The Welsh Science Academy, Llanelli?

The Llanelli Star reports today that Adam Price MP believes that Llanelli is in a prime position to lead national scientific development. He is calling for a National Science Academy to be set up at Swansea University, with the campus based at the Delta Lakes site in south Llanelli. I blogged back in August that Llanelli was in with a chance of hosting an University campus, although the University management decided otherwise.

As much as I and many others would just love this to be true, its just beyond belief after seeing their town worsen with decay, job losses and countless years of being ignored by the government.

The development of an academy to further scientific research and achievement in Wales was first mentioned in the One Wales document. It would cost the Assembly Government about £50 million a year to get the idea off the ground. Llanelli AM, Helen Mary Jones, added to Mr Price’s calls, saying that establishing the academy in Llanelli would counter the effect of previous let-downs. She said;

“It was disappointing in March when the bid to bring the second Swansea University campus to Llanelli failed.”

“Placing of the national science academy in Llanelli would be step in the right direction in regenerating the area.” Helen Mary Jones AM

The area is in desperate need for development that isn’t just window dressing. To base such a prestigious project in Llanelli will do the town a world of good and will help boost everyone’s moral. During a period when the Assembly Government is focussed on the Cardiff & Valleys and North Wales, they need to do more for West Wales. We need something worthwhile down here.