#cllr-steve-hunt — Public Fediverse posts

NEATH PORT TALBOT: Scott Jones is the new council leader, three weeks after Steve Hunt quit

Neath Port Talbot Council has a new leader. Cllr Scott Jones, the Independent councillor for Gwynfi and Croeserw, was confirmed in the job at a full council meeting on Wednesday (14 October).

He takes over from Cllr Steve Hunt, who quit last month. Cllr Hunt said he was going for personal reasons, but also admitted he had got so drunk at an invitation-only event that he fell over, and that he had said he wanted to “wipe out” Plaid Cymru, the Independents’ partners in the ruling coalition.

Until Wednesday Cllr Jones was the cabinet member for Streetscene, the department that covers bins, recycling, roads, parks and flood defences. Readers will know him as the councillor quoted whenever the council takes a fly-tipper to court.

“Fair funding” first, says the new leader

The council says “fair funding and protecting vital services” will be at the top of his agenda, and that he wants the county borough to be “stronger, fairer and more resilient”.

“A key and immediate priority will be to make the strongest possible case for a fair and sustainable budget settlement for Neath Port Talbot Council,” he told the chamber. “The financial pressures facing local government remain significant, and we will work constructively with our partners to secure the resources needed to protect vital services and support the people who rely on them.”

It is the same fight his predecessor picked. Cllr Hunt used his reappointment in 2024 to warn the Welsh Government over the money the council gets, and said the night he fell over that his criticism had been aimed at Welsh Government spending decisions.

“Leadership is never about one individual”

Cllr Jones told councillors his time running Streetscene had shaped how he would lead. “As Cabinet Member for Streetscene, I have worked alongside dedicated officers and councillors to secure investment in our communities, improve parks and public spaces, strengthen flood defences, deliver environmental improvements and exceed Welsh Government recycling targets,” he said.

“Those achievements were made possible by teamwork, partnership working and a clear focus on delivering practical results for residents. They have reinforced my belief that effective leadership is never about one individual.”

He added: “It is about bringing people together, supporting them and creating the conditions for everyone to contribute. That principle will guide my approach to leading the Council.”

The council says he will also deliver “collaborative leadership” and the coalition’s priorities. Its announcement does not say whether anyone stood against him or how councillors voted.

Carl Jordan takes Streetscene, and a first cabinet next week

Cllr Carl Jordan becomes the cabinet member for Streetscene in his place, the council says. Deputy leader Cllr Alun Llewelyn, of Plaid Cymru, had been carrying out the leader’s duties since Cllr Hunt stepped down on 21 September.

Cllr Jones inherits the Rainbow Coalition of Independent, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat and Green councillors that took over in 2022, the first administration not run by Labour since the council was created in 1996.

His first cabinet meeting as leader is next Wednesday (21 October), when it decides whether to consult on 32 more places for children with additional learning needs at two schools the council is still building, with no money yet found to run them.

Cllr Hunt stays on as the Independent councillor for Crynant, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters. He had been reappointed leader at every annual meeting since 2022, most recently in May.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

NEATH PORT TALBOT: Council leader Steve Hunt quits and admits he got so drunk he fell over
Why the job was vacant: the resignation, the gin, and the Plaid remark.

NEATH PORT TALBOT: “Nearly all” specialist places are full, so the council wants 32 more for autistic pupils
The first big decision on the new leader’s cabinet agenda.

Improvements for ‘towns, villages and valleys’ priority for new Neath Port Talbot coalition cabinet
How the Rainbow Coalition set out its stall in 2022.

Reappointed council leader vows to fight for more funding
The funding fight Cllr Jones has now taken on.

More Neath Port Talbot Council news
Every decision from the civic centres in Port Talbot and Neath.

NEATH PORT TALBOT: Council leader Steve Hunt quits and admits he got so drunk he fell over

Neath Port Talbot‘s council leader has stepped down, and admitted he got so drunk at a private function that he fell over.

The council announced on Monday that Cllr Steve Hunt had resigned as leader for personal reasons.

In the council’s statement, he said the role carried “a significant level of responsibility, time and commitment”, and whoever held it should be able to give it “the full attention and dedication it deserves”.

He said: “For personal reasons, I no longer have the time and capacity required to give the role the commitment necessary to do it justice.”

He added: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly, and I remain committed to serving the people of Neath Port Talbot.”

But in a fuller statement of his own, the Independent councillor admitted he “drank far too much alcohol” at an invitation-only event and “did fall over later in the evening”.

He said: “I am not proud of that and I accept that, as someone holding a senior elected position, I should have exercised better judgement.”

He also admitted saying he wanted to “wipe out” Plaid Cymru politically, the party that has run the council with his Independents since 2022.

He said the heated discussions were about the Wales Communities First Independent Party, which he has registered.

He said: “That was an inappropriate political comment made while I was intoxicated, and I accept responsibility for it.”

He said the remark should be understood as “political banter and disagreement at the end of a long evening, rather than as a threat”. He apologised “unreservedly” to the Plaid Cymru group leader the following morning.

He said he had since sought views from senior colleagues in the Welsh Local Government Association, and understood that former Rhondda Cynon Taf Council leader Andrew Morgan, who was also at the event, had described his conduct as exemplary apart from the fact that he was drunk.

Hunt denies gin brag and attacking the Welsh language

Cllr Hunt rejected claims he had bragged about drinking a whole bottle of gin.

He said he had told people he “had drunk a considerable amount of gin”, but only to explain why he was so intoxicated.

He also “strongly” rejected suggestions he had criticised the Welsh language or described spending on it as a “waste of time”.

He said his three children had gone to Welsh-medium schools, and he had done a year-long course to learn Welsh himself.

His criticism that night, he said, was aimed at Welsh Government spending decisions, including the Revenue Support Grant and Additional Learning Needs provision, not at the language.

Seven Sisters councillor says he had already decided to quit

Cllr Hunt said he was aware a coalition meeting had been held to discuss his conduct. But he said he had already decided to resign, for personal reasons he had discussed with the council’s chief executive.

He said the job was “extremely demanding”, he had been dealing with family matters, and he had used the event “as an opportunity to switch off from those pressures”.

He added: “That explains the circumstances; it does not excuse my behaviour.”

He will stay on as the Independent councillor for Crynant, Onllwyn and Seven Sisters.

Plaid Cymru’s Alun Llewelyn runs Neath Port Talbot until 14 October

Deputy leader Cllr Alun Llewelyn will carry out the leader’s functions until the post is filled, the council says. A new leader will be appointed at a full council meeting currently scheduled for 14 October.

Cllr Hunt became leader in 2022 at the head of a Rainbow Coalition of Independent, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat and Green councillors, the first administration not run by Labour since the council was created in 1996.

He was reappointed at every annual meeting since, most recently in May. In February he wrote to the Welsh Rugby Union warning that cutting the Ospreys would “disenfranchise a significant supporter base”.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Improvements for ‘towns, villages and valleys’ priority for new Neath Port Talbot coalition cabinet
How the Rainbow Coalition set out its stall in 2022.

Reappointed council leader vows to fight for more funding
Cllr Hunt’s 2024 warning over Welsh Government money.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader wades into Ospreys row with blistering warning to WRU
His February letter to the Welsh Rugby Union.

Cllr Steve Hunt
Every story on the former leader.

BONNIE TYLER: Neath Port Talbot mourns ‘Gaynor’ — 15 years after making her a Freewoman of the borough

Neath Port Talbot Council has paid tribute to Bonnie Tyler, marking 15 years since the Skewen singer was granted the Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony at the Princess Royal Theatre.

Mayor Cllr Alan Lockyer and council leader Cllr Steve Hunt said they were “extremely saddened” by her death, describing her journey “from humble beginnings to worldwide stardom” as an inspiration.

“Starting out as Gaynor Hopkins, a talented young lady from Skewen,” their statement began — using the name she was born with, and the one her family knew her by.

The honour, they said, recognised her contribution to music “as well as being a global ambassador for the area”.

“Despite living abroad for many years, Bonnie Tyler always spoke very fondly about her roots and continued to be a cherished and celebrated figure locally,” they added. “Our thoughts are with Gaynor’s family and the millions of Bonnie Tyler fans around the world.”

Tyler died in hospital in Portugal on Wednesday night, aged 75, two months after emergency surgery.

Her local councillor in Skewen, Helen Ceri Clarke, said villagers “have always been really proud of her, and she’s always been really proud of coming from Skewen”.

“She’s always said Skewen, rather than Neath, is where she’s from,” Cllr Clarke said, adding that the older generation in the village still trade stories about her. “75 is no age these days.”

The musician and broadcaster Owen Money, who knew her before she was famous, said he had been in disbelief at the news.

He told the BBC he had known her “since before she was famous, in the late 60s when she was starting out in Swansea” — and that she was “one of those ladies who just loved life”.

“She’s like family really,” he said. “I was up her house last summer and the first thing she did was open a bottle of champagne.”

Swansea Bay Radio’s Siany Martin said she was “absolutely gutted”, calling Tyler “the voice, the hair, the drama, the power ballads — the full Welsh icon energy”.

“Her music was never just background music,” she wrote. “It was the kind you felt in your bones.”

Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, said Tyler “took her extraordinary talent from South Wales to the world, yet she never lost the warmth, humour and pride in her Welsh roots”.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart called her “a truly authentic Swansea person on and off the stage”, adding: “My heart goes out to Bobbie and the family” — the name friends used for her husband, Robert Sullivan, whom she married in 1973.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said Wales had “lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many”, while Wales Secretary Jo Stevens called her “the sound of my teenage years”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described her as “an iconic figure” whose songs “continue to touch lives, flood dance floors, and fill karaoke booths”.

Catherine Zeta-Jones — a relative by marriage, through Sullivan — wrote: “Our Queen Bonnie… you were such a part of my life. Sleep tight beautiful lady.”

Wales Air Ambulance, which she supported for years, said her last visit to its Llanelli headquarters came earlier this year. “She brought joy every time she joined us,” the charity said.

In 2013 Swansea University made her an honorary fellow. She said then that she remained “as passionate as ever about Wales and Swansea”, adding: “I still live in Mumbles, just a stone’s throw from the University.”

She had been due to play Utilita Arena Cardiff in December — a homecoming show. The venue said she would “forever be a vital part of the Welsh music landscape”.

Our Bonnie Tyler coverage

BONNIE TYLER: Total Eclipse of the Heart superstar from Skewen dies aged 75
The life and career of the coal miner’s daughter who conquered the world.

Bonnie Tyler out of coma but ‘very unwell’ as Skewen-born singer cancels summer shows
The last update from her family before her death.

Bonnie Tyler recovering after emergency surgery in Portugal — as fans send get-well wishes to the girl from Skewen
When news of her hospitalisation first broke and south Wales rallied round.

NEATH PORT TALBOT: Council leader welcomes £13.5m for two valley business parks — as first units already fill up

Two business parks in the Neath valley are set to share £13.5m of UK Government funding for new industrial units — and the council says demand is already there to fill them.

The money will support proposed developments at Nant y Cafn Business Park in Seven Sisters and Vale of Neath Business Park in Resolven, both subject to site purchases later this summer and planning approval.

Plans earmark a 45,000 sq ft development at Nant y Cafn and a 30,000 sq ft scheme at the Resolven site, aimed at small and medium-sized firms.

The funding was first announced last week as part of a wider UK programme targeting former coalfield communities.

Now the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council has welcomed the news, pointing to a recently completed phase at Nant y Cafn that has filled up fast.

Six industrial units there, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, were completed earlier this year and are already fully occupied.

Councillor Steve Hunt said the investment was “very positive news” for the borough and its valley communities.

“Investment like this helps create new jobs, supports local businesses, and brings fresh opportunities into the area,” he said.

He said the strong take-up at Nant y Cafn showed the demand for high-quality industrial space in the area.

“This latest announcement will build on that success and bring further investment into our communities,” he added.

The council leader said such developments gave businesses room to grow and helped people find work closer to home.

The new units are intended to support both start-ups and expanding companies looking for space in the area.

The funding forms part of the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund, with further support from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The trust works to help former coalfield areas attract investment and create jobs, decades on from the collapse of the industry that built communities like Seven Sisters and Resolven.

Both new developments still depend on the council completing the site purchases and securing planning permission, expected to be worked through over the coming months.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Two Vale of Neath villages in line for new business units under £13.5m scheme
How the coalfield funding for Seven Sisters and Resolven was first announced.

Pontardawe metals firm opens £2.5m plant making parts for jet engines
Another sign of industrial investment in the wider Neath Port Talbot area.

MBE for the council chief now leading the Afan Valley’s £20m revival
The wider regeneration drive across the valley communities.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader wades into Ospreys row with blistering warning to WRU

Cllr Steve Hunt has written directly to WRU chair Richard Collier‑Keywood and the Board as the union continues to consider slashing Wales’ professional teams from four to three — a move that could leave the Ospreys fighting for survival.

The intervention piles fresh political pressure onto the WRU after weeks of turmoil, public anger and competing claims from councils, supporters, former players and senior politicians.

‘Removing this region would weaken grassroots rugby’

In his letter, Cllr Hunt said the Ospreys represent one of the biggest rugby communities in Wales, rooted in the proud histories of Neath and Swansea.

He warned that scrapping or downgrading the region would “disenfranchise a significant supporter base” and damage alignment with dozens of grassroots clubs and schools.

The council leader said the Ospreys’ community programmes deliver “measurable benefits” in health, education and inclusion — outcomes local authorities are legally required to promote.

Case made for keeping four regions — or keeping Ospreys if cut to three

Cllr Hunt urged the WRU to retain four regions, arguing that a national footprint is essential for participation, performance and long‑term success.

But he also made clear that if the WRU presses ahead with a three‑region model, the Ospreys must be included.

He highlighted the region’s record on the field — the most successful Welsh side in league competition — and its history of producing elite players including Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Adam Jones, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Gavin Henson.

Economic and social impact across Swansea Bay

The letter also sets out the wider consequences of losing the Ospreys, pointing to the economic boost from home fixtures and the region’s established facilities, partnerships and commercial footprint.

Cllr Hunt said the Ospreys’ presence supports jobs, supply chains and community cohesion across Swansea Bay.

Call for transparency — and a rethink

The council leader called for a “transparent, evidence‑based impact assessment” before any restructuring, and for structured engagement with local authorities and regional partners.

He also referenced the recent intervention from Ospreys legends Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Gavin Henson, Ryan Jones and James Hook, who have publicly urged the WRU to rethink its plans.

Neath Port Talbot Council, he said, stands ready to work with the WRU, the Ospreys and neighbouring authorities to secure a sustainable future for professional rugby.

Cllr Hunt’s letter to the WRU

Another major voice enters a fast‑moving saga

The battle for the Ospreys has already ignited one of the fiercest rows Welsh rugby has seen in years. Swansea RFC has blasted the WRU for keeping clubs “in the dark”, while hundreds of supporters have packed into Brangwyn Hall in a show of defiance rarely seen in regional rugby.

Swansea Council has threatened legal action, accusing the WRU of mishandling the process, and supporters’ groups from the Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff have joined forces to fight the restructure. MPs and MSs have piled in too, warning of a “stitch‑up” that could wipe out professional rugby across Swansea Bay.

Rugby icons including Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Gavin Henson, Ryan Jones and James Hook have all demanded the WRU rethink its plans, and actor Michael Sheen has added his voice to the growing backlash.

The WRU insists no final decision has been made — but with political leaders, councils, supporters and legends now lining up against the proposals, the pressure is rising fast. Cllr Hunt’s intervention is the latest sign that this saga is nowhere near its final whistle.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea RFC fury as club says it was kept in the dark over Ospreys merger plan
Swansea RFC accuses the WRU of shutting clubs out of talks as anger grows over regional plans.

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Supporters flood into a public meeting in one of the biggest shows of backing for the region.

WRU brands council statement ‘inaccurate’ as Ospreys insist no decision made
The WRU hits back at claims over the region’s future as uncertainty deepens.

Swansea Council threatens legal action as Ospreys saga explodes
Swansea Council escalates the row, warning the WRU it is prepared to go to court.

£3.6m secured to make more than 620 coal tips safe in Neath Port Talbot

The funding, confirmed through the Welsh Government’s new multiyear coal tip safety grant scheme, will be spent over the next three years as the council steps up work to manage ageing tips made increasingly unstable by extreme weather.

Neath Port Talbot has some of the highest concentrations of former coal tips in the country, many of them sitting close to homes, roads and rivers. The council said the condition of tips can change quickly, with heavy rain and storms increasing the risk of movement.

£1.2m of the funding will be used to create a dedicated Tip Management Team responsible for inspections, monitoring and planning future mitigation works. The team will work closely with the Mining Remediation Authority to ensure the council can respond quickly to any emerging risks.

A further £2.4m will go directly into mitigation works already identified as necessary to keep communities safe. These will be prioritised based on risk, with additional funding allocated if further issues are uncovered.

Neath Port Talbot is one of 10 councils to secure support through the scheme, which runs until the end of the 2028‑29 financial year. In total, £80m is being made available across Wales.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Councillor Steve Hunt, said:

“Safeguarding communities from unsafe coal tips is vital. This funding shows Neath Port Talbot Council is taking a proactive approach to address the problem. We hope this provides reassurance to residents that their safety is a priority.”

The council said the work will help modernise the way coal tips are monitored, ensuring regular inspections and long‑term planning as climate change increases the likelihood of heavy rainfall and ground instability.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New data reveals rising coal tip risk in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot
Latest figures show increasing pressure on ageing coal tips across the region.

Landmark coal tip safety law comes into force in Wales
New legislation introduces modern monitoring and inspection rules for former coal tips.

Safety works to begin at Cwmgwrach coal tip to reduce landslip risk
Mitigation work starts at a high‑risk site to protect nearby homes and roads.

Record funding for coal tip safety works announced
More than £6.3m allocated to Neath Port Talbot as part of a national safety programme.

Councillors back bold plan to explore Swansea Valley tram‑train link

Green Party councillor Nathan Goldup‑John brought the motion to a full council meeting on 17 December, urging officers to investigate a tram‑train route running from Aberdulais or Tonna into Swansea — with scope for future extensions deeper into the valleys.

‘Time to re‑imagine the Neath corridor’

Cllr Goldup‑John said the region needed to think big about transport, describing the Neath corridor as a “green, connected spine for south west Wales”.

He argued that an electrified tram‑train system could cut car dependency and reduce emissions, while also unlocking regeneration opportunities along the route.

The proposal, he said, would dovetail with the wider Swansea Bay Metro vision, creating a fast, low‑carbon link between valley communities and the city.

He added that new Metro‑style stations could connect directly with local bus routes, giving residents across the county borough far better access to reliable public transport.

Cross‑party support – with one caveat

Labour’s Cllr Sonia Reynolds said her group supported the motion but stressed it must not undermine the council’s push for bus franchising, due to roll out by 2027.

Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt also backed the proposal, while reassuring members that buses remain a top transport priority.

What happens next?

Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion. Officers will now prepare a report for cabinet before the end of the financial year, including options for commissioning a full feasibility study.

If progressed, the scheme could form a major new strand of the Swansea Bay Metro – and potentially reconnect valley communities with Swansea by rail for the first time in generations.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed

The planned continuous strike by First Cymru bus drivers, due to begin on Thursday 20 November, has been postponed until 7 December, according to a late-night Facebook post by Neath Port Talbot Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt.

Cllr Hunt published the update at 10.31pm on Tuesday, writing:

“The First Cymru bus drivers strike has been postponed and will not go ahead from this Thursday 20th November. After talks today between First Cymru and Unite the Union, the planned strike action that was to continue from this Thursday 20th November has been postponed until 7th December.”

At the time of writing, no official confirmation has been issued by either First Cymru or Unite, leaving passengers awaiting clarity on whether services will run as normal later this week.

Pay dispute that sparked the strike

The strike action was announced earlier this month after negotiations over pay broke down. Unite members at depots across Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest had voted to escalate to a continuous strike running until 21 January.

Drivers have argued that their current pay rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour. Unite has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back pay, accusing First Cymru of withholding agreed payments and attempting to undermine union solidarity by offering £50 incentives to cross picket lines.

Union anger and company warnings

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously described the company’s approach as “union-busting” and said drivers were “furious” at being left behind in the industry.

First Cymru, meanwhile, has insisted it has made an above-inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits, and warned that prolonged strikes would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers.

What happens next

If the postponement is confirmed, bus services across South and West Wales may continue as normal until 7 December, when Unite has indicated action could resume if no agreement is reached.

For now, passengers are advised to check for updates directly from First Cymru and Unite the Union, as neither has yet issued a formal statement on the postponement.

#bus #busStrike #busTravel #cllrSteveHunt #firstCymru #industrialAction #neathPortTalbotCouncil #unite #uniteTheUnion

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

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

One year on: Council leader hails resilience after Port Talbot blast furnace closure

Cllr Steve Hunt said the end of primary steelmaking in the town had been a “seismic change” for the area, but stressed that support schemes and local determination had helped many adapt to life after the furnaces fell silent.

A year since the furnaces went cold

On 30 September 2024, Port Talbot’s last blast furnace was shut down, ending more than a century of traditional steelmaking in the town. At its peak, the site employed around 20,000 people, but by the time of closure the workforce had fallen to around 4,000. Tata Steel said the furnaces were losing around £1 million a day, citing high energy costs, ageing assets and competition from cheaper imports.

The decision brought 2,800 direct job losses, with unions warning that thousands more in the supply chain could be at risk. For a community built around heavy industry, the closure was described as “life‑changing” and sparked fears of long‑term decline.

Yet, one year on, the council leader says the picture is more complex. “Many affected workers have used the Employment & Skills Fund to move forward with their careers, some into entirely new fields of work or even emerging industries such as AI,” said Cllr Hunt. “Others have started their own businesses or diversified existing ones. It has been inspiring to see how our communities have responded to the challenges this has brought.”

Support and adaptation

To soften the blow, the UK Government pledged £80 million in transition funding, delivered locally through a series of support schemes. These included retraining programmes, grants for supply‑chain businesses, start‑up support for new ventures, and resilience funding for firms looking to diversify. Mental health services were also expanded, with organisations such as NPT Mind offering counselling and wellbeing programmes in schools.

According to figures presented to the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, the funds have already helped dozens of businesses and thousands of individuals. More than 3,600 training courses have been completed, over 300 people have found new jobs, and nearly 600 Tata employees have been redeployed within the company. Despite the scale of the redundancies, council leaders say there has not been a significant spike in unemployment locally.

Looking to the future

While the closure of the blast furnaces marked the end of an era, Tata Steel has committed to building a new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot by 2027–28, backed by £500 million of UK Government funding. The move is expected to slash carbon emissions and secure a future for steelmaking in the town, albeit with a smaller workforce.

Alongside this, the SWITCH research facility at Port Talbot Harbourside and the Celtic Freeport project are being hailed as signs of a new industrial chapter. “These developments will see a new place for steelmaking which, alongside major projects such as the Celtic Freeport, give us cause for optimism as we adapt to what has been a seismic change for the whole area,” said Cllr Hunt.

A community in transition

For many in Port Talbot, the past year has been one of uncertainty and adjustment. Community groups have reported a dip in morale, but also a determination to find new opportunities. The council leader insists that the support on offer is making a difference and urged anyone affected to seek help.

“Change on this scale is never easy,” he said. “But the resilience of our people and the willingness of businesses to adapt shows that Port Talbot has a future beyond the blast furnaces.”

Further details of the support schemes are available at www.npt.gov.uk/tatatransition.

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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

Chancellor and First Minister meet communities facing change in Neath Port Talbot

Residents of Neath Port Talbot had the chance to speak directly with two of the UK’s most senior politicians this week, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan toured key sites in the county to see how communities are responding to industrial change.

The visit began at the former Dyffryn Rhondda Colliery in the Upper Afan Valley, where Neath Port Talbot Council is leading a major coal tip safety project. The Chancellor met with Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt, Cabinet Member Cllr Jeremy Hurley, and contractors from Walters UK to view progress on stabilising the site — part of a wider £143 million UK Government investment in coal tip safety.

Later, the Chancellor and First Minister visited the Opportunity Hub in Port Talbot’s Aberafan Shopping Centre, where they met local people seeking work — including those affected by the closure of blast furnaces at Tata Steelworks, currently transitioning to a cleaner Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) model.

Staff from NPT Employability and the Trailblazer Programme shared how they’re helping residents retrain and upskill for long-term employment. The UK Government has committed £10 million to support this pilot initiative in Neath Port Talbot, Blaenau Gwent and Denbighshire.

The Chancellor also spoke with former steelworkers supported by the Employment and Skills Fund, set up by the Tata Steel Transition Board to help those impacted by the shift to greener steel production.

Cllr Steve Hunt said:

“We’re glad to see the Chancellor taking a first-hand look at the issues we’re facing here in Neath Port Talbot — from the dangerous legacy of the mining industry to job losses due to changes at Tata Steel. This council is working hard with its partners to mitigate these problems and we welcome the funding that is so essential for us as we move to a cleaner, greener future.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

£6.3m for coal tip safety in Neath Port Talbot
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Free parking returns to Aberavon Beach laybys after public pressure

At a special Cabinet meeting on Monday 4 August 2025, councillors voted to reinstate free layby parking along Princess Margaret Way, citing the strength of feeling expressed by residents, businesses, and local groups.

The move follows intense public engagement, including a packed meeting at the Seaside Social and Labour Club in Sandfields on 20 June, where locals voiced concerns about the impact of charges on mental health, accessibility, and the viability of short, frequent visits to the beach.

Earlier coverage by Swansea Bay News highlighted growing frustration over the charges, with calls to scrap them intensifying ahead of key council meetings. In one article, campaigners described the fees as “unfair and unnecessary,” arguing they disproportionately affected older residents and those with mobility issues.

In response, the council’s Visible Services and Streetscene Scrutiny Committee recommended a reversal on 25 July, prompting Cabinet to act swiftly.

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

“It was made very clear to us at that meeting how important the laybys are to people’s mental health and how important they are to local businesses and community groups, and we listened.”

The new arrangement will introduce free parking under a ‘two hour no return’ rule, once signage is updated and traffic regulations amended. Crucially, no enforcement will take place during the transition period.

The council had previously proposed changes to soften the impact of the charges, including reduced rates and exemptions — but these were met with continued resistance from the community.

Cllr Hunt acknowledged the financial pressures facing the council but emphasised the importance of listening to residents:

“We recognise the wider impact these charges have had on our communities. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to express their views on this issue in so many different ways.”

#Aberavon #AberavonBeach #carParking #CllrSteveHunt #featured #freeParking #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #parkingCharges #PortTalbot

HDM Solar opens new Port Talbot branch, bringing green jobs and investment to South Wales

A new chapter in South Wales’s transition to clean energy began last week as HDM Solar officially opened its Port Talbot branch, backed by a wave of local support and national ambition.

The launch event, held on Friday 18 July at Baglan Energy Park, was attended by Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg, representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Philip Hunkin, and key figures from the renewable energy sector. Together they celebrated the arrival of one of the UK’s fastest-growing solar suppliers — and the opportunities it brings.

The 17,500 sq ft facility, which includes a 6,000 sq ft bonded storage unit, is set to create around 10 skilled jobs locally. It’s part of HDM Solar’s £10.2 million national expansion plan to open 60 branches across the UK — a strategy aimed at powering growth in the solar and EV installation market.

“It was a pleasure to attend the official opening and welcome HDM Solar’s significant investment in our community,” said Stephen Kinnock MP. “This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to their ambition, innovation, and belief in the potential of our town.”

“Not only will this development create skilled jobs in the growing green energy sector, it also supports Port Talbot’s shift to a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s a clear signal that our town is ready to lead in the green energy revolution.”

The local authority has backed the project through funding support for the new site — part of its strategy to secure future-ready industries in the wake of expected TATA Steel redundancies.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt said: “We’re proud to support HDM Solar’s investment and their commitment to creating quality green jobs here. This partnership shows what’s possible when businesses and councils work together.”

HDM Solar — known nationally as “The Installer’s Wholesaler” — provides tailored systems and technical support to trade and commercial clients, along with direct-to-site delivery. CEO Adam Firth said the opening was more than a business milestone — it’s about empowering communities.

“With the backing of Neath Port Talbot Council and the enthusiasm of the local business community, we’re confident this branch will thrive,” he said. “It’s about investing in people and place, not just expanding our footprint.”

The new branch will also complement the work of HDM Energies, a sister company focused on commercial solar installations. Through its Energy For All scheme, HDM Energies offers systems with zero upfront cost — helping businesses cut energy bills and carbon emissions while locking in fixed low rates.

With Wales poised to play a central role in the UK’s climate targets — including an 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 — developments like HDM’s new Port Talbot hub are helping set the pace for industry and innovation.

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Work begins on Port Talbot electric arc furnace as steelworks transition moves forward

Construction has begun on Tata Steel’s £1.25bn electric arc furnace (EAF) in Port Talbot, marking a major milestone in Wales’ industrial transformation—but it comes with the loss of more than 2,800 jobs and the end of traditional steelmaking in the town.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, and Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran formally broke ground at the steelworks site on Monday (14 July), signalling the start of a project designed to cut carbon emissions by 90% and shift production toward recycled scrap steel.

The UK Government has committed £500 million toward the EAF, describing it as “a major win” for Welsh steelmaking that secures 5,000 jobs nationwide. The new furnace will replace the site’s two blast furnaces—shut down in September 2024—ending a century of primary steelmaking in Wales.

‘Bitter sweet’ day for steelworkers and families

The announcement has been widely described as bittersweet. While Tata and ministers hailed the start of a cleaner, greener future, union representatives and local leaders stressed the impact of the redundancies and the uncertainty still facing thousands of workers.

Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid of Community Union said:

“This bittersweet day is a consequence of the devastating closure of the blast furnaces, but importantly a future for Port Talbot steelmaking is being secured.

The workforce needs the electric arc furnace project to be both a success and a turning point… Going forward we must see further investment to develop and grow the business, both here in Port Talbot and across all the crucial downstream sites.”

Speaking ahead of the groundbreaking, First Minister Eluned Morgan said the construction phase represents “a tangible sign” of Tata’s commitment, adding that the Welsh Government is working with partners to support affected workers and promote economic resilience.

Former steelworker Graham Rowland said:

“I’ve seen good boys lose their jobs… This industry kept this town alive. It’s the heart and soul of the place. If anywhere can make that arc work, it’s Port Talbot. The knowledge, the grit, the people—it’s all here. We just need the right support.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Celtic Freeport: what it means for the local economy and green infrastructure
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EAF: cleaner steel, fewer emissions—but far fewer jobs

Tata Steel says the new furnace is essential to achieving climate targets and creating “a financially and environmentally sustainable future.” The company has reported losses of £4bn in Port Talbot since 2007.

Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said:

“This is a proud day for the Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. At Port Talbot we are building the foundations of a cleaner, greener future—supporting jobs, driving innovation and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership.”

The new furnace will be built on the site of the Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant and is set to be one of the largest of its kind globally, capable of producing up to three million tonnes of steel per year. Contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed to deliver the build, which will also include a new scrap processing plant.

Operations are expected to begin in late 2027. In the meantime, Port Talbot will continue to roll imported steel slabs through its hot strip mill and finishing lines.

Supporting workers through the transition

Neath Port Talbot Council and the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board have pledged over £100 million to support workers, businesses and community recovery. This includes:

• A £19.8 million Employment and Skills Fund
• A £21.2 million investment in Harbourside manufacturing and skills facilities
• A £13 million business start-up and resilience programme
• Additional community grants targeting financial hardship, mental health and career retraining

A recent survey by Public Health Wales found that 74% of local households expect to face financial pressure in the coming months, with food, energy, and housing cited as key concerns.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt said:

“On behalf of the Transition Board, Neath Port Talbot Council is delivering targeted support to people and businesses both within Neath Port Talbot and further afield.”

Looking ahead

While the shift to EAF production represents a landmark shift in Welsh industry, many argue the transformation must be judged not just by its carbon savings, but by the long-term outcomes for workers, communities and supply chains.

Luke Fletcher MS, Economy spokesperson for Plaid Cymru and Senedd Member for South Wales West, said the start of construction is “welcome,” but warned that “the opportunity has been lost to safeguard over 2,000 primary steelmaking jobs.”

“Labour has promised a lot to the communities in and around Port Talbot,” he said, “it’s vital that those promises are realised now.”

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments across Port Talbot and the steel sector as this historic transition unfolds.

#CllrSteveHunt #CommunityUnion #electricArcFurnace #ElunedMorganMS #featured #LukeFletcherMS #NatarajanChandrasekaran #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #steelworks #TataSteel

Port Talbot communities show resilience amid Tata Steel transition, but financial pressures loom

The survey, conducted in early 2025, paints a picture of solidarity and emotional resilience among residents of Neath Port Talbot, even as the fallout from Tata Steel’s restructuring continues to ripple through the region. The findings come just months after Swansea Bay News reported on the final shutdown of Blast Furnace 4 and the £1.25 billion investment in a new electric arc furnace — a move that promises a greener future but has already led to over 2,000 job losses.

According to the survey, 91% of respondents said they could rely on family and friends for support, and 83% felt their social relationships positively impacted their health and wellbeing. Despite the upheaval, 74% said their lives felt worthwhile, and 72% reported feeling happy — indicators that Public Health Wales describes as “key protective factors” in community resilience.

However, the emotional strength of the community is being tested by growing financial pressures. 15% of respondents said they had needed financial support in the past six months, with 60% of that support coming from informal networks like family and friends. Looking ahead, 74% of households expect to face financial strain, particularly with energy bills (56%), food costs (44%), and housing (26%).

Awareness of formal support services remains patchy. Just 32% of respondents knew financial support was available locally, although awareness was higher for mental health services (49%) and alcohol and drug support (42%). Digital platforms are key to outreach, with social media (57%), websites (26%), and email (24%) cited as preferred channels for accessing information.

The survey also explored perceptions of the Tata Steel transition. While only 8% said they or someone in their household was directly affected, 44% knew someone impacted. The community’s concerns were clear: 89% believed employment opportunities would suffer, 83% feared a decline in mental health, and 73% worried about a loss of community spirit. The only area seen as improving was air quality (76%), following the closure of coal-powered blast furnaces.

Professor Alisha Davies, Head of Research and Evaluation at Public Health Wales, said: “While the survey highlights the pressures residents are facing, it also shows the resilience, solidarity and community spirit that helps shape Neath Port Talbot. Such support will enable the area to retain that strength and spirit through this transition phase and into the future.”

The survey was developed in partnership with the Tata Steel UK Transition Board, which has been tasked with overseeing the £100 million support package for affected workers, businesses and communities. Marie Davies, Chair of the Board’s Community Relations and Wellbeing Workstream, said the findings would help shape future support services: “We continue to work on the essential building blocks for health of those affected and the next generation, through education, employment, housing and leisure opportunities.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt echoed the sentiment, pointing to the £19.8 million Employment and Skills Fund now in place. “This survey sets out well the particular local impact felt by communities in Neath Port Talbot,” he said. “I urge anyone affected to find out more at npt.gov.uk/TataTransition or visit the drop-in venues in Aberafan Shopping Centre.”

As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, the transition to electric arc steelmaking is expected to be completed by 2028, with Tata Steel promising a greener, more sustainable future for the site. But for many in Port Talbot, the road ahead remains uncertain — and the strength of community ties may prove to be the most vital asset of all.

#CllrSteveHunt #community #featured #jobs #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #PublicHealthWales #TataSteel