#cllr-cen-phillips — Public Fediverse posts

PEATLANDS: Almost £2m from the Lottery to bring the bogs back above the Afan and Neath valleys

The uplands between the Afan, Neath, Cynon and Rhondda valleys are in line for three years of restoration work, new footpaths and free outdoor activities after a second National Lottery award of almost £2m.

Lost Peatlands Connections will work across 16 sites covering almost 870 hectares, re-wetting bogs and restoring heath, grassland and woodland on the plateau that commercial forestry and wind turbines now dominate.

For walkers, the headline is five new routes with interpretation along the way, plus an explorer app, virtual reality experiences and a podcast series to open up a landscape most people only see from the valley floor.

For residents, the programme promises volunteering days, outdoor learning for schools, wellbeing activities, heritage skills training, public events and creative projects, with delivery due to start this month.

The project is led by Neath Port Talbot Council‘s countryside and wildlife team and takes in the upland core of the historic county of Glamorgan. That includes the ground around Pen y Cymoedd wind farm.

From 23 hectares to 870

It builds on the original Lost Peatlands of South Wales scheme, launched in 2021 with £1.56m of Lottery money to restore 256 hectares of bog that had been ploughed and drained for timber after the Second World War.

By 2024 that work had turned a 50-hectare former plantation above Glyncorrwg, the size of 70 rugby pitches, back into wet peatland by blocking drains and flipping tree stumps back into the ground.

With the new award, National Lottery Heritage Fund money for the two projects comes to around £3.5m. Match funding and partner contributions lift the value of the latest phase alone to almost £2.6m, the council says.

Peat matters because it holds carbon. In good condition a bog locks it in and soaks up rainfall; drained and dried out, it leaks carbon into the air and sends water straight downhill.

The council says the work will leave the hills more resilient for wildlife while helping with carbon storage, natural flood management and the wildfires that have scorched the Afan Valley plateau in recent summers.

Who is involved

Alongside the council, the partnership brings in Natural Resources Wales through its National Peatland Action Programme, and the wind farm’s owner Vattenfall.

The Woodland Trust and Coed Lleol, the Small Woods Association, are also on board. So is the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Across the county line, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council completes the line-up.

Cllr Jeremy Hurley, the council’s cabinet member for climate change and economic growth, said the funding would allow the partners “to build on the success of the previous project” and called it “a major investment in the landscapes, wildlife and communities of the South Wales Valleys”.

He added that the project “will create opportunities for people of all ages to improve their wellbeing, learn new skills, discover local heritage and develop a stronger connection with the natural world around them”.

Cllr Cen Phillips, cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, said the money “will help more people experience and connect with these incredible places” and should encourage more residents and visitors “to explore all that the area has to offer”.

Andrew White, director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said the project “brings together nature recovery, heritage conservation and community engagement in a way that will create lasting benefits for both people and places”.

Anyone wanting to follow the work or get involved can contact [email protected] or find the project as @LostPeatlands on social media.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Major peatland site restored in Neath Port Talbot: the 50-hectare Glyncorrwg site, the size of 70 rugby pitches, brought back to bog in 2024.

Restoration of ‘lost peatlands’ to combat climate change: how the first 23 hectares at Castell Nos were re-wetted with peat dams.

Lost Peatlands project key in fight against climate and nature emergencies: why the plateau above the Afan and Rhondda holds the most southerly deep peat of its size in Wales.

South Wales’s ‘Lost Peatlands’ given new lease of life: the original £1.56m Lottery award in 2021.

NEATH: Food festival back for both days this year, after Storm Amy stole last year’s Saturday

Neath‘s food festival is back in the town centre today and tomorrow, and this time it should get its Saturday.

Last year Storm Amy blew the second day away, with organisers calling it off late on the Friday night for “poor weather and excessive wind”. This year’s forecast is a mild 18 degrees both days with a chance of showers, and nothing like the winds that kept the stalls packed up.

The festival is free and runs from 10am to 5.30pm on both days. Neath Port Talbot Council, which organises it, says it brings local food producers, artisan traders and live entertainment to the streets around the town centre.

Who’s selling what, street by street

The map puts more than 40 stalls across five spots. Green Street is the sweet-tooth end: Dotty Doughnuts, the Gower Doughnut Co, Flo and Frankie’s Fudge, Fat Bottom Welsh Cakes, Marie Cresci’s Cheesecakes, Boar Valley Bakes and Baked by Jones, with Pompidou Pies, Sizzlers, The Twisted Curry Co and Cwm Deri’s wines for balance.

New Street, where the Festival Marquee sits by St Thomas’s church, has the drink and the deli: Barti Rum, the Anglesey Spirit Company, Caws Teifi cheese with Dà Mhìle Distillery, Don Levi Tequila (new this year), The Great British Cheese Company, the Original Welsh Oggie Pie Co, Sunrise Patisserie, Sumptuous Bakery and That Doughnut Place, the town’s third doughnut stall.

Angel Street has Gourmet Gower Fudge, Pont Bakehouse, Taste of the Mediterranean and the Tipsy Mule cocktail bar. Angel Square, by Morrisons, is the Hot Food Zone: Mac Daddies, Loaded Sausage Co, Steak Box, Greek Station, Scoffle Ya Waffle, Burnt Sugar Club, Festival Loaded, Harry’s Caterers, Aga Farm Heritage Breeds and newcomer The Artisan Cook.

Between the stalls there are stilt-walking chefs, juggling acts, a ukulele band and local musicians playing across the weekend. The marquee, run with 4theRegion and the NPT Food Partnership, has workshops, community conversations and sessions on local food projects.

More than 20,000 a day, when the weather holds

The festival started in 2009 and the council said last year it typically draws more than 20,000 people a day, with producers from across Wales alongside those from Neath Port Talbot.

Cllr Cen Phillips, the council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, said: “The Neath Food and Drink Festival has become one of the highlights of our events calendar and we’re delighted to welcome it back for 2026.”

“The festival is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses, experience great food and drink, and enjoy everything our town centre has to offer,” he said.

Last year’s Friday ran as planned with big crowds before the weather turned. The cancellation notice that night ended: “We hope you will join us at next year’s event.” That is this weekend.

Toilets are marked on the map at the indoor market and Victoria Gardens. The festival’s own social accounts, under NeathFoodFest, carry any changes on the day.

It follows Swansea’s free Big Food Festival on Museum Green last weekend, with 20 traders beside the National Waterfront Museum.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Neath Food and Drink Festival cancelled as Storm Amy brings high winds
The night last year’s Saturday was called off.

Crowds expected as Neath Food and Drink Festival returns this weekend
Last year’s preview and the 20,000-a-day figure.

Free street food festival back on Museum Green next weekend
Swansea’s version, the weekend before.

More Food and Drink news from Swansea Bay News
Every producer, opening and festival we cover.

PORT TALBOT: Seven chances in October to say what should go in the town’s £3m culture bid

Port Talbot‘s bid for £3m of culture money is coming to the shopping centre, the library and the football ground this month to ask one question: what should be in it?

Seven “Say It Proud” sessions run across Port Talbot and the Afan Valley from 6 October, and the partnership running the bid says the ideas people bring will shape what goes to the judges in November.

The open drop-ins start at Cwmafan Library on Friday 9 October and Aberafan Shopping Centre on Saturday 10 October. Anyone can turn up and say what they want from a year of culture in 2028.

Later in the month the bid team joins the Neath CVS roadshow at Sandfields Methodist Church on Thursday 22 October, sets up before kick-off at Trefelin Boys and Girls Club’s ground on Friday 23 October, and takes a stall at the Croeserw Family Fun Day on Thursday 29 October.

Two sessions are ticketed. The first, at the New Plaza on Tuesday 6 October, is free and aimed at artists, creatives and anyone who works or volunteers in the cultural sector. The second is a Founder Network evening with former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard at the Sand Rabbit Bar and Grill on Wednesday 14 October, with bid team members there to take ideas.

For anyone who cannot make any of them, there is a survey on the bid’s new website, porttalbottownofculture.wales.

What £3m would buy, and who Port Talbot is up against

Port Talbot and the Afan Valley were shortlisted in July, one of 15 towns picked from 398 applications. They sit in the medium-town category of the first UK Town of Culture competition alongside Pontypridd, and only one town per category goes through as a finalist.

The winner gets £3m for what the partnership describes as a year-long programme of culture in 2028. The two other finalists get £250,000 each. The full bid has to be in by 30 November, and the winner is due to be announced in February 2027.

The campaign now has a name, “Say It Proud. Port Talbot”, along with a website and social channels, a week after Gemma Charnock was named chair of the Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership. The partnership is delivering the bid, with Neath Port Talbot Council as the accountable body.

‘Port Talbot telling its own story, in its own voice’

Cllr Cen Phillips, the council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, said: “This bid is about Port Talbot telling its own story, in its own voice. We know there is an extraordinary amount of creativity, talent, passion and community spirit across our town and the Afan Valley, and we want to hear from the people who live, work and create here.”

He wants to hear “what should be included in the bid, what sorts of cultural events they’d like to see, and what they think makes Port Talbot so special”.

Ms Charnock said the town’s cultural scene was “thriving”, with community groups and organisations working to “engage more people and enrich lives through culture”. “We want to hear from those organisations, and also from individuals across Port Talbot and the Afan Valley to make sure no story goes untold,” she said.

The bid, she added, was “a unique opportunity to showcase all that this region has to offer”.

The partnership’s pitch leans on the names everyone knows, Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen, alongside the town’s street art, music and Welsh-language scene. It says the bid is about shining a light on what already exists across the town and the valley.

The engagement programme runs through October, with event details and the stories gathered along the way going out through the campaign’s website, newsletter and social channels.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Town of Culture bid gets a new chair, with £3m at stake and until 30 November to make the case
Gemma Charnock’s appointment, and the pictures the bid is built on.

Town shortlisted for UK Town of Culture, with £3m and a Welsh rival standing in the way
The July shortlisting and the Pontypridd problem.

At 88, the Margam-born star is playing the villain again
Sir Anthony Hopkins’ latest role.

More Port Talbot news from Swansea Bay News
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PORT TALBOT: Town of Culture bid gets a new chair, with £3m at stake and until 30 November to make the case

Port Talbot’s bid to become the first UK Town of Culture has a new figure at its head, with just over two months left to finish it.

Gemma Charnock has been appointed independent chair of the Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership, the body delivering the bid, with Neath Port Talbot Council acting as the accountable body.

The full bid has to be in by 30 November. If it wins, the town receives £3m for a programme of culture in 2028.

Port Talbot and the Afan Valley were shortlisted in July, one of 15 towns picked from 398 applications. That brought £60,000 to develop the full bid, and a Welsh rival, Pontypridd, in the same category.

“Our Town; Our Story”, and residents asked to shape it

The bid’s theme is “Our Town; Our Story”. The partnership says it came out of work with the community, and it wants residents, community groups, volunteers and businesses to help decide what goes into the programme.

A series of community engagement events will run in the coming weeks, up to the 30 November deadline, the partnership says. Details are on the bid’s website.

Ms Charnock said that while the bid is led by the partnership and the council, “it belongs to the community”.

“The theme ‘Our Town; Our Story’ has emerged from the voices of local people and reflects the character, creativity and resilience that define Port Talbot,” she said.

She said she wanted a bid that “not only celebrates what makes the area unique but also creates a lasting legacy for communities long beyond 2028”.

The college solicitor now steering Port Talbot’s £3m bid

Ms Charnock is vice principal of corporate services and group company secretary at NPTC Group of Colleges. She is a qualified solicitor with more than 20 years’ experience.

The partnership says she has worked with councils, the Welsh Government, employers and community organisations on regional skills, regeneration and workforce planning.

Cllr Cen Phillips, the council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, said her appointment came “at a timely point” for the bid. He said her experience would help “keep local voices at the heart of the process”.

As well as the bid, the partnership is responsible for the county borough’s culture strategy, which covers arts, heritage and the wider cultural sector.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

PORT TALBOT: Town shortlisted for UK Town of Culture, with £3m and a Welsh rival standing in the way
The July shortlisting, and the Welsh rival in the same category.

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PORT TALBOT: Princess Royal Theatre’s new name revealed by Twin Town star Di Botcher

The Princess Royal name is being retired — Port Talbot’s revamped theatre will reopen this autumn under a brand new name, revealed in a video fronted by Twin Town actor Di Botcher.

Botcher is joined by familiar faces from the town’s arts and culture scene, in a film the council says was a genuine community effort.

Among them is Wales international rugby player and local business owner Richard Hibbard, who has voiced the Giant in pantomimes at the venue, and local influencer Joel Oates.

Also featuring are Stuart Broad of Calon Films, which staged the world premiere of Iniquity Camwedd at the theatre, business owners Nigel Hunt of San Portablo and Cassius Walker Hunt of Portablo Coffi, Welsh language community figure Margaret Buckingham Jones, former drama teacher Helen John of Portablo Arts, Afan Dance and graffiti artist Jenks.

The venue is under construction on the site of the Princess Royal Theatre, which closed for a major transformation in August 2025.

Neath Port Talbot Council says the investment now stands at £18m, creating an improved venue for performances and community use along with new meeting and conference facilities.

So what will Port Talbot’s theatre be called? Yr Aelwyd — the Welsh for The Hearth, pronounced “ur eye-loyd”.

Traditionally, yr aelwyd is the heart of the Welsh home — the place to gather, share stories and make lasting memories.

https://youtu.be/orSQEpN-j-w

As part of the same investment, Port Talbot’s Civic Square is being fully re-landscaped, transforming the approach to the theatre.

The project is funded by the UK Government alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

New photos published last week showed the auditorium’s sweeping timber ceiling in place and the glass frontage glazed, with completion due this autumn.

The council says Yr Aelwyd will be a showcase for local talent and stories, reflecting the town’s industrial past and its creative future.

The council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said the name captured what the venue would represent. “The name Yr Aelwyd beautifully captures what this new venue will represent for Port Talbot – a welcoming place where people can come together to share experiences, enjoy creativity and make lasting memories,” he said.

He said the building would be more than a theatre: “It will be a focal point for our community and visitors, bringing people into the heart of the town and supporting Port Talbot’s continued regeneration.”

On the wider works, he added: “We are creating a vibrant cultural space and an improved Civic Square, with more green spaces, increased planting and a more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy.”

“This is an exciting milestone for Port Talbot, and I look forward to seeing Yr Aelwyd become a place where stories are shared, local talent is showcased and our community is brought together for generations to come,” he said.

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PORT TALBOT: First look inside the £16.9m Princess Royal Theatre revamp — as the auditorium’s timber ceiling goes in ahead of autumn opening

New photos have given a first look inside the £16.9m transformation of Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre — with the auditorium’s angled timber ceiling now in place and the building’s new glass frontage glazed.

Neath Port Talbot Council released the images as a progress update on the project, which is due for completion in the autumn.

They show the oak-panelled ceiling sweeping over the auditorium’s balcony level, with lighting, ventilation and smoke detection being fitted into the new woodwork.

Below, the auditorium floor remains a working construction site — scaffolding towers, pallets of materials and protective boarding covering the space where the seats will return.

Another image shows the full-height glazed frontage in place, looking out over the Civic Square works — where a small amphitheatre inspired by ancient Greek venues is replacing the old fountain.

Inside, first-floor rooms have been plastered, with cabling and copper pipework being installed.

The council said the building and public square were now clearly taking shape, describing the glass frontage as “a defining feature of the development”.

Work began on the 41-year-old theatre last summer, with Morgan Sindall Construction delivering the scheme on behalf of the council, funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The building is being stripped back to bare brick and remodelled for accessibility — with accessible seating on the top tier and front rows, an extended atrium foyer, expanded toilets and a new lift for wheelchair users.

The bar is being relocated to face the atrium rather than the auditorium.

Backstage, the theatre is being extended by up to three metres so performers can move between the wings without using stairs — and a lift will carry scenery directly from the car park to the stage.

The refurbishment is designed to keep the theatre’s character: timber on the balcony and main walls is being retained, sections of the original white oak stage will be reused as an internal feature, and green roofs are going on each side of the new extension.

Outside, rain gardens and new greenery will manage stormwater across the remodelled square.

Morgan Sindall has committed to a local supply chain within 40 miles of the site, with apprenticeships and student placements during the build.

The scheme — first approved by planners in December 2024 — is part of the wider regeneration of Port Talbot town centre, with the council promising further updates as the theatre “continues to evolve”.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

£16.9m restoration begins at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre
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ABERAVON: Dogs could be banned from running off-lead on prom all year under council plan

Dog owners in Aberavon could be required to keep their pets on leads along the promenade all year round under proposals from the council.

Neath Port Talbot Council wants to extend the existing “dogs on leads” rule on the seafront so that it applies throughout the year, rather than only in summer.

At present, the requirement only applies during the busier season, between 1 May and 30 September.

The proposed change forms part of a wider review of the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) covering the seafront, which are due to expire and need renewing.

The council has opened a consultation on the plans, and is asking residents and visitors for their views before any decision is made.

The existing seasonal ban on dogs from the main section of the beach between May and September would stay the same.

So too would the summer lead requirement on the promenade — the only change being consulted on is whether to extend it across the whole year.

The council said roughly half the beach currently faces restrictions, with the other half remaining dog-friendly.

It said it wanted to strike a balance between dog owners and other people who use the seafront, and was keen to hear “balanced views” from all sides.

The consultation also touches on the beach’s environmental ambitions.

Aberavon currently holds a Seaside Award — the only beach in Neath Port Talbot to do so — and the council has set its sights on the more prestigious Blue Flag status.

The council said Keep Wales Tidy had confirmed that a full dog restriction is required to meet Blue Flag standards, meaning a timed restriction — such as 9am to 6pm, as some people have requested — would not be possible.

The consultation gives people the chance to suggest alternative approaches.

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said the seafront was “one of our most valued and well-used spaces”.

“It’s important we strike the right balance between maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment for everyone, while also recognising and balancing the needs of responsible dog owners,” he said.

“This consultation is an opportunity for people to have their say and help shape how these measures are applied in the future. I would encourage anyone who uses the seafront to take part and share their views before any final decisions are made.”

PSPOs are used by councils to manage behaviour in public spaces. The orders at Aberavon have been in place since 2017 and must be reviewed every three years.

The consultation is open now, and people can have their say on the council’s website.

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PORT TALBOT: Council celebrates as Aberavon Beach Seaside Award confirmed — with a message to visitors to enjoy it responsibly

Neath Port Talbot Council has formally welcomed the confirmation that Aberavon Beach has retained its Seaside Award from Keep Wales Tidy — the blue and yellow flag that signifies a clean, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch.

Aberavon is the only beach in Neath Port Talbot to receive a Wales Coast Award this year, and one of just 15 beaches across the whole of Wales to achieve the Seaside Award specifically.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Tourism, Councillor Cen Phillips, said the award was fantastic news for residents and visitors alike.

“This is fantastic news for anyone who lives near, or visits, Aberavon Beach,” he said. “The three-mile stretch has lots on offer, whether you’re a water-sports fanatic, a keen swimmer or just enjoy a relaxing stroll along the sand.”

He said the quality of the seafront continued to draw visitors and businesses to the area, and issued a direct message about responsible use.

“It’s no surprise that Aberavon seafront attracts so many visitors and businesses, who can now continue to be reassured by the quality of their surroundings,” Councillor Phillips said. “A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to achieve this award, including by Neath Port Talbot Council beach cleaners. I hope people enjoy the area responsibly so that it remains safe and fun for all.”

The message carries particular resonance following incidents during the Easter holidays. A lifebuoy on Aberavon Beach was deliberately set on fire during a period of disorder over the bank holiday weekend — prompting a warning from South Wales Police and Port Talbot Coastguard that the vandalism “could have had dire consequences” had anyone needed rescuing from the water at the time.

Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said the awards recognised beaches meeting the highest and most consistent standards.

“Wales has some of the best beaches and marinas in the world and one of the most varied coastlines, and we are delighted to see this recognised with another successful year of Wales Coast Awards,” he said. “We would like to thank staff, volunteers and everyone else at sites across Wales who work so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.”

The Seaside Award sits within a period of significant wider investment in the Aberavon seafront. In recent years the area has seen updated public toilets, two new children’s play areas, a skateboard park, a new splash pad attraction and a multi-million pound sea defence project designed to protect the promenade for future generations.

Further improvements are in the pipeline through a major active travel scheme covering a 4.7km stretch linking the seafront with Afan Way. The multi-million pound project would deliver new and widened footways, dedicated cycle lanes on Princess Margaret Way, new Toucan and Parallel crossings, and public realm improvements around Memo Beach Café, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School.

The council said the active travel scheme is particularly important in Sandfields, where data shows fewer than half of households own a car — making safe walking and cycling routes essential for everyday journeys including school runs and trips to the beach.

Construction of the active travel scheme is targeted for 2026–27, subject to funding approval through the Regional Transport Fund. Taken together with the Seaside Award recognition, the investment signals continued ambition for Aberavon as one of south Wales’s premier coastal destinations.

The Seaside Award’s blue and yellow flag will fly above Aberavon’s three-mile stretch for another season, giving visitors and businesses confidence in the quality and management of one of Port Talbot’s most popular destinations.

The 2026 Wales Coast Awards also saw 20 Welsh beaches achieve Blue Flag status — the world’s most recognised beach award — including Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon in Gower, and Saundersfoot and Tenby Castle in Pembrokeshire.

However, the day also brought difficult news for Tenby, where North Beach lost its Blue Flag for the third time after water quality dropped from “excellent” to “good” — prompting a formal letter of complaint to Welsh Water from the area’s MP.

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PORT TALBOT: Aberavon beach wins prestigious Seaside Award
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New cycle lanes, crossings and public realm improvements planned for the seafront area.

SWANSEA: Four of Swansea’s beaches once again fly the Blue Flag
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ABERAVON: Lifebuoy set on fire during Easter holiday disorder
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Vape shop shut down after illegal stock and cannabis seized in Port Talbot

Mr. Vape, on Station Road, was hit with a closure order at Swansea Magistrates Court after repeated reports of suspicious and illegal activity — including claims the shop was selling illicit products to children.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team said the business had been linked to counterfeit and non‑tax‑paid tobacco, illegal cigarettes and oversized vapes. During a search in late 2025, officers seized illegal cigarettes, tobacco and a quantity of cannabis.

A District Judge approved the closure under Section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The shop’s owner did not attend the hearing.

The crackdown follows the UK‑wide ban on single‑use disposable vapes, which became illegal to sell on 1 June 2025.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.

I would urge anyone who cares about their community and their children’s health to report any information they have relating to illegal tobacco or vape sales.”

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First look inside Neath’s transformed Gnoll Country Park

Major changes unveiled

The transformation of Gnoll Country Park has touched almost every corner of the 240‑acre site. At its heart is a new two‑storey visitor centre, replacing the ageing building with a café, flexible event spaces and a balcony that looks out across the lake.

Families will find a dedicated soft play area inside, while outside children can explore Gnoll Towers — a woodland adventure playground of three climbing towers, the tallest rising nearly 30 feet.

Visitors looking to stay longer can now book Pond Cottage, a restored Victorian groundkeeper’s home turned dog‑friendly holiday accommodation. The cottage sleeps up to six and comes with its own gardens, a log burner fuelled by wood from the park, and views across the pond and surrounding wildlife.

Elsewhere, the ruins of Gnoll House have been consolidated, the park’s historic cascades restored to their former spectacle, and new walking routes opened up.

A bridge now links the grounds to Brynau Farm, a 57‑hectare Woodland Trust haven, extending the reach of the park into the wider Vale of Neath landscape.

Alongside the physical changes, the site has been given refreshed branding, a new website and updated interpretation materials to guide visitors through its history.

Council’s perspective

Neath Port Talbot Council says the new facilities are intended to enhance the visitor experience and increase footfall. Council leader Steve Hunt described the visitor centre as “stylish” and said Pond Cottage would provide “a unique and authentic base” for exploring the wider Vale of Neath Heritage Corridor.

Cabinet member Cen Phillips added that the project would ensure the park “continues to play a big part in Neath Port Talbot’s future.”

Historic backdrop

Gnoll Country Park has a long history dating back to Elizabethan times, when the estate was granted to the Earls of Pembroke. It later passed to the Evans family and, through marriage in 1686, to Sir Humphrey Mackworth.

Mackworth developed the estate into an industrial hub and expanded the house and gardens. His son, Herbert, continued the work, laying out the grounds as a landscaped garden and adding features such as cascades and a grotto — elements that have now been restored as part of the latest project.

Opening soon

The park is due to officially reopen next month, with the council hoping the investment will secure its place as one of Neath Port Talbot’s most popular attractions for both residents and visitors.

#brynauFarm #cllrCenPhillips #cllrSteveHunt #gnollCountryPark #gnollEstateCountryPark #gnollTowers #holidayAccommodation #neath #neathPortTalbotCouncil #pondCottage #sirHumphreyMackworth #valeOfNeath #woodlandTrust

Blue Plaques unveiled for Richard and Philip Burton in Neath Port Talbot

The unveiling ceremonies took place on 10 November, with Richard Burton’s plaque revealed by his daughter Kate and granddaughter Charlotte. Family members, admirers and the local community gathered to mark the centenary of one of Wales’s most celebrated performers.

Richard Burton, born in Pontrhydyfen, rose from humble beginnings to international stardom. Discovered by his teacher Philip Burton — who adopted him to improve his chances of studying at Oxford — Richard went on to become a Shakespearean leading man, a Hollywood star in films such as Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and the voice behind recordings including Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds.

Philip Burton, also recognised with a Blue Plaque, played a pivotal role in nurturing Richard’s talent. He later became a radio producer and theatre director, working across the UK and USA, and co‑founded the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“The Blue Plaques recognise and celebrate two men who are integral to our history in Neath Port Talbot. Both went on to achieve international acclaim, yet stayed true to their Welsh roots and represent the kind of grit, passion and community spirit we are immensely proud of here in the region.”

Charlotte Burton added:

“The Blue Plaques are an honour for my grandfather’s legacy. As a family, it is truly heartwarming to see how precious he continues to be to the local community who raised him.”

Centenary celebrations continue

The unveiling is part of a wider programme marking Richard Burton’s centenary year. Events include poetry and play readings in Port Talbot and London, a lecture at the Richard Burton Archives, and a guided walking tour of the Richard Burton Trails.

Highlights also include the sold‑out Richard Burton Centenary Gala at Margam Country Park on 14 November, featuring performances from Michael Sheen, Jeff Wayne, the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre and actor Nansi Adams. In December, the British Film Institute will host a retrospective season Richard Burton: Muse of Fire at BFI Southbank in London.

The celebrations conclude with award‑winning Welsh actor Matthew Rhys performing Playing Burton at Bethel Chapel Café — his first return to the Welsh stage in over 20 years.

For full details, visit richardburton100.org.

#BluePlaque #CllrCenPhillips #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PhilipBurton #Pontrhydyfen #PortTalbot #RichardBurton #RichardBurtonCentenary

Four Neath Port Talbot vape shops shut down in crackdown on illegal sales

A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved three‑month closure orders against:

• Vape Land, Commercial Road, Taibach
• Vape Zone, Queen Street, Neath
• Classic Vape, Station Road, Port Talbot
• Pontardawe Vape, James Street, Pontardawe

It is the second time in six months that Vape Land has been issued with a closure order.

Pattern of illegal sales

The court heard that test purchases and inspections over the past two years had repeatedly found counterfeit cigarettes, non‑tax‑paid tobacco and oversized or non‑compliant vapes on sale.

In September, joint inspections by South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards and Waste Enforcement Officers led to seizures of vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes. Further complaints were also received about sales to under‑18s.

Despite being notified of the council’s intention to apply for closure orders, the owners of Vape Land, Vape Zone and Pontardawe Vape did not attend their hearings. Classic Vape’s new owner contested the application, but the judge accepted the council’s evidence that the business had changed hands repeatedly following inspections.

What Trading Standards do

Trading Standards teams work to protect consumers and communities by tackling illegal, unsafe or unfair trading practices. Their work includes:

• Carrying out test purchases to check if shops sell age‑restricted products like tobacco, alcohol or vapes to under‑18s
• Inspecting premises for counterfeit or non‑compliant goods
• Seizing unsafe or illegal products, including oversized or disposable vapes
• Taking enforcement action through the courts, including closure orders
• Advising businesses on compliance with consumer protection laws

Residents can report concerns about illegal sales to their local council’s Trading Standards team.

Wider crackdown

The closures come just days after Swansea Magistrates extended closure orders on vape shops in the city, underlining a wider regional clampdown on illegal sales.

Since June 2025, the sale of disposable single‑use vapes has been banned across the UK. The ban was introduced to tackle environmental concerns and to protect children and young people, with many illicit products found in child‑appealing packaging and flavours.

Council response

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.”

He urged residents to report any information about illegal tobacco or vape sales to the council.

More on Trading Standards

From vape shop closures to counterfeit goods crackdowns, our Trading Standards coverage follows the teams working to protect communities across South West Wales.

Browse all Trading Standards stories →

#ClassicVape #CllrCenPhillips #counterfeitCigarettes #illegalTobacco #illegalVapes #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweVape #PortTalbot #QueenStreet #Taibach #TradingStandards #VapeLand

Blockbusters come to Pontardawe as new cinema opens

First screenings announced

The redeveloped 74‑seat cinema launches with a trio of films:

• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG)
• Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U)
• TRON: Ares (12A)

Tickets are available now at pontardaweartscentre.com.

State‑of‑the‑art facilities

The venue now boasts cutting‑edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating, offering a high‑quality viewing experience in the heart of Pontardawe.

For the first time, audiences will be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases locally. The cinema will also host relaxed screenings designed to provide a calm and inclusive environment for people with a range of impairments.

Café bar and theatre upgrades

Visitors will also benefit from a new modern café bar, open to all, while the theatre itself has seen upgrades including new balcony seating, improved lighting and cosmetic enhancements.

The redevelopment builds on the centre’s varied programme of film, music, comedy and theatre, cementing its role as a cultural hub for the community.

Backed by major investment

The project was supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales lottery funding, Neath Port Talbot Council’s capital programme, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“This fantastic redevelopment means we can now screen the latest blockbuster films right here in Pontardawe. We’re incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government for their support in making this vision a reality.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added:

“High‑quality venues like this are vital for our town centres – they bring people in, support local businesses, and create a real sense of place.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said the £600,000 investment would “strengthen the cultural life of the community” and ensure the centre thrives as part of a vibrant arts landscape across Wales.

Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said more than £1.2m of Transforming Towns funding had been invested, “strengthening the social and cultural fabric that makes our towns vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.”

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#ArtsCouncilWales #bar #caféBar #caféBar #cafe #cinema #CllrCenPhillips #CllrSteveHunt #films #JayneBryantMS #movies #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweArtsCentre #TransformingTowns #UKSharedProsperityFund #WelshGovernment

Crowds expected as Neath Food and Drink Festival returns this weekend

The two‑day event, organised by Neath Port Talbot Council, has become one of the area’s biggest draws since it began in 2009. Organisers say more than 20,000 people a day typically attend, with food and drink producers from across Wales joining the line‑up.

Local and Welsh producers on show

Among the exhibitors this year are:

• Toca Vida Gin, distilled in the Vale of Glamorgan.
• Mac Daddies, serving gourmet macaroni and cheese.
• Popty Cara, a Pembrokeshire bakery known for traditional Welsh cakes and gingerbread.
• Harry’s Hog Roast from Llanelli, alongside Cwm Deri Wines and Liqueurs.

Council highlights festival’s growth

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Since starting in 2009, the Neath Food and Drink Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of its kind in Wales, drawing crowds of more than 20,000 visitors each day. With food and drink from Neath Port Talbot, across Wales and further afield, there will be something for everyone.”

Practical details for visitors

• 📍 Location: Neath town centre
• 📅 Dates: Friday 3 & Saturday 4 October 2025
• 🕙 Times: 10am–5.30pm both days

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#CllrCenPhillips #CwmDeriWinesAndLiqueurs #foodDrink #foodAndDrinkProducers #foodFestival #HarrySHogRoast #MacDaddies #Neath #NeathFoodAndDrinkFestival #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathTownCentre #PoptyCara #TocaVidaGin

Port Talbot trader branded ‘epitome of a rogue trader’ after Trading Standards probe

Wayne John Phillips, 56, of Lingfield Avenue, Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to six offences under the Fraud Act 2006 after an investigation by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards team.

Between April 2021 and December 2023, Phillips, trading as WJP Electrical, was contracted by homeowners to carry out refurbishment and rewiring work worth around £14,000. He provided written quotations bearing the logo of NICEIC — the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors — despite not being registered with the body or holding any electrical qualifications.

Work began on three properties but was never completed. An expert later found the work to be extremely poor and potentially dangerous.

Judge: “Like someone with a Biology A‑Level claiming to be a doctor”

Phillips first appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court in July, where magistrates committed the case to Crown Court for sentencing.

At Swansea Crown Court on 25 September, Judge Paul Thomas KC told Phillips he was the “epitome of a rogue trader”, adding that his claims to be an electrician were “tantamount to someone with a Biology A‑Level claiming to be a doctor”.

Allowing a 30% credit for his early guilty plea, Judge Thomas sentenced Phillips to:

• 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
• 15 days of rehabilitation activity
• 200 hours of unpaid work
• A £156 victim surcharge

Trading Standards warning

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Rogue traders such as Mr Phillips do not see the obligations they have to their customers, only seeing them as a means to financial gain.

Trading Standards take a hard line on investigating businesses that flout the law and target the vulnerable. The service is promoting a national trading standards run trader approval scheme called Buy With Confidence. Legitimate and responsible traders are encouraged to make enquiries with the department to join the scheme. Consumers should check the Buy With Confidence website for approved traders.”

Residents who suspect rogue trading are urged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh‑language advice).

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#builder #CllrCenPhillips #construction #electrician #NationalInspectionCouncilForElectricalInstallationContractors #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #plumbing #PortTalbot #rogueTrader #TradingStandards #WJPElectrical

Matthew Rhys to bring acclaimed Burton play to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot as part of Welsh stage return

The Cardiff‑born star, best known for his Emmy‑winning role in The Americans, will perform Playing Burton, a one‑man play about the life of Richard Burton, as part of the RB100 centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Port Talbot‑born actor’s birth.

The production, written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award‑winner Bartlett Sher, explores Burton’s rise from his South Wales roots to international stardom, his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and his struggles with alcoholism.

Swansea Grand Theatre dates

Rhys will take to the stage at Swansea Grand Theatre on 24 and 25 November, with both shows followed by a special Q&A alongside fellow Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who has spearheaded the creation of the new Welsh National Theatre.

Pontrhydyfen finale

The tour will culminate in a special performance at Bethel Chapel Café in Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, on 26 November — the village where Burton was born and raised. The event will close the centenary celebrations in the community that shaped him.

Local pride in Burton’s legacy

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the centenary was a chance to celebrate Burton’s enduring influence:

“Richard Burton’s career spanned decades and instilled a life‑long love of performing arts within millions. He remained proud of his Port Talbot roots throughout it all, and we hope these performances encourage and inspire more people to engage with the arts in Wales.

It feels as though Burton is passing the torch to the Welsh National Theatre to continue representing Wales on the international stage.”

Supporting Welsh National Theatre

All proceeds from the tour will go towards supporting the Welsh National Theatre, founded by Michael Sheen to create new opportunities for Welsh talent.

Rhys said returning to Wales to play Burton was deeply personal:

“The reason I wanted to act was because of Richard Burton. He blazed the trail for us all and showed us it was possible.”

Tickets

Tickets for Playing Burton are on sale now via the Welsh National Theatre website: welshnationaltheatre.com/playing-burton.

Related Richard Burton stories

Young poet sought to honour Richard Burton’s mentor
A new commission invites poets aged 16–25 to celebrate Philip Burton, the teacher who discovered and nurtured Richard Burton’s talent.

New book shines spotlight on the inspirational teacher who made Richard Burton
Historian Angela John’s biography explores the life of Philip Burton, the man who transformed a miner’s son from Pontrhydyfen into a global star.

Neath Port Talbot celebrates RB100: the Richard Burton Centenary
Trails, talks and performances mark 100 years since Burton’s birth, celebrating his legacy in the Dramatic Heart of Wales.

New Richard Burton exhibition tells the story of an international star
A major exhibition, supported by Swansea University, reveals the man behind the headlines through diaries, papers and personal objects.

#BethelChapelCafé #CllrCenPhillips #GrandTheatre #MatthewRhys #MichaelSheen #Pontrhydyfen #RichardBurton #RichardBurtonCentenary #theatre #WelshNationalTheatre

Neath Port Talbot backs voluntary ban on flying ring toys to protect seals and marine life

At a full council meeting on 17 September, members approved a notice of motion calling for the sale, purchase and use of flying rings to be discouraged on council‑owned beaches. The motion also endorsed a national campaign for a UK‑wide ban and instructed Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt to write to both the Welsh and UK Governments in support of legislation.

The lightweight plastic toys, often mistaken for frisbees, have been linked to serious injuries and deaths among seals. When lost or discarded at sea, the rings can become lodged around the animals’ necks, cutting into their skin as they grow. Rehabilitation, when possible, can cost up to £15,000 per animal.

Cllr Robert Wood, who proposed the motion, said:

“This voluntary ban reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of our coastal ecosystems. We hope residents and visitors will support this initiative and help us make our beaches safer for wildlife.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, who seconded the motion, added:

“Flying ring toys are often treated as disposable, and when they end up in the sea, they pose a real threat to seals and other marine life. We’re asking beachgoers to choose safer alternatives and help us protect these incredible animals.”

Growing campaign across South Wales

The decision follows similar action taken earlier this year by Swansea Council, which urged beach‑goers to back a voluntary ban after passing its own motion. Conservationists from the Gower Seal Group have been working with schools and businesses to highlight the dangers, warning that seals’ natural curiosity can quickly turn deadly when they encounter flying rings.

The issue has sparked widespread public concern, with more than 43,000 people signing a national petition and the UK Seal Alliance leading calls for a ban.

Neath Port Talbot Council said it will promote the initiative through its media channels to raise awareness among residents and visitors. While the ban is voluntary and carries no penalties, councillors hope it will encourage retailers to withdraw the toys and beach users to avoid them altogether.

Neath Port Talbot now joins Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan among councils in Wales taking action to protect seals and coastal wildlife.

For more information or to support the campaign, residents can contact the council’s Countryside & Wildlife Team at [email protected].

#CllrCenPhillips #CllrRobertWood #CllrSteveHunt #Environment #flyingRing #GowerSealGroup #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #ringFrisbee #Seal #UKSealAlliance

Illegal vapes, fake dolls and tobacco stash seized in Neath Port Talbot raids

Trading Standards officers, working alongside the council’s Waste Enforcement Team and South Wales Police, carried out a series of raids after receiving intelligence about the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.

Illicit tobacco was discovered hidden in business premises and vehicles parked nearby, with sniffer dogs used to detect the concealments. Officers also found disposable vapes openly on sale, along with counterfeit “Labubu” dolls which are believed to flout safety laws and could pose risks to children.

A follow‑up visit to another premises uncovered further illegal vapes and fake toys. Two vehicles were seized during the operation, which also led to the identification of a man who had failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for waste offences. He has since paid the outstanding fine.

The raids form part of a wider crackdown by Trading Standards in recent months, which has already seen closure orders and prosecutions. One case is due for sentencing at Swansea Crown Court in October.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the results showed the value of agencies working together:

“This operation demonstrates the benefits of inter‑agency information sharing and cooperation.

These businesses are wilfully undermining efforts to protect the health and safety of the public at large by selling dangerous and illegal products. By hiding their wares they are fully aware of the illegality of their actions.”

Investigations into the seized goods are continuing.

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit tobacco or illegal vapes is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

#CllrCenPhillips #fakeLabubu #fakeToys #illegalCigarettes #illegalVapes #IllicitTobacco #Labubu #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #TradingStandards #WasteEnforcement

Young poet sought to honour Richard Burton’s mentor in centenary commission

The commission is part of the Richard Burton Centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Afan Valley‑born star of stage and screen was born in Pontrhydyfen in 1925.

Working with Literature Wales, organisers are inviting poets aged 16–25 to submit an original poem celebrating the life of Philip Burton — the schoolteacher who discovered Richard’s talent, encouraged him to stay in education, and later adopted him to improve his chances of winning a place at Oxford.

Philip Burton’s influence on the young actor included vocal training, coaching, and nurturing his literary and acting ambitions. His role has been highlighted in recent years through Angela John’s biography Behind the Scenes: the Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton and Severn Screen’s Mr Burton film.

Celebrating the power of mentors

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said the commission was an opportunity to recognise the impact of teachers, mentors and parents in supporting creative talent.

“Philip Burton didn’t have to take Richard on, he didn’t owe him anything; he simply saw a boy with immense talent, living in difficult circumstances, and gave him a chance,” he said.

“During the Centenary year, we want to recognise and celebrate the impact that mentors, teachers and parents can have on budding creatives, especially here in Neath Port Talbot where creativity runs deep.”

How to apply

The winning poet will receive a £500 commission to complete their work, which will be performed at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at Philip Burton’s former home on Monday 10 November.

Poems can be submitted in English or Welsh, and no previous experience is required. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] by 30 September.

Full details are available on the Richard Burton Centenary website.

#CllrCenPhillips #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PhilipBurton #poetry #Pontrhydyfen #RichardBurton #RichardBurtonCentenary

Council publishes findings of Pontardawe swimming pool feasibility study

Consultants are recommending a traditional build and forecasting running cost savings of around £279,000 a year compared to the old facility.

Neath Port Talbot Council will present the findings of a feasibility study into a replacement swimming pool for Pontardawe at its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 3 September.

The study identifies a preferred location north of the existing Pontardawe Leisure Centre, on the site of the current tennis courts and a small play park. Consultants say this site offers the best operational advantages, allowing shared staffing and facilities with the leisure centre.

The proposed new pool would feature a six-lane, 25-metre pool with a learner pool, alongside a sauna and steam room. Because the pool would link directly to the existing leisure centre, no additional reception or studio space would be required, reducing overall costs.

Consultants also compared a lower-cost membrane-covered pool promoted by Swim England with a traditional build. The report recommends a traditional construction due to its longer design life and lower risk profile.

According to the feasibility study, the new facility could operate at around £279,000 less per year than the former pool, mainly due to energy efficiencies and shared staffing.

The total estimated build cost is £14.9 million. Efficiency savings could support approximately £4 million through prudential borrowing, leaving a £10.8 million funding shortfall with no external funding identified at this stage.

The former Pontardawe Swimming Pool was permanently closed in May 2024 after surveys confirmed it was unsafe, and the building has since been demolished. A Cabinet report at the time noted the closure had a “significant impact on Valley Communities”.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said:
“We commissioned the feasibility study because we understand how important swimming provision is to the people of Pontardawe and the surrounding area. The completion of the study is a step forward and it strengthens our ability to secure funding in the future.

“We will continue to explore all available avenues to secure the necessary funding.”

The full Cabinet report and feasibility study can be viewed on the Neath Port Talbot Council website.

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£16.9m restoration begins at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre

The 40-year-old theatre, attached to the town’s civic centre, is being overhauled by Morgan Sindall Construction on behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council via the South West Wales framework. Funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the scheme is part of wider town centre regeneration and is due for completion in autumn 2026.

The building will be stripped back to bare brick and remodelled to improve customer flow and accessibility. Plans include accessible seating on the top tier and front rows, an extended atrium foyer, expanded toilets, a new lift for wheelchair users, and relocating the bar to face the atrium rather than the auditorium.

Backstage, the theatre will be extended by up to three metres to allow performers to move discreetly between wings without using stairs, expanding the range of shows the venue can host. A lift will transport scenery directly from the car park to the stage, removing the need to carry large props via outdoor steps.

Outside, the existing fountain will make way for a small amphitheatre inspired by Ancient Greek venues to enable summer events. Rain gardens and additional greenery will manage stormwater and boost biodiversity, with selected paving replaced by sustainable landscaping.

The refurbishment preserves the theatre’s character by recycling and repairing materials where possible. The original white oak stage will be replaced with a one-inch-thick ply stage painted black, while sections of the old stage will be reused as an internal feature. Timber on the balcony and main walls will be retained to maintain the venue’s historic feel, and green roofs will be installed on each side of the new extension.

Morgan Sindall plans to use a local supply chain within 40 miles, alongside apprenticeships and student placements to deliver social value during construction. Public works will be phased to keep access open to the town and maintain car parking throughout the project.

Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “It’s an astounding achievement to start works on Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre. This building is a real cornerstone of the Port Talbot community, so we can’t wait to give it a new lease of life, all while getting to know the community along the way. We’re working closely with Neath Port Talbot Council to make sure we deliver a refurbishment that can give the local area a boost and attract some incredible acts to enjoy the upgraded facilities.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “The Princess Royal Theatre holds a special place in the heart of Port Talbot, and this transformation marks a positive step forward in our wider regeneration plans for the town centre. By investing in this much-loved venue, we’re not only preserving its legacy but also creating a more accessible, vibrant space that can host a broader range of acts.”

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Port Talbot restaurant shut down over cockroach infestation and filthy conditions

The Mirchi Masalla restaurant, located on Commercial Road in Taibach, was issued with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on 21 July 2025 by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Food Safety and Health Protection team.

During a routine inspection, officers found the premises in a “filthy” state, with evidence of live cockroaches and poor hygiene standards. The notice required the business to shut immediately.

Following the inspection, Swansea Magistrates Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming the closure and preventing the restaurant from reopening until the council is satisfied that the public health risk has been removed.

The restaurant, which had been operating seven days a week, will remain closed while the food business operator works with the council to make necessary improvements.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Our officers took action to prevent this food business from operating to protect members of the public whose health was being put at risk. Officers are now monitoring the position to ensure the order is upheld and the business will not reopen until this authority is satisfied an imminent public health risk is removed.”

Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that food safety standards are met before the business is allowed to resume trading.

#CllrCenPhillips #cockroaches #EnvironmentalHealth #foodHygiene #IndianRestaurant #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Taibach

Illegal disposable vapes seized from Neath Port Talbot shops

Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards have confiscated dozens of illegal disposable vapes still being sold in local shops — despite a nationwide ban that came into force on 1 June 2025.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited two premises in the area and discovered 67 single-use vapes on sale. The businesses voluntarily surrendered the items, which will now be safely disposed of in line with environmental regulations.

The ban, introduced under the Environmental Protection (Single Use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024, is part of a wider UK effort to reduce environmental harm and protect children from underage vaping. Disposable vapes are considered non-compliant if they are not refillable or rechargeable, or if their coils and pods cannot be easily replaced.

“The ban on disposable vapes is there to protect the public and the environment and has been well publicised,” said Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing. “Disposable vapes are a significant problem, as they contain hazardous materials which are difficult to safely dispose of and because they are frequently purchased by under-18s.”

The businesses involved will receive formal warning letters, with potential penalties including fixed fines or prosecution if found selling banned products again.

Residents with concerns about illegal vape sales or underage purchases are urged to contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh speakers), or email [email protected].

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Taibach vape shop shut down after selling illegal cigarettes and vapes

A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved the closure of Vape Land in Commercial Road, Taibach, under Section 80 Of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team say the premises had been selling counterfeit and non-tax paid tobacco and cigarettes as well as Illegal and oversized vapes on a number of occasions since June of last year.

A Senior Investigations Officer from the council’s Trading Standards Team gave the District Judge a brief history of Vape Land, explaining that on June 12th, 2024 a test purchase of a pouch of Amber Leaf hand rolling tobacco was made by colleagues as part of a national operation – trademark holders later confirmed the tobacco to be counterfeit.

In August 2024, South Wales Police and Neath Port Talbot Council Enforcement Officers conducted an inspection at Vape Land which led to vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes being seized.

The District Judge was further told more complaints were received regarding the sale of non-compliant single use vapes, cigarettes and tobacco and the sale of vapes to people under 18.

As a result, a further operation with South Wales Police took place in April of this year during which vapes, cigarettes and leaf tobacco were seized. All the single use vapes seized were found to contain far in excess of the fluid allowed for such products.

The District Judge agreed to the closure order at a hearing on June 12th, 2025 after being told by the investigations officer it was the council’s view that unless the shop was closed the nuisance would not stop.

The court heard the person who has been leasing the shop since April 2024 could not be traced for interview.

The sale and supply of single-use (disposable) vapes across the UK became illegal on June 1, 2025. This ban applies to all businesses, both online and in-store, regardless of whether the vapes contain nicotine. 

The rationale behind the ban is to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are often discarded improperly and contain harmful substances. The ban also aims to protect children and young people, as disposable vapes are seen as appealing to underage vapers. 

Non-compliant single use vapes of the type found at Vape Land are often in colourful, child-appealing packaging and flavours. The consequences to the mental health of the impressionable children purchasing these vapes can be long term and very serious.

The NPT Council Senior Investigations Officer told the District Judge: “The business which was trading from this premises was operating with blatant disregard to the consequences the children would suffer due to accessing these vapes.”

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips said: “I commend our Trading Standards Officers for achieving this closure order and I would urge anyone who cares about their community and their children’s health to report any information they have relating to illegal tobacco or vape sales.”

#CllrCenPhillips #illegalCigarettes #illegalVapes #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Taibach #TradingStandards

Margam Country Park commemorates VE Day 80 with moving tribute

In partnership with the Friends of Margam Park, staff and volunteers have worked together to create a series of installations, exhibitions and commemorative displays that will be open to the public from late April through September, encompassing both VE Day on the 8th May and VJ Day on the 14th August.

Inside Margam Castle, visitors will find the Entrance Hall beautifully decorated with hand-knitted and crocheted red poppies arranged around the fireplace. The staircase hall will feature red poppies, white paper doves and VE Day 80 flags in a display designed to symbolise both remembrance and peace.

Historic photographs from VE Day celebrations, from the 8th May 1945, will be on display, accompanied by atmospheric audio recordings – including Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech, music from the 1940s and memories of local residents who lived through war years.

One of the most ambitious elements of the tribute will be found near the Castle Terrace, where more than 3,000 handmade poppies crafted from upcycled plastic bottle ends and individually painted, will be installed on Monday 28th April. Park staff, volunteers and the Friends of Margam Park will work together to place each poppy by hand, creating a striking sea of red across the landscape. The poppies will remain in place until the 12th May.

Margam’s on-site café, Charlotte’s Pantry, will also take part in the commemoration. From the 28th April each table will feature a small-scale version of the photo exhibition, allowing visitors to quietly reflect while enjoying refreshments. There will also be a VE Day 80 ‘Street Party’ in Charlotte’s Pantry on the 8th May.

Additionally, Charlotte’s Pantry will be serving fish and chips, a nostalgic nod to one of the few foods that remained unrationed during World War Two, helping to boost morale.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “VE Day is an important opportunity to pause and reflect on a generation that endured so much. By marking the occasion we are remembering their stories, celebrating their resilience and giving our local communities a way to come together in tribute. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of Margam Park and volunteers for their support with this installation.”

The display inside Margam Castle will be in place from Monday 28 April and will remain open until the 9th September. The external poppy installation will begin on Monday 28 April and will be in situation along the Broadwalk steps and Castle Terrace for two weeks.

#CllrCenPhillips #Margam #MargamCastle #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #VEDay #Veterans

Council to target owners of abandoned buildings in new crackdown

Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet agreed to fund two extra officers to specifically deal with empty non-residential and commercial properties through both proactive and reactive enforcement work.

The Cabinet heard the Environmental Health Team was under increasing pressure due to a wide range of issues and, as a result, dealing with empty residential properties has been given priority over enforcement action regarding non-residential or commercial properties.

These pressures include new laws which have seen private rented housing inspections soaring, poor housing conditions linked to the cost of living crisis in which landlords are unable to afford and manage repairs, and calls for help over noise and statutory nuisance issues.

Also, public demand for enforcement regarding empty residential properties is significant. The service is currently operating a priority-based system for residential properties with a waiting list having developed made up of derelict and unsightly properties requiring targeted action.

The council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Empty non-residential and or commercial properties can pose health and safety risks and other issues including anti-social behaviour, fire setting and substance misuse.

“Tackling the problems caused by these properties, as well having benefits for our communities, also ties in with our broader regeneration strategies for our towns, valleys and villages. Doing nothing is not an option.” 

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added: “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to raise a budget for these new posts and it’s important we begin addressing as soon as possible the problems associated with those commercial or non-residential buildings which are blighting our communities in Neath Port Talbot.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#CllrAlunLlewellyn #CllrCenPhillips #emptyBuildings #emptyShops #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil