Llandysul transforms into ghost town as banks close and bypass opens
- Llandysul, a once-thriving farming village in West Wales, has seen a severe decline in its population and community life after a major bypass and 'super school' were constructed nearby.
- Local residents have reported an increase in drug-related activity, with drug dealers exploiting the emptiness of the village following the exodus of younger generations seeking work elsewhere.
- The transformation of Llandysul into a ghost town has prompted concerns among residents about safety and the community's identity, as many struggle to adapt to these changes.
In West Wales, the farming village of Llandysul has experienced a troubling transformation into a 'ghost town' due to the construction of a £23 million bypass and a £25 million super school on its outskirts. The decline in community activity has led to many younger residents seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, primarily in Cardiff and England, resulting in an overall shrinking population. As local businesses close and banks shut down, crime rates are reportedly rising, with drug dealers now finding it easier to operate in such a deserted environment. Reports have surfaced suggesting that drug cultivation has taken root in unexpected places, including a local school, which had an estimated crop value of £2 million when discovered. This shift has alarmed many residents who, despite acknowledging the presence of cannabis-related activities, express a longing for the vibrant community they once knew. Mari, a local resident, highlighted that the exodus of businesses and the closure of services like banks and post offices have greatly altered the fabric of the village, allowing drug-related issues to thrive in the shadows. She, along with others, is now facing the stark reality that their beloved community is no longer what it once was, with both a drastic demographic shift and an emergence of criminal activity that has caught them by surprise. The devastation of local businesses and the loss of communal identity have left some locals, like 53-year-old Mandy Evans, hopeful about new developments but aware of the looming issues that overshadow their town’s future. The impact of these changes has led to a community that feels unrecognizable, with many residents noting the absence of familiar faces and the decline of their Welsh language in public settings. Overall, the complex situation in Llandysul reflects a broader struggle seen in many small towns facing modernization, economic decline, and rising crime, forcing residents to grapple with the changing landscape of their lives and community culture.