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Editor @[email protected] · 2026-04-29 · 06:05 UTC

PORT TALBOT: Residents demand urgent upgrade to Coed Hirwaun’s only play park as petition tops 210 signatures

Residents in Coed Hirwaun are calling for urgent improvements to the area’s only children’s play park, saying the ageing facility is no longer safe or fit for purpose.

Coed Hirwaun — the modern estate near Margam Park sometimes called Margam Village — has around 500 homes and has grown steadily since Persimmon Homes first developed it following a planning permission granted in 1996. The area has its own primary school, a convenience store and playing fields.

But residents say the community’s one play area has not kept pace with the growth of the estate — and children are now using equipment that parents describe as both unsafe and too small for the number of children using it.

The frustration runs deeper than just a tired swing set. When the estate was originally granted planning permission, it was envisaged that a wider range of facilities would follow — including shops, a doctor’s surgery, offices and a community hall. Most of those facilities were never built. A community hall was set aside in a later planning permission granted in 2008, but was never developed either.

Now Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is planning to add up to 900 more homes to the Coed Hirwaun site as part of its new development plan, earmarking it as a strategic site linked to the Celtic Freeport and the transition of the Tata steelworks. Residents say that makes the current state of the play park even harder to accept.

An online petition has gathered more than 210 signatures, and community posts on Facebook have attracted over 130 likes and more than 100 comments.

One resident said: “The park is the only one we have, but it’s just not big enough or safe enough for the number of children using it. It feels like our community has been overlooked.”

Another added: “We’re not asking for anything excessive — just something safe and suitable for the children who live here.”

The complaint draws on previous statements from Cllr Simon Knoyle — the independent councillor for Glynneath Central and East who serves as the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice — who has said that “playgrounds are essential community resources” and that improvements would “make sure families have safe, modern places for children to play.” Residents want to know why that commitment has not been applied to Coed Hirwaun, which falls in the Margam and Tai-bach ward.

The community says it is willing to work constructively with the council to find a solution and explore funding opportunities, but feels the matter needs urgent attention.

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm Coed Hirwaun Park remains safe for public use. We recognise that Coed Hirwaun Park is an ageing play space and may not offer the same level of play value as newly refurbished sites, but it is important to reassure residents that there are no current safety concerns. An annual inspection was carried out in February by an independent external contractor, which the playground passed. In addition, the Council undertakes weekly inspections carried out by a trained and qualified member of staff.

“Any minor defects or issues identified through inspections are addressed promptly as part of our ongoing maintenance programme. Recent works have included the replacement of litter bins and general maintenance such as swing chain repairs, ensuring the site continues to be safe and usable for the community. No major safety concerns have been raised during recent external or internal inspections.

“Neath Port Talbot Council has allocated funding for playground improvements on a safety‑led, risk‑based approach, focusing on sites identified as being at end of life or presenting higher safety risks. While Coed Hirwaun is not currently included in the funded refurbishment programme, the Council is actively exploring potential funding opportunities to support improvements across all council‑owned play facilities.

“Should additional funding be secured for further sites, including Coed Hirwaun, this will be clearly communicated to local residents.”

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#CoedHirwaun #Margam #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #playground

#coedhirwaun #margam #neathporttalbotcouncil #playground

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-04 · 16:24 UTC

‘Green power’ boost for Port Talbot as council green-lights major substation expansion

Neath Port Talbot Council has unanimously approved the major application from National Grid to extend the Margam 275kV substation, located just off Harbour Way.

The project is being hailed as a “key” development that will provide the essential power needed for Tata Steel’s new £1.25 billion electric arc furnace. It follows the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as the main contractor for the site’s decarbonisation.

This latest approval comes as Port Talbot motorists already face up to 12 months of roadworks while the wider underground electricity network is upgraded to support the transition.

Council bosses have confirmed that the extended site will connect via underground cables to a separate substation within the Tata Steelworks, feeding the new “green” furnace. Work has already begun on the furnace project, which aims to replace the traditional blast furnaces.

The works at the Margam site will include the construction of a new gas-insulated switchgear hall and a modern control building, replacing older facilities.

Planning officers have confirmed that the project also includes significant upgrades to site lighting, CCTV, and internal access roads, along with a new flood defence wall.

Cllr Rob Jones, representing Margam and Taibach, has described the extension as a “key project” that is essential for the survival of the local industry.

“Without this substation extension taking place… the whole future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and the county borough is at serious risk,” Cllr Jones has warned.

The council has confirmed that the approval is subject to a legal agreement to maintain an off-site ecological management area for the next 30 years to protect local wildlife.

While the substation does not directly supply residential homes in Margam, its role in supporting the major infrastructure upgrade is seen as critical for the region’s economic future.

The move marks another significant milestone for the electric arc furnace project, which was first approved by Neath Port Talbot Council in February 2025. The transition follows the dramatic closure of the Morfa Coke Plant and the blast furnaces, which saw thousands of jobs put at risk. Despite the £500m UK Government funding to support the move, the community continues to show resilience amid the transition.

#Business #electricArcFurnace #greenEnergy #Infrastructure #Margam #NationalGrid #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #roadworks #TataSteel

#business #electricarcfurnace #greenenergy #infrastructure #margam #nationalgrid

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-01-12 · 16:55 UTC

‘Missing piece of the puzzle’: Roman villa uncovered in Margam in one of Wales’ most significant archaeological finds

The find, revealed through high‑resolution geophysical surveys, is being hailed as one of the most important archaeological breakthroughs in South Wales for decades. Researchers say the scale and preservation of the villa complex is unmatched anywhere else in the region.

The discovery was made by ArchaeoMargam, a major heritage project led by Swansea University’s Centre for Heritage Research and Training (CHART), working with Neath Port Talbot Council and Margam Abbey Church.

A close‑up of Dr Alex Langlands holding a geophysical survey map during the ArchaeoMargam project at Margam. (Image: Swansea University)

‘We never dreamed it would be this clear’

Project lead Dr Alex Langlands said the team expected to find traces of Roman‑era activity — but nothing on this scale.

Dr Langlands said:

“This is an amazing discovery. We always thought we’d find something from the Romano‑British period, but we never dreamed it would be so clearly articulated. This is the missing piece of the puzzle.”

Margam is already known for its Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval heritage, but almost nothing was known about the Roman period in the area. The villa now fills a major gap in the historical record.

A vast defended site hidden beneath Margam

Surveys carried out by Llandough‑based specialists Terradat revealed a large villa set within a defended enclosure measuring roughly 43m by 55m. The enclosure may date back to the Iron Age or reflect instability in the late Roman world.

To the south‑east, researchers also identified a substantial aisled building — possibly a large agricultural store or even a meeting hall for post‑Roman leaders.

Christian Bird, Technical Director at Terradat, said:

“The magnetometry and GPR data are remarkably clear. We’ve been able to map the villa, surrounding ditches and wider layout in 3D.”

Aerial view of the historic Margam estate, where researchers have uncovered evidence of a Roman villa complex. (Image: Swansea University) Geophysical survey image revealing the footprint of a Roman villa complex at Margam, uncovered during the ArchaeoMargam project. (Image: Swansea University)

A discovery with national significance

Neath Port Talbot Council says the find underlines the importance of investing in local heritage.

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

“This spectacular find shows exactly why we created our Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events Fund. Heritage connects our communities and inspires future generations. I’m extremely excited to learn more about this untold chapter in Margam Park’s long story.”

Swansea University says the project is already delivering cultural and educational benefits across the region, with more than 900 people — including school pupils, volunteers and students — taking part in excavations and workshops.

Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said:

“ArchaeoMargam strengthens skills, social cohesion and community involvement. We’re delighted to work with partners to bring groundbreaking research to the public.”

Members of the ArchaeoMargam team reviewing survey data on site at Margam. (Image: Swansea University)Members of the Terradat geophysics team discussing survey findings in front of their equipment at Margam. (Image: Hazel Langlands)Another aerial perspective of the Margam estate, highlighting the landscape surrounding the newly identified Roman villa site. (Image: Swansea University)

‘A real‑life adventure’ for young archaeologists

Local pupils and young volunteers have also been hands‑on with the dig.

Harriet Eaton, NPT Council Education Officer and Young Archaeologist Club leader, said:

“This opportunity turned history into a real‑life adventure. It made archaeology tangible and fun.”

Margam Abbey Church — the only surviving nave of a Cistercian Abbey still in use today — has been central to the project.

Church warden Beverley Gulley said:

“This is a deeply spiritual landscape. We’re keen to learn more about it in partnership with people across the region.”

Public invited to learn more

The ArchaeoMargam team will share new findings — including updates on the Roman villa — at a free open day at Margam Abbey Church later this month.

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#archaeology #ArchaeoMargam #CentreForHeritageResearchAndTraining #CistercianAbbey #DrAlexLanglands #geophysicalSurvey #heritage #history #Margam #MargamAbbeyChurch #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #RomanVilla #SwanseaUniversity #Terradat

#archaeology #archaeomargam #centreforheritageresearchandtraining #cistercianabbey #dralexlanglands #geophysicalsurvey