Llanelli have played at Stradey Park since 1879

The club are looking to improve facilities for players and spectators as they enter the new regional set-up in Wales.

Talks have taken place with Carmarthenshire Council that could result in the Scarlets moving to a new purpose-built stadium in the town.

But officials are stressing that discussions are at a very early stage and a new stadium is just one option under consideration.

The options are to develop Stradey or look at a possible new home in Llanelli Chief executive Stuart Gallacher

In a statement issued to BBC News Online, club chief executive Stuart Gallacher said Stradey Park in its current state was not up to scratch.

"The coming season is the start of a new era for us and we have ambitions to be up with the best in Europe - on and off the field," he said.

"In time that will mean looking at developing facilities for players and supporters as we are very aware that Stradey, as it currently is, is not up to scratch.

"The options are to develop Stradey or look at a possible new home in Llanelli.

"We will explore all the options and are in close discussion with Carmarthenshire Council who are very supportive.

Members and supporters will be consulted on any move

"At the moment our attention is firmly on putting the new playing structures in place for the region for the 2003/04 season."

Llanelli fought hard to remain as a stand-alone club in the new five team regional set-up in Wales.

More than 6,000 supporters signed a petition opposing a proposed merger with neighbouring Swansea.

Many of the traditionalists are likely to be against a move but Mr Gallacher said supporters and members would be consulted before any decision was taken.

"Whatever happens we won't move away from the Llanelli area and, of course, we will consult our members/supporters before any final decision is made," he added.

Llanelli lease Stradey Park from the Welsh Rugby Union after selling it for �1.25m in 1997, although the club still has a buy-back option.

Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell said: "As a council we would not be involved in where any new stadium would be built, but we are very supportive of the club and whatever decision they make.

"We are delighted that they are remaining as a Llanelli team, this has created a feel good factor in the town, and having a first class team is good for the whole of Carmarthenshire.

"It will attract more visitors to the county and lead to the creation of more jobs."