An exhibition detailing the plans will go show on July 16

Backers behind the bid to transform the Ffos Las site at Trimsaran, near Llanelli, are putting the finishing touches to the planning application that will be submitted to the county council in the next few weeks.

They originally wanted to locate the development on the nearby Pembrey Peninsula and were provisionally granted 12 race meetings by the British Horse Racing Board.

But they failed to reach agreement with the motor circuit at Pembrey over land and the Environment Agency raised concerns about possible flooding.

By 2005 I am really hopeful there will be racing at Ffos Las Council leader Meryl Gravell

Now Pembrey Racing Ltd has turned its attention to the opencast site and Welsh assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan has visited the area to discuss the plans.

Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell told BBC News Online that the revised scheme would be on show at Trimsaran community hall on July 16.

"A lot of people have worked very hard to overcome the difficulties but now the planning application should be in within the next couple of weeks.

"We as a council have been involved in many meetings and have done what we can to help.

The Ffos Las site has empty for more than four years

"By 2005 I am really hopeful there will be racing at Ffos Las."

Mrs Gravell represents the Trimsaran ward on the authority and is helping to organise next month's exhibition.

"My main concern when mining stopped at Ffos Las was for the local community and the loss of jobs," she added.

"This scheme will be much more environmentally friendly than mining and will provide employment."

The nearest race course to Carmarthenshire is more than 60 miles away at Chepstow on the border with England.

The idea behind building a course in west Wales is to try and appeal to the large Irish horse racing fraternity.

"The proposals are very exciting," added Mrs Gravell.

Phase one of the proposed development for Pembrey involved an oval flat and national hunt race-course, enclosure and stable facilities.