Plans to create 5,000 jobs and safeguard more than 2,000 have been unveiled in a �450m development programme for Carmarthenshire.

The ambitious proposal - drawn up with the local authority and the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) - aims to regenerate the local economy and halt the exodus of young people from the area.

Mr James: "Huge investment"

It is hoped the five-year plan will also improve prospects for the region's workforce who have been described by council leaders as "some of the worst paid in Europe".

Full funding for the scheme has yet to be secured.

However, Carmarthenshire councillors have said they are "confident" the money will be available.

Under the scheme the coastline between Loughor and Pembrey would benefit from a cash injection.

New homes, businesses, commercial and leisure projects would be built across the region.

'Lifestyle choices'

Carmarthenshire Chief Executive Mark James said: "Our people in Carmarthenshire are some of the worst-paid in Europe.

"We need to act now in order to reverse the trend and that requires a huge investment in the economy by the public sector to kick start the process and give Carmarthenshire the chance to have a viable and self-sustaining economy."

He said young people often leave the area to find opportunities elsewhere.

"We must provide those quality employment and lifestyle choices here in Carmarthenshire if we are to change that pattern," he said.

Llanelli is seen as a key town for investment

Cash for the scheme is expected to come from European Objective One funding, the local Regeneration Fund, Wales Tourist Board, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the private sector.

Specific details have yet to be unveiled, however, it has been revealed talks have taken place with developers and some sites have been identified.

Unique

Under the scheme Carmarthenshire council will secure �29m of funding and the WDA will also invest what has been described as "a substantial sum".

Huw John, the council's regeneration executive board member, said: "There is a considerable amount of money available but it is of course a plan for five years and we are confident that this money will be available."

But Mr John insisted that it was not all about jobs.

"We in Carmarthenshire, unfortunately, educated our young talented people out of the county.

"It is an excellent education system that we provide here and we wish to keep these people either in the county or at the very least to attract them back."

Mr John added: "In five years' time, I am confident Carmarthenshire will be a thriving county, the envy of most, with a sound economy, good quality jobs, successful businesses and a range of high standard leisure facilities."

"It will be the place everyone wants to be and reserve our fortunes from being among the poorest in Europe to be one of the most successful."

The plans are due to be discussed by the council's executive next week.