s standing, attract investment, and stimulate growth, paving the way for a brighter future. By supporting the bid for city status, the town council has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to enhancing the region’s prosperity.

“Granting city status to Llanelli is more than just a symbolic change. It signifies recognition of the town’s historical significance, cultural richness and its potential for future development. The elevation to city status can serve as a catalyst for economic advancement, attracting businesses and boosting job opportunities. This status upgrade can also enhance Llanelli’s appeal as a tourist destination, drawing visitors to explore its heritage, natural beauty and vibrant community.” Want less ads? Download WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android

Fellow town councillor Shaun Greaney added: “We were delighted to support the chamber of trade and commerce's bid for city status. This would back Llanelli’s case to maintain and enhance services at Prince Philip Hospital and could drive forward economic growth and investment in the area to the benefit of residents and traders.” Councillor Andrew Bragoli echoed the belief that city status could help secure and improve the long-term future of Prince Philip Hospital amid uncertainty surrounding healthcare provision in west Wales, with plans to construct a new hospital up to 15 miles west of Carmarthen still some years away from being realised.

“If we get city status for Llanelli it will help put us on the map for increased investment and prosperity to the benefit of the community - it would also be beneficial to the case for bringing increased facilities to Prince Philip Hospital,” said Mr Bragoli. "Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce is prepared to fully fund the bid and there will be a full public consultation. Contrary to the myth, you don’t have to have a cathedral to become a city and it doesn’t come down to the size of the population. Only good can come of Llanelli becoming a city.” County councillor Rob James added that city status “would help to bring more prestige to the town and lift Llanelli out of the shadow of Carmarthen.”

According to UK Parliament: "City status in the UK can be associated with having a cathedral or a university, a particular form of local government, or having a large population. Although any of these might be used to justify the popular use of the term ‘city’, in formal terms UK city status is granted by the monarch, on the advice of ministers.

"In recent decades, city status has been granted through a series of competitive bids, managed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In May, 2022, eight places were awarded city status. These were Bangor (Northern Ireland), Colchester, Doncaster, Dunfermline, Milton Keynes, and Wrexham: and also Douglas (Isle of Man) and Stanley (in the Falkland Islands). Southampton was awarded a lord mayoralty. City status is officially granted by ‘letters patent’ – meaning a document that is officially issued by the monarch."

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