SIX construction companies in South West Wales have joined forces to set up an innovative new project which will help the environment and give a major boost to community projects.

The firms are also helping to spread the gospel about sustainability issues West Wales.

This innovative project is sponsored by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and supported by Construction Skills.

"Working Together is a very ambitious and novel project, bringing together six very well known names in the construction industry in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire," said group spokesman Andrew McElwee.

The firms taking part are - Dyfrig Dalziel, of Kidwelly, HM Building Services, of Narberth, Lloyd & Gravel, of Pontyberem, Morganstone, of Llanelli, TAD Builders, of Llanelli and T Richard Jones (Betws), of Ammanford.

Mr McElwee said: "The six firms are well respected in the industry and place great value in producing quality work. Traditional values have held true for the firms in their history, but they are also very focussed on building for the future.

"With that in mind, sustainability issues are top of the agenda for the firms. Sustainability looks to address issues concerned with social, environmental and economic issues within the communities served by these businesses.

"By having a more structured and collaborative approach to addressing sustainability in our communities, the companies will also be able to demonstrate to clients their belief in key corporate responsibility credentials. The aim is to make a greater impact in our communities."

Mr McElwee added that the Working together group was now preparing a timetable of collaborative ventures.

"These will include a whole raft of ideas which have, at their heart, issues of community support and sustainability."

Ideas currently being discussed by the group include: volunteering, sponsorship, fundraising, group challenges, local community action activity, work experience, 'In kind' giving, and waste and recycling.

Mr McElwee said the Working together group would soon be releasing details of its first community project.

"Other ideas include looking at simple methods which will make our communities better places to live, work and play.

"Team members are already looking at reducing C0² emission levels on the vehicles they operate.

"They are also looking at ways in which their waste and recycling projects can work hand in hand to help our environment.

He added: "Sustainability is at the forefront of the six businesses and they are demonstrating this commitment by working as a group together with their communities."