The community of Pontarddulais could switch its allegiance from Swansea to Carmarthenshire council's control if a boundary change plan is successful.

A public meeting for people to air their views is expected to be called following a forthcoming debate on Pontarddulais Community Council's agenda on Thursday.

The reason behind the public meeting is that we have been lobbied by the people Anthony Charles, councillor

Three community councillors are behind the motion which, they say, has a lot of grassroots support in the 5,000-plus population.

Pontarddulais has been under Swansea council's control for seven years following re-organisation.

Councillor Anthony Charles said: "There are a few issues. Quite a few people have complained about the level of service we get from Swansea.

"The reason behind the public meeting is that we have been lobbied by the people," he said.

Cllr Charles said strong Welsh-speaking links mean the community leans more to the Welsh heartlands of Carmarthenshire than cosmopolitan Swansea.

Carmarthenshire County Council headquarters

Cllr Charles added: "What we are trying to do is to investigate the matter.

"The aim is not political," said the member.

Cllr Charles said a public meeting is likely to be held in the Mechanics Institute on St Teilo's Street after community councillors have talked about the issue.

Fellow councillor Cledwen Morgan said: "I think we will get better treatment if we were attached to Carmarthenshire."

The motion before community council members will be whether they agree that Pontarddulais should remain part of Swansea - or should moves be made to find out whether the area should become part of Carmarthenshire.

Swansea city and county councillor Gareth Williams, who is also a community councillor in Pontarddulais, said he thought the switch should not happen.

He said seven Swansea feeder schools go to Pontarddulais Comprehensive and that system would be broken up - if a change occurred.

'Retrograde step'

His fellow city councillor, John Miles - a former community member - said: "I simply cannot understand the reason for it. It would be a retrograde step in my opinion."

A spokesman for Swansea City and County Council said: "We are surprised by the proposal which follows a similar unsuccessful resolution made by an ex-employee of Swansea Council.

"Comparisons between the services and the relevant costs of the two local authorities clearly demonstrate the people of Pontarddulais are better off in Swansea.

"Council tax on a band D property is �772.50 which includes a precept for Pontarddulais Community Council as well as the levy by South Wales Police.

"By comparison council tax in Carmarthenshire is �785.65 which includes a precept for a community council and Dyfed-Powys Police.

"The people of Pontardawe recognise the benefits of being in Swansea and moved unanimously from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council last year."

Peter Jones, head of statutory services at Carmarthenshire, said: "We haven't had any approach from anyone about the issue.

"We cannot comment until an official approach is made through appropriate channels."

A boundary row over whether Llangollen should stay in Denbighshire or become part of Wrexham took place last year.

The Welsh Assembly eventually settled the long-running argument and said the town should stay with the Denbighshire authority.