#neath — Public Fediverse posts

NEATH: Drug dealer jailed for three years after cocaine, cash and weighing scales found at his home

A Neath man has been jailed for three years after cocaine, cash, snap bags and weighing scales were found at his home during a South Wales Police search in March.

Chad White, 34, of Neath, was arrested and his home searched following police investigations into drug supply across the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea areas.

The white powder found at the address was later confirmed to be cocaine.

White pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and acquiring and using criminal property.

He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Detective Inspector Richard George said White was among a number of drug dealers uncovered as part of ongoing investigations into drug supply across the region.

“Like so many others before him, his involvement in this illegal trade has resulted in him getting a lengthy prison sentence,” he said. “Class A drugs blight the people who use them as well as their friends, families and wider communities.”

Officers confirmed the force would continue to pursue anyone involved in drug supply in the area.

“We will always pursue anyone involved in this illegal activity and bring them to justice,” DI George said.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

South Wales Police stories from Swansea Bay News
All our South Wales Police coverage from across the region.

Neath news from Swansea Bay News
The latest stories from Neath and the surrounding area.

TGJONES: New Deputy First Minister raises alarm over Neath Post Office threat as she writes to chain over closure risk

Wales’s newly-appointed Deputy First Minister has written to TGJones demanding answers about the future of its Neath store — warning that its closure would put a Post Office counter used by some of the town’s most vulnerable residents at risk.

Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru MS for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, wrote to the chain on 12 May raising concerns about the impact of the proposed restructuring on communities in her constituency, where both the Neath and Brecon branches have been rumoured to be among those at risk.

The Neath TGJones store currently hosts a Post Office counter — a service that Williams said raises concerns not just about the variety of shops in the town centre, but about continued access to basic services for residents, especially older people and those with limited mobility or access to transport.

In a Facebook post accompanying the letter, Williams said: “I am concerned to hear that the Post Office in Neath may be at risk given the proposed closure of TGJones stores across Wales — where the Neath Post Office currently sits.”

She added that any loss of the sites would raise concerns not only about retail provision, but about access to basic services for residents who depend on them.

The letter, addressed to TGJones management, asks the chain to clarify whether any Welsh stores are currently under active consideration for closure or subject to landlord negotiations, how community impact and service dependency are being assessed when decisions about store viability are made, and what engagement has taken place — or is planned — with Post Office Ltd, local authorities, or other stakeholders where stores host essential services.

Williams also called for alternatives to full closure — including relocation, service-only retention, or partnership approaches — to be explored in locations where the loss of a store could significantly affect a town centre.

The intervention comes as seven TGJones branches across south-west Wales face an uncertain future — including the Swansea Quadrant, Neath, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest — after owner Modella Capital announced plans to close up to 150 stores nationally as part of a major restructuring.

The financial picture facing the chain is bleak. Documents circulated to creditors revealed that TGJones owes £8.4 million to HMRC, with a six-month payment agreement struck in April — and a further £3.4 million in business rates arrears, with bailiffs reported to be a real threat if payments are not maintained.

WH Smith, which sold its 480 high street stores to Modella Capital in March 2025 before they were rebranded as TGJones, has separately refused to fund enhanced redundancy payments for staff who could lose their jobs.

The restructuring requires approval from a High Court judge, with a hearing expected in late June. Landlords are likely to face demands for severe rent reductions, and those who refuse could simply have their stores handed back to them.

Post Office has previously said it will update communities if any of its services hosted within TGJones stores are forced to relocate as a result of the closures — but has given no guarantees that services would remain in the same towns.

Williams’s letter represents the most senior political intervention in the TGJones crisis in Wales to date. She was this week named Deputy First Minister in Wales’s first ever Plaid Cymru government — notably, the letter was written on 12 May, the day before the cabinet was announced.

The High Court hearing in late June remains the key date for staff and communities across south-west Wales with an interest in the future of the affected stores.

The Neath branch is one of three TGJones stores in south-west Wales known to host a Post Office counter — the Swansea Quadrant and Carmarthen branches also provide the service. Post Office Ltd has previously pledged to update communities if any hosted services are forced to relocate, but has given no guarantee that alternative provision would remain in the same town.

Our TGJones coverage

Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures
The full list of at-risk branches across the region.

Bailiff threat and tax debts cast fresh doubt over south-west Wales stores
TGJones owes £8.4m to HMRC and faces a bailiff threat as WH Smith refuses to fund redundancy.

Post Office promises to update communities if any branches are forced to relocate
What the closures could mean for Post Office services hosted within TGJones stores.

WH Smith sells high street stores — which will be renamed TGJones
How the chain ended up in Modella Capital’s hands in the first place.

TGJONES: Bailiff threat and tax debts cast fresh doubt over south-west Wales stores as WH Smith refuses to fund redundancy payments

The seven TGJones stores at risk across south-west Wales face fresh uncertainty after new details emerged about the dire financial state of the chain — including millions of pounds in unpaid taxes and a looming threat of bailiff action.

Seven branches in the region — including the Swansea Quadrant, Neath, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest — were put at risk last week when owner Modella Capital announced plans to close up to 150 stores nationally as part of a major restructuring.

Now documents circulated to creditors have revealed that TGJones owes £8.4 million to HMRC, with a six-month payment agreement struck in April — and a further £3.4 million in business rates arrears. The Telegraph has reported that bailiffs are now a real threat if those payments are not maintained.

The revelations paint a stark picture of a business that has deteriorated rapidly since WH Smith sold its 480 high street stores to Modella Capital in March 2025 and rebranded them as TGJones.

The sale was originally valued at £76 million, but this was renegotiated sharply downward to £42 million to reflect what was described at the time as a “sharp deterioration in trading conditions.” In reality, WH Smith received just £10 million upfront, with the remaining £32 million contingent on the business’s future cash flows — money that now looks unlikely ever to materialise.

Modella has since approached WH Smith to ask whether it would fund enhanced redundancy payments for staff likely to lose their jobs if stores close. WH Smith had previously offered staff a more generous redundancy scheme than the statutory minimum. It declined to provide any further support.

The development is significant for workers at the seven south-west Wales branches, who now face the prospect of statutory redundancy only if their stores are among those confirmed for closure.

The restructuring Modella is planning is known as a “cram-down” — a relatively novel legal mechanism that requires the consent of only one class of creditors to proceed, rather than a majority. It will require approval from a High Court judge, with a hearing expected in late June.

Landlords are likely to face demands for severe reductions in rent as part of the plan. Those who refuse could simply take back the keys to their stores.

If the restructuring is approved, Modella has promised to invest £35 million in a turnaround plan it claims would return TGJones to profitability, with what it describes as a “considerable investment” in the stores that survive.

The creditor documents also reveal the existence of a mystery private individual — described as not being linked to Modella — who is owed £8 million by TGJones. No further details have been disclosed.

The crisis comes as Modella’s track record with other retail brands comes under scrutiny. Both The Original Factory Shop and Claire’s Accessories — two other chains acquired by the firm — have been placed into administration in recent months. Modella blamed the worsening conditions on the British high street and tax rises enacted by the Government.

An insolvency specialist quoted in earlier reporting warned that the pipeline of retail closures was “far from over,” pointing to the collapse in discretionary spending, stubbornly low high street footfall outside major city centres, and the impact of rising National Living Wage costs and higher employer National Insurance contributions.

Post Office has previously said it will update communities if any of its services — hosted within TGJones stores — are forced to relocate as a result of the closures.

The High Court hearing in late June is now the key date for anyone with an interest in the future of the south-west Wales stores — and for the staff who work in them.

Our TGJones coverage

Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures
The full list of at-risk branches across the region.

Post Office promises to update communities if any branches are forced to relocate
What the closures could mean for Post Office services hosted within TGJones stores.

WH Smith sells high street stores — which will be renamed TGJones
How the chain ended up in Modella Capital’s hands in the first place.

Bonnie Tyler update issued after singer placed into induced coma

The Neath Port Talbot-born singer underwent emergency surgery earlier this week Bonnie Tyler’s agent has posted an update…
#NewsBeep #News #Celebrities #BonnieTyler #Entertainment #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/574543/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/946700/ Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock – Wales Online #BritonFerry #Business #m4 #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #Swansea #TrafficAndTravel #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom

Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock – Wales Online

Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock  Wales OnlineLive: M4 and Newport crawl to a halt amid heavy congestion…
#NewsBeep #News #Business #BritonFerry #GB #M4 #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #Swansea #TrafficandTravel #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/573305/

TGJONES: Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures

Seven TGJones stores across south-west Wales are facing the chop.

Up to 150 stores nationwide are set to close under a major restructuring plan announced by the chain’s owner – with hundreds of jobs at risk.

The stores affected by the decision include some of the most familiar names on south-west Wales high streets:

• The Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea
• Wind Street, Neath
• Parc Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli
• The Rhiw, Bridgend
• Guildhall Square, Carmarthen
• High Street, Tenby
• Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest

It has not yet been confirmed which individual stores will close.

But the announcement leaves staff at all seven branches facing a nervous wait.

The chain – formerly WHSmith – operates 480 high street stores nationally, with 26 of them in Wales.

Private equity owner Modella Capital said the restructuring was an “essential part” of the company’s turnaround plan.

The firm bought the WHSmith high street business in March 2025 – a £40 million deal that did not include the WHSmith brand itself.

Stores were quickly rebranded under the new TGJones name – a name with no prior public recognition.

Modella Capital is now blaming that “forced” rebrand for damaging consumer awareness.

A spokesperson said the decision to close stores had not been taken lightly.

“While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers,” they said.

The company also blamed rising operating costs “as a direct result of government policy” and recent “geopolitical events.”

“The restructuring plan is designed to protect the substantial core of the store estate and create a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to serve customers for years to come,” the spokesperson added.

Modella Capital said no final decisions had yet been made about the impact on staff, and the company was aiming to preserve “as many jobs as possible.”

“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles,” the spokesperson said.

The TGJones restructure comes hot on the heels of another high-profile Modella Capital collapse.

The private equity firm shut all 154 UK and Ireland Claire’s stores last month – putting around 1,300 staff out of work.

Modella Capital placed Claire’s into administration after what it called an “alarmingly” low Christmas trading period.

It has now committed more than £35 million for the TGJones restructuring effort.

For Swansea shoppers, the timing is grim.

The Quadrant store sits within a shopping centre already undergoing significant change. The Quadrant’s former Debenhams anchor unit was bought by Swansea Council after the chain’s collapse, stripped out, and recently sold to the centre’s new owners Centurion Group, with three major new tenants expected to be confirmed.

And Swansea’s flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street is due to close on 30 May – meaning the city centre will lose yet another major retailer in the same month TGJones announces its restructuring.

The Carmarthen store on Guildhall Square is similarly prominent in the town’s main retail area, while the Neath, Llanelli, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest branches all anchor parts of their respective high streets.

The full list of which TGJones stores will close is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors expands team in Swansea and Neath

The appointments reflect continued growth at the firm and an ongoing focus on developing talent to meet client demand across both individual and business services.

In the Dispute Resolution team, Adam Mahoney has recently qualified as a Solicitor, while Aimee Richards joins the department as a new Solicitor, further increasing capacity in this busy area of practice.

Chantelle Ware has qualified into the firm’s Childcare team, supporting clients on a range of sensitive and complex matters.

Stan Burgess-Brown joins as a Solicitor working across Employment and Corporate Commercial, enhancing the firm’s offering to businesses and employers.

Meanwhile, Amber Jenkins is due to qualify as a Solicitor on 1 July, moving from her role as a Trainee Solicitor into the Property team, marking an important step in her career progression within the firm.

Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors was the first in Wales to achieve the Law Society’s mark of excellence, and both the firm and many of its lawyers are recognised year after year in the Legal 500 as leaders in their field.

Peter Morgan, Partner at Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, said:

“These appointments reflect the steady growth we are seeing across the firm and our commitment to investing in people. It’s important to us that we continue to develop talent internally while also bringing in new expertise to support our clients.”

With a reputation for excellence and a deep understanding of the local business landscape in South Wales, Hutchinson Thomas offers a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses, with a strong emphasis on practical “clear thinking” advice and client care.

While substance remains at the heart of its approach, the firm’s state-of-the-art offices in Swansea and Neath provide a first-class environment for delivering legal services and ensuring clients receive the standard of care and professionalism they expect.

NEATH: Fire damages derelict Katz nightclub — weeks before it was due to go under the hammer again

A derelict Neath nightclub that has been empty for years was damaged by fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning — just weeks before it was due to go back under the hammer at auction.

Crews from Neath, Morriston, Pontardawe and Port Talbot were called to the former Katz nightclub on Queen Street Back Road at 3.11am on Tuesday after fire broke out at the rear of the two-storey building. The blaze affected the first and second floors.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews utilised eight breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, a 10m ladder, three thermal imaging cameras and small tools to extinguish the fire. The turn table ladder was used to gain access to the building.”

Fire crews left the scene at 6.53am — more than three and a half hours after being called out. A road closure was put in place on Alfred Street and Queen Street Back Road during the incident but has since been lifted.

South Wales Police, who were also in attendance, said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined and is under investigation.

The building has been empty for a number of years since the nightclub closed. For those who remember it, Katz was a fixture of Neath’s night-time economy — a sizeable two-storey venue with a prominent bar, raised stage, and a large dancefloor with original parquet wood flooring that survives inside to this day.

The property failed to sell when it went to online auction with a guide price of £145,000 in March. It is currently listed for auction again with a reduced guide price of £85,000, with bidding closing on May 12. The listing describes it as a building “in a state of disrepair” with potential for conversion into flats, a gym, boutique cinema, restaurant or creative studio space, subject to planning permission.

The full extent of the damage caused by Tuesday’s fire is not yet known, and it is unclear what impact — if any — it will have on the upcoming auction.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gowerton fire: dramatic scenes at LMS Club on Sterry Road
Our coverage of another significant fire in the area.

Gowerton road remains closed and building assessed for collapse risk after Easter Monday fire
The ongoing aftermath of the Sterry Road fire.

NEATH: Man jailed for strangling vulnerable partner who he threatened would end up back on the streets

A man has been jailed after strangling his vulnerable partner to the point she lost consciousness, a court has heard.

Daniel Rogers, 38, formerly of Croft Road in Neath but now of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to intentional strangulation at Swansea Crown Court. He has also been made subject to a restraining order protecting his victim.

Rogers had initially denied the offence, claiming the injuries to the woman had been caused during consensual sexual activity — a defence he maintained until shortly before trial, when he reversed his plea and admitted the charge.

The court heard that Rogers and the woman had met in 2021, when the victim was homeless and Rogers had an income and stable accommodation. Over time she developed feelings for him, but he used her vulnerability to control her, making threats that she would end up back on the streets.

The attack took place on April 28, 2024, at an Airbnb rental property in the Neath area. The court heard that both had been drinking when a verbal argument broke out. Rogers became increasingly aggressive, screaming in the woman’s face before grabbing her and throwing her onto the bed. He then put both hands around her throat and squeezed.

The victim struggled to get free, later describing how she felt unable to breathe and feared her eyes “were going to burst.” She lost consciousness and cannot remember how the assault ended — only that police were present when she came round. A neighbour had called 999 after hearing screams.

When officers arrived, the victim told them Rogers had done nothing wrong. It was only the following day, speaking to a domestic violence support worker, that she revealed what had really happened — saying she had not told the truth to police because she did not think she would be believed and feared Rogers would not be arrested.

Rogers came to the attention of police again in August 2024 after a member of the public called 999 reporting screams and a disturbance involving the same woman. Following his arrest, the victim disclosed the full details of the April strangulation.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said Rogers’ behaviour had severely impacted her mental health and that she no longer feels safe. She said she had believed she was going to die when he strangled her, and that looking back she believed he had deliberately exploited her vulnerabilities and the fact she had nowhere else to go.

Recorder Greg Bull KC, sentencing, told Rogers that strangulation was not permitted in law even with consent, and that its consequences can be fatal. He noted Rogers’ “appalling” record for violence and expressed concern at the length of time the case had taken to come to court.

Rogers has 26 previous convictions for 27 offences, including battery of a former partner, assaulting emergency workers, breaching a non-molestation order, and a particularly chilling offence of sending threatening communications to an ex-girlfriend — including messages saying he was going to kill her, accompanied by a photograph of himself digging what he described as her grave.

Sergeant Danielle Walters said: “Daniel Rogers’ victim felt like he was going to kill her as a result of his domestic violence. She had been scared to report what he was doing at first, due to her fear of reprisal from Rogers if she did so.

“Sadly, this is an all-too-common occurrence in cases of domestic violence such as this. She has been through a terrible ordeal, and we are pleased that she is finally free of his abuse now that he is going to prison. The victim is receiving all the available support after coming through the ordeal.”

Rogers was sentenced to 18 months in prison. With credit for his guilty plea he will serve up to half that time in custody before being released on licence.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 80 10 800, available 24 hours a day. The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Five jailed after street brawl saw family arm themselves with nail-studded plank in revenge attack
Another sentencing story from Swansea Crown Court.

Abuse horror: Man jailed after decade of child sexual offences
Further coverage from our courts reporter.

NEATH: Martial arts school with Michael Jackson connection opening in Neath — as South Wales expansion gathers pace

A martial arts school founded by the man who was Michael Jackson’s personal bodyguard is opening in Neath later this month — the latest in a string of South Wales locations that have already proved so popular they are nearly full after just a few classes.

MF Martial Arts opens at Dyffryn Clydach Memorial Hall on Tuesday 28th April, bringing to Neath a programme that franchise owner Lee Howell says is about far more than kicks and punches — it is about giving children the confidence, resilience and self-belief that can change their lives.

The franchise was founded by Matt Fiddes, who became one of Britain’s most successful martial arts entrepreneurs after an unlikely start — as the teenage bodyguard of the world’s most famous pop star. Fiddes worked alongside Michael Jackson from 1999 to 2009, having offered to help with security when he was just 18 years old.

“We became friends, and I noticed he was struggling with the security teams,” Fiddes has said. “I offered to take that on for free. I walked straight into it — I was only 18, and didn’t realise how popular he was.”

Fiddes went on to build the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts brand into the world’s largest chain of martial arts schools, with more than 2,000 franchise locations across the UK and beyond. He holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

The man bringing the franchise to Neath has his own compelling story. Lee Howell, who is relocating to South Wales, took up martial arts at the age of 40 — initially so he could join his son in classes and help him train at home. What he found changed his outlook entirely.

“Being part of MF Martial Arts has completely transformed my children’s and my own confidence and well-being,” he said. “I wanted to create a space where more young people could experience that same life-changing impact — somewhere they feel safe, strong, and capable.”

Howell has already opened schools in Brackla, Rhiwbina and Barry, and says the demand has been striking. “To see our Brackla, Rhiwbina and Barry schools nearly full after a few classes just proves how much parents and young people are looking for that safe outlet,” he said. Neath is the next step in what he intends to be a much wider South Wales operation, with more schools planned in the months ahead.

The school will focus on children’s mental health as well as physical fitness, with classes designed to build confidence, reduce anxiety and create a sense of belonging. All instructors are DBS checked and the franchise is registered within the education sector, running its own in-house championship programme. Junior and adult instructor pathways are also available for those who want to progress into teaching.

“We’re not just teaching martial arts — we’re giving children the tools to build confidence, overcome challenges, and believe in themselves,” Howell said. “We want to create a space where every child feels part of something bigger, where they can express themselves, make friends, and develop confidence that lasts a lifetime.”

Classes cater for children from the age of three through to adults of all ages and abilities. A free trial class is available for new students.

MF Martial Arts opens at Dyffryn Clydach Memorial Hall, Neath on Tuesday 28th April. For more information or to book a free trial, contact Lee Howell at [email protected] or call 07523 057689.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Lauren Bryant named sportsperson of the year as city’s sporting heroes celebrated at annual awards
Swansea celebrates its sporting talent at the city’s annual awards ceremony.

GORSEINON: New college building takes shape as £20m campus overhaul hits key milestone
Investment in South Wales education and community facilities continues.

Bilingual Neath theatre company lands major funding for youth climate projects

A Neath-based theatre company has received £100,000 from the ScottishPower Foundation to take its climate-focused productions to schools and community venues across South Wales.

The funding comes from the foundation’s new £200,000 Art for Climate Fund, which aims to support arts projects that educate young people about environmental issues.

Theatr na nÓg will use the grant to tour its bilingual shows We Need Bees and Bug Hotel, which explore biodiversity loss and climate displacement through music, storytelling, and interactive performance. According to the company, the productions will reach thousands of children and families in the region.

Geinor Styles, Artistic Director of Theatr na nÓg, told Swansea Bay News that the shows are designed to engage children with “important issues including biodiversity loss, climate displacement and the climate emergency.”

The plays were written by award-winning playwright Katherine Chandler, who said the insect-focused stories help children understand environmental challenges in ways that encourage empathy and resilience.

The ScottishPower Foundation said in a statement that the Art for Climate Fund was intended to support long-term projects rather than short-term interventions. Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee, said the foundation believes “the arts have a unique power to make complex ideas accessible, emotional and impossible to ignore.”

Alongside Theatr na nÓg, the first round of funding also supported Wonder, a UK-wide poetry initiative led by Hot Poets and Forward Arts Foundation, which aims to use poetry to explore climate change in classrooms. The programme is expected to reach more than a million children.

Local education and community groups welcomed the news, highlighting that engaging young people through theatre and creative projects can complement environmental education already taking place in schools across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Theatr na nÓg has a history of community-focused work, including school workshops and bilingual performances designed to be accessible to a wide range of audiences. The company said the funding will allow it to extend the reach of its productions.

Environmental campaigners in South Wales have expressed support for projects that combine arts and climate education, noting that biodiversity and pollinator populations are under pressure in the region.

Schools and community venues interested in hosting the shows are encouraged to contact Theatr na nÓg directly. Specific tour dates and locations will be announced on the company’s website and social media.

Observers say the ScottishPower Foundation’s funding approach — supporting multiple-year projects — reflects a broader trend of long-term investment in youth climate education across the UK.

The grant highlights the growing role of arts organisations in tackling climate issues locally, showing how performance and creative expression can be used to help children understand environmental challenges.

BRYNCOCH: £1,000 boost for ‘friendship and hope’ school as pupils celebrate big win

Persimmon Homes West Wales handed over the four-figure cheque to Ysgol Maes y Coed — a much-loved school supporting young people aged two to 19 with complex learning needs.

And the cash couldn’t come at a better time.

The school’s inspiring “19 Things” initiative aims to make sure every pupil enjoys at least 19 unique experiences before they leave — from trips and competitions to social activities many families would otherwise struggle to access.

Now, thanks to the funding boost, even more of those moments are set to become reality.

Teachers and pupils gathered to celebrate the donation, proudly holding up giant cheque boards as the school’s “Friendship and Hope” banner looked on — a fitting backdrop for a day full of joy.

Deputy headteacher Catherine Tucker said the money will go directly towards enriching pupils’ lives beyond the classroom.

She said: “We pride ourselves on our warm, caring and supportive atmosphere — a place where young people can flourish, learn, enjoy, be happy and safe.

“This donation is very much appreciated and will help us fund visits and away days… allowing them to take part in fun and social experiences.”

The funding comes through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, which dishes out around £50,000 every year to good causes across Wales — with local sports clubs and community groups also among recent winners.

Sales director Sharon Bouhali said the firm was delighted to support the school, adding that staff wanted to recognise the “hard-working team” and help create more opportunities for pupils.

With developments already built nearby and more homes planned across the region, the company says it’s keen to give something back to communities on its doorstep.

And for the pupils of Ysgol Maes y Coed, that means more trips, more experiences — and more chances to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Builder donation helps support community cricket in Gorseinon
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Pontarddulais RFC secures major sponsorship from Persimmon Homes
Rugby club lands significant backing as part of the developer’s community investment drive.

Developer helps West Wales rugby club roof fund
Funding support helps improve facilities for players and supporters alike.

Developer gives cash boost to Penllergaer football team
Local side benefits from investment to support grassroots sport.

Youth football team nets £1,000 donation from housebuilder
Young players in Swansea get vital support for equipment and training. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Carmarthen school gets financial boost for specialist unit
Funding helps improve facilities for pupils with additional learning needs.

Housebuilder donates £2,000 to Carmarthenshire autism charity
Support for a vital local charity delivering services to families.

Gowerton school gets financial boost from local housebuilder
Another school benefits from community funding to enhance opportunities for pupils.

Car plunges into Neath canal as rescuers wade in to save trapped pair

Emergency crews raced to Riverside Drive at 10.48am, where they found a silver vehicle partially submerged in the water with two casualties still inside.

Photos from the scene show the car nose‑down in the canal, doors flung open, as police, firefighters and paramedics lined the roadside.

Firefighters from Swansea Central, Neath and Pontardawe scrambled into the water, deploying a specialist wading team to reach the trapped occupants. Both casualties were pulled from the vehicle and handed to ambulance crews for assessment.

The incident drew a large emergency response, with multiple fire engines, police units and paramedics attending.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews left the scene at 11.18am, around half an hour after the first 999 call.

The condition of the two people rescued has not yet been released.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Too hefty to handle: Welsh fire crews swamped by super‑size rescue callouts
How crews across Wales are dealing with a surge in complex, high‑risk rescues.

Fire crews scale 32‑metre tower in dramatic rescue drill at Tata Steel Port Talbot
Inside the high‑rise training that prepares firefighters for incidents like today’s water rescue.

Veteran firefighter Craig Flannery lands top job as Chief Fire Officer
Leadership changes at the top of the service responding to major emergencies across the region.

More Fire & Rescue news
All the latest incidents, investigations and updates from fire crews across South West Wales.

NCP enters administration putting key Swansea car parks at risk

National Car Parks (NCP), which operates around 340 car parks across the UK, has called in administrators from PwC after running out of cash.

The company employs more than 680 people nationwide and manages parking at key locations including city centres, hospitals, airports and transport hubs.

What it means right now

Despite the move, drivers are being told it’s business as usual — for now.

Administrators say all car parks remain open, staff are still in place, and there will be no immediate changes for customers.

But a full review of the business is now underway — and that could ultimately lead to closures or changes at some sites.

Major Swansea sites under the spotlight

In Swansea, NCP operates several of the city centre’s best-known car parks — all of which are now part of the administration process.

These include Kingsway (328 spaces), Orchard Street (512 spaces), City Gates (251 spaces), Jockey Street (36 spaces), and a small additional site at Northampton Lane. A further NCP car park also operates in Neath on Orchard Street.

Together, these sites provide hundreds of spaces used daily by shoppers, commuters and visitors, making them a key part of the city’s infrastructure.

While no specific closures have been confirmed, administrators have made clear that every site will be assessed for viability.

A company with decades of history

National Car Parks is one of the UK’s oldest parking operators, with roots dating back to the 1930s as car ownership began to rise across Britain.

Originally formed to manage growing demand for city parking, the business expanded rapidly in the post-war years, becoming a familiar name in towns and cities across the country.

Over the decades, NCP grew into a dominant force in the sector, operating hundreds of sites and becoming synonymous with multi-storey car parks in urban centres.

However, like many traditional parking operators, it has struggled to adapt to changing travel habits in recent years — particularly the decline in daily commuting.

Why NCP has entered administration

According to PwC, the company has struggled for years following the pandemic.

Changes in working habits — particularly the shift to home working — have reduced demand for city centre parking, while long-term lease agreements have left the business locked into high costs.

In a statement, PwC said the company had insufficient cash to meet its financial obligations, forcing directors to place it into administration.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said:

“NCP has faced a challenging trading environment over several years, with changing consumer behaviours impacting volumes, and a high fixed cost-base leading to trading losses.”

He added:

“All sites are open, staff remain in post, and trading continues as normal.”

Jobs and closures risk

Although staff remain employed for now, the future is uncertain.

Administrators are exploring options including selling all or part of the business, while also negotiating with landlords in a bid to cut costs.

However, they have warned that some locations may not be viable, meaning closures are a real possibility.

What happens next

For now, drivers across Swansea and Neath can continue to use NCP car parks as normal.

But with every site under review, the longer-term future of some locations remains unclear.

For city centre businesses already facing challenges, any loss of parking could have a knock-on effect — making this a story that’s likely to develop in the weeks ahead.

From Resolven to RuPaul: Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis makes a splash in Drag Race makeover

Daniel Jervis, who grew up in Resolven near Neath, took on one of the show’s most famous challenges – being transformed head-to-toe into a drag queen.

The Team GB swimmer was paired with US drag performer Mariah Balenciaga for the makeover episode, which saw a group of elite athletes step into the world of drag before walking the runway in front of judges and a global TV audience.

When Jervis stepped onto the main stage in full makeup, costume and towering heels, he adopted the drag name Amirah Balenciaga.

And the transformation proved to be a winning combination.

Judges praised the pair’s performance on the runway – with guest judge and singer Anastacia even admitting she struggled to tell which one of them was the Olympian.

From Resolven to the Olympic Games

Jervis is one of Britain’s leading long-distance freestyle swimmers.

He represented Team GB at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, competing in the gruelling 1500-metre freestyle, one of swimming’s toughest endurance events.

The Welsh athlete has also enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games, where he won medals for Wales and established himself as one of the UK’s top distance swimmers.

But despite his success in the pool, the Neath Valley swimmer told viewers his personal journey hasn’t always been straightforward.

Jervis publicly came out as gay in 2022, revealing on the show that he had delayed sharing his sexuality until he was 26.

“You can sometimes feel like you’re being told you can’t be Christian and be gay,” he said during the episode.

However, he said he was fortunate to receive support when he did come out.

“My church didn’t change towards me. For me, that’s acceptance,” he explained.

“I understand how privileged I was to have that.”

Jervis added that he had also seen how difficult the experience could be for others.

“I’ve seen someone very close to me come out in a church setting and it’s gone really bad for them.”

Despite the challenges, he said coming out ultimately changed his life for the better.

“My life did turn upside down – but it turned the right way around. Honestly it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Stepping into the world of drag

The swimmer said he wanted to appear on the show partly because he knew it would reach a huge audience – including people who might still be struggling to come out themselves.

He hoped sharing his story could offer reassurance to viewers facing similar challenges.

Before agreeing to take part, Jervis said he sought advice from his father.

“My dad said only do it if you’re going to give it 100%,” he explained.

And once the cameras started rolling, he threw himself fully into the experience.

“It was fun but hard work because I wanted to make Mariah proud and the drag community proud.”

Jervis said he was struck by how welcoming the performers were.

“I’ve never felt so included and comfortable around a group of people in my life. They were from all around the world and so welcoming to us.”

The makeover challenge is one of the most popular parts of the Drag Race format, with contestants judged on how well their guest partner embodies drag performance and how closely the pair resemble members of the same “drag family”.

For Jervis, the transformation was a completely new experience – but one he embraced fully.

Asked by host RuPaul what his favourite part of the makeover was, the Welsh swimmer had a simple answer.

“The heels,” he joked.

“I wanted to go method.”

Jervis said he approached the challenge with the same respect he would expect if drag performers were stepping into his world.

“I have so much respect for these queens,” he said.

“If they were coming into my world, I’d want them to give it 100% and respect what I do.

“It’s the other way around – I’m going into their world and I want to give 100% and respect what they do.”

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NEATH LEGEND: Hollywood’s first Welsh Oscar winner honoured with blue plaque at childhood home

The tribute was unveiled at the house on Dalton Road where the legendary actor lived from the age of four.

Milland, who was born Alfred Reginald Jones in 1907, remains a titan of the silver screen and was once Paramount’s highest-paid star.

The installation follows a special exhibition at Melincryddan Community Hall on Friday, March 6, which brought together relatives, fans, and local dignitaries.

Organised by the Neath Antiquarian Society, the event marked the 80th anniversary of Milland’s historic Academy Award win for his role in The Lost Weekend.

He was the first Welsh actor to ever scoop an Oscar, a feat that cemented his place in cinematic history alongside greats like Grace Kelly and John Wayne.

The plaque was successfully nominated by the Neath Antiquarian Society through Neath Port Talbot Council’s Blue Plaque Scheme.

It serves as a permanent reminder of a man who told the world he was from Neath, even at the height of his global fame.

Jonathan Davies, Chair of the Neath Antiquarian Society, hailed Milland’s “varied and lasting” career which spanned more than 55 years.

“From romantic leads to comedy, horror, Broadway Theatre and his own TV shows, I don’t think there are many other careers in Hollywood that have been as varied or lasted as long,” he said.

“Over the course of 55 years, he won everything; Oscar, Grammy, Cannes Film Festival, the lot.”

The actor’s incredible journey saw him serve in the Royal Horse Guards before a chance meeting with an American actress convinced him to try his hand at acting.

His 1929 debut in The Flying Scotsman led to a contract with MGM and a move to Hollywood that would change his life forever.

Milland went on to star in classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder and the terrifying spy thriller Ministry of Fear.

Despite his stardom, he never forgot his roots, famously being “lionised” in Cardiff in 1946 and touring Neath by car during a visit in 1947.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing for Neath Port Talbot Council, said the plaque celebrates a key part of the area’s “incredible cultural legacy.”

The ceremony was attended by Milland’s relatives and local residents, including the current tenant of the house on Dalton Road.

Funding for the 2026 Commemorative Blue Plaque window will open from April 1 to September 30 for new nominations.

The scheme is part of the council’s wider Heritage Strategy, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore and celebrate local history.

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

SEISMIC SHOWDOWN: 51 Welsh rugby clubs move to AXE WRU chairman as crisis deepens

Leaked documents have revealed the scale of the growing rebellion, with nearly a fifth of all member clubs now demanding an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to “save the soul” of the national game.

The move, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, targets WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board boss Malcolm Wall in a bid to halt controversial plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

It follows weeks of mounting pressure from clubs and intense political criticism over the WRU’s “stitch-up” of the professional game in the west.

Clubs from across our core coverage areas of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire have dominated the list of rebels, with 23 teams from the Ospreys’ heartland leading the charge.

Local giants such as Bonymaen, Morriston, Swansea, and Gowerton have all put their names to the move, alongside Neath Athletic, Taibach, Baglan, and Aberavon Green Stars.

The revolt has also spread deep into Carmarthenshire, with clubs like Llandybie, Llanybydder, and Laugharne joining the fight as the seismic showdown over the union’s leadership reaches boiling point.

The rebels have put forward three key motions for the EGM, including a vote of no confidence in the leadership and a demand for fresh elections for the four elected WRU council member board positions.

It comes as Swansea Council seeks an urgent High Court injunction to stop the WRU’s deal with Y11 Sports & Media, which many fear would signal the end of the Ospreys as a professional outfit.

In a scathing letter sent to the governing body, the rebels accused the WRU executive board of causing “reputational damage” to the sport through “extortionate” spending on outside consultants.

“If people are paid to do a job and have to use consultants to guide them, then it begs the question if we have the right personnel in those roles,” the letter blasted.

The rebellion has also taken a personal turn, with claims that a “small minority” of the WRU leadership have been “disrespectful” and shared “misinformation” at local meetings.

The clubs are also demanding that any future WRU chair be “immersed in Welsh culture,” have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby values, and ideally be a Welsh speaker living in Wales.

Despite the growing pressure, the WRU boss has insisted the Ospreys are “not doomed yet”, even as the battle for the West Wales rugby licence looms.

For the EGM to go ahead and be valid, at least 94 clubs—one third of the total membership—must be present for the showdown.

REVEALED: Swansea named worst for commuters in Wales as gridlock hits home

Shocking new analysis has revealed that the city has the toughest commute in the country, topping the rankings for average journey times, congestion, and slow traffic speeds across Welsh towns and cities.

The research, conducted by office infrastructure experts Co-space, shows that Swansea workers face a gruelling 26-minute average commute each way.

When combined with a 15% congestion level and average peak speeds of just 25 km/h, Swansea hits a chart-topping “commuter pressure score” of 19.7.

Over a full year, that 26-minute journey adds up to more than 215 hours spent travelling to and from work—the same as sitting in a car or on a bus for nine entire days.

The findings highlight a massive divide in travel experiences across the region, with Port Talbot motorists already feeling the pinch from a year of major roadworks. Motorists on Mumbles Road are also facing three months of lane closures for vital gas pipe upgrades.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cardiff didn’t take the top spot, despite having the highest congestion rate at 16%. The capital’s shorter 22-minute average commute kept its pressure score down at 9.7, ranking it well outside the top ten.

In our area, Neath and Ammanford both saw smoother runs with average commutes of 22 minutes, while Llanelli recorded a 24-minute average journey and a pressure score of 12.1.

William Sokes, CEO of Co-space, has warned that even small differences in commute times can have a “knock-on effect” on employee wellbeing and productivity.

“What’s striking about this data is how clearly Swansea stands apart from the rest of Wales,” Mr Sokes stated, adding that infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with growth.

The news comes as Swansea-based research programmes continue to look into smarter, greener ways for the region to move forward amid the ongoing climate challenge.

Hollywood legend who told the world he was from Neath to be honoured with blue plaque

Ray Milland, who starred alongside screen legends like John Wayne and Grace Kelly, was the first Welsh actor to win an Oscar and became one of Paramount’s highest-paid stars during a career that spanned five decades.

Now, 80 years after his career-defining Oscar win for the film The Lost Weekend, Neath Port Talbot Council has announced he will be recognised with a blue plaque.

Milland joins a prestigious list of local figures to be honoured, including fellow acting giants Richard Burton and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The public will get a first look at the plaque at a free event this Friday, 6 March, at Melincryddan Community Hall from 3pm. It will later be installed at Milland’s childhood home on Dalton Road.

The successful nomination for the plaque came from the Neath Antiquarian Society.

Jonathan Davies, Chair of the society, said Milland never forgot his roots:

“I have little doubt that there are few people in our history that have reached more corners of the world and told them he was proud of the fact that he was from Neath.

“He’s known to have said, ‘When people say to me, you are English, I tell them I’m not English. I’m Welsh. Call me British if you like but never, never call me English’. His death was reported on every continent.”

1946 was a golden year for Milland. As well as the Academy Award, he also won Best Actor at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globes.

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

“It’s great to honour the first Welsh Oscar winner, Ray Milland. He had an amazing career and became a household name in Hollywood. This blue plaque celebrates yet another figure from the incredible cultural legacy that we have across the whole of Neath Port Talbot.”

The council has confirmed that a further two blue plaques will be funded this year, with the funding window opening on 1 April.

Katherine Jenkins celebrates St David’s Day with celebrity friends and her Swansea-based gin brand

The annual celebration, which has become a highlight of the Welsh social calendar, was held at The Chancery Rosewood hotel in London on Monday evening — the eve of St David’s Day itself.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Welsh celebrity, with Carol Vorderman — who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Swansea University last year — among those raising a glass to Wales.

Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Amy Dowden, Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, TV presenter Alex Jones, former Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones OBE, Wales football captain Ben Davies, bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, composer Sir Karl Jenkins, and singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti were also in attendance.

The evening was described as a blend of “warmth, music and genuine national pride”, with guests treated to Welsh-inspired cuisine and a traditional Welsh harp performance.

The night’s entertainment culminated in a surprise performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Catrin Feelings, who wowed the crowd in a traditional Welsh costume.

Katherine herself looked striking in a red Rebecca Vallance dress — a deliberate nod to the national colours of Wales.

At the heart of the evening was Cygnet Gin, the ultra-premium gin brand co-founded by Katherine and her husband, professor and film-maker Andrew Levitas. Guests enjoyed Cygnet 22 Martinis, Cygnet G&Ts and Cygnet 77 Old Fashioneds throughout the night.

Cygnet is distilled at the Cygnet Distillery in SA1, Swansea, and has rapidly established itself as one of the most decorated gin brands in the world. Earlier this year, it made its Hollywood debut as the official gin partner for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes — a milestone Katherine marked on the red carpet in Los Angeles.

The brand’s flagship expression, Cygnet 22, is crafted using 22 botanicals and Manuka honey, and is presented in a hand-blown, hand-constructed decanter called “Eirlys” — the Welsh word for snowdrop. It was named sole gin winner at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024.

Cygnet’s newest launch, Cygnet Infinity — the brand’s first non-alcoholic expression — recently won a Gold Medal at The Spirits Business Low & No Masters 2026.

Speaking about the evening, Katherine said:

“St David’s Day creates a deep sense of pride in where I come from, in the language, the landscape, the music, the warmth of the people. Wales shaped me long before the world stage ever did. Saint David lived simply, preached kindness and said “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” — “do the little things”, I love that.

“Greatness doesn’t always arrive with noise; often it’s found in humility and small daily acts of goodness. That ethos feels very Welsh: hardworking, grounded, quietly strong.”

The evening also served as a platform for Katherine to announce her upcoming 25th anniversary tour, which will see her perform at venues across the UK later this year. Tickets are on sale now.

It is the latest in a string of high-profile events for the Neath-born singer, who has used her platform to champion Welsh talent and culture on the world stage. Last year, she hosted a midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence at Swansea’s copperworks distillery, bringing together some of the biggest names in Welsh public life.

Neath TikTok star with 112k followers lands first major brand deal with Keep Wales Tidy

Nic Fearn, known as The Diva Supreme on TikTok, has partnered with the environmental charity as part of their Drive Your Litter Home campaign, which aims to shine a spotlight on the effect roadside litter is having on Wales’s beautiful roads.

The campaign video features Fearn in full diva mode on a rural Welsh roadside, delivering the message that “littering is not very diva” with his signature comedic style and glamorous persona.

In the video, Fearn tells his followers:

“The Diva Supreme is proud to support Keep Wales Tidy with another amazing campaign. This time, they are shining a spotlight on the effect roadside litter is having on our beautiful roads and encouraging us all to be more responsible and take our litter home.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@nicholasfearn/video/7607521746475879702

The Drive Your Litter Home campaign carries a simple reminder – if it comes with you on the journey, it goes home with you too.

“Litter does not belong on our roads, be more Diva and #driveyourlitterhome,” Fearn declares in the video, adding: “Because yes… it belongs to you! 💅🚗🌿”

Fearn’s content, which celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and combines comedy with everyday Welsh life, has resonated with audiences across the country. His videos often feature shopping trips to TK Maxx and charity shops, delivered with his distinctive diva flair.

“It’s the first big brand collab I’ve done,” said Fearn, whose rapid rise on the platform demonstrates the growing influence of Welsh content creators in the digital space.

The Keep Wales Tidy partnership marks a significant milestone for the Neath creator, who has built his following through entertaining and inclusive content that showcases Welsh locations and culture through a unique lens.

The collaboration comes as Keep Wales Tidy intensifies efforts to combat roadside litter across Wales, with the charity using social media influencers to reach younger audiences with environmental messages.

Fearn’s campaign video can be watched on his TikTok account @nicholasfearn, where he regularly posts content for his 112,400 followers.

The partnership demonstrates how brands are increasingly turning to local social media personalities to amplify their campaigns, particularly when those creators have authentic connections to their communities and can deliver messages in engaging, relatable ways.

The Drive Your Litter Home campaign emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for waste and recognizing that litter does not belong on Wales’s beautiful roads.

For Fearn, the collaboration represents not just a personal achievement but also an opportunity to use his platform to make a positive impact on his local community and beyond – proving that being a diva can also mean caring for the environment.

Three men sentenced after trying to steal railway track in Neath claiming it was on ‘unowned’ land

David Hanford, 58, of Brownhills, Gorseinon, Robert Lewis, 64, of Y Fron, Cefneithin, and Ryan John, 43, of Llys Caernedi, Carmarthen, all appeared at Swansea Crown Court where they admitted attempted theft.

Hanford and Lewis were each sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to undertake rehabilitation activity and pay £500 in compensation. John received four months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and must also undertake rehabilitation activity, carry out unpaid work, and pay £500 in compensation.

The court heard that at around 8.30am on 3 October 2022, a member of the public noticed a van and a group of men in high-vis vests on the line in the Bryn Golwg area in Clyne, Neath.

He initially thought nothing of it as the line was “mothballed” – a term used in railway engineering to refer to track that is not in use at the time but still requires maintenance and could be brought back into service on short notice.

When the men had left at the end of the day, he decided to take a closer look and noticed there had been cuts to the track. Concerned, he informed Network Rail.

The following morning the same men were back again, going back and forth between the track and the van. British Transport Police (BTP) were called, and officers attended a short time later.

They ordered the men to stop what they were doing and provide their industry-specific identity cards proving they were allowed to work on the railway, which they were all unable to do.

Hanford claimed he and the other men were running a company and stated that the land was not owned by anyone and that the group were intending to remove the “abandoned” track and scrap the metal so the land could be used for other things.

He produced an authentic Land Registry document to try to support his claim.

However, after calling the Land Registry and noticing cuts to the track, officers seized the men’s equipment, took all of their details and told them they would all be invited to police interview on suspicion of attempted theft.

A protracted investigation was launched, involving a number of specialist Network Rail surveyors and track managers, the Land Registry and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Officers established that Hanford and Lewis had been involved in a number of similar incidents in previous years, where they would look for what they deemed as “abandoned” railway lines and make requests to the Land Registry for index map searches.

Nearly all the railway network was acquired in the 19th century by Network Rail’s predecessors in title and much of it remains unregistered.

The group tried to use the technicality of the land’s description as “unregistered estate” to their advantage as meaning nobody owned it and it was therefore theirs to do what they liked with.

As officers were preparing for voluntary interviews with the group in September 2023, they returned to the same area of track. They were spotted by another member of the public who was aware of the theft attempt from the previous year and called police.

BTP officers arrived a short time later and the group again claimed the line was abandoned and disused, admitting that they had cut the track the previous year and had returned to dispose of it. They were again arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into custody.

The total cost of the damage caused to the track was estimated at almost £46,000.

They were all charged in April 2024.

BTP Police Constable Kay Calderwood who led the investigation said:

“This has been a lengthy, complex and honestly quite bizarre investigation. As part of the ploy the group had created a bogus company, but it was not registered with Companies House and had no health and safety plans or insurance. They tried to dress professionally so they could carry out the work unimpeded but were disrupted both times by concerned members of the public.

“The evidence we gathered meant the CPS presented Hanford, Lewis and John with land registry records and deeds dating back to the 1850s, yet they repeatedly insisted that the certificate they had meant the land was in their view abandoned and that meant they could do whatever they wanted.

“Most concerningly, the group had no idea about the line they were damaging. They didn’t know when the last test train had run on the track, therefore they’d have been entirely unaware of potentially derailing a train if they had been successful in their efforts.

“This should serve as a significant warning to anyone else who thinks they can trespass and try to steal railway track.”

BTP Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, lead for railway disruption, said:

“This conviction sends a clear message that dangerous, costly, and disruptive crimes such as track theft will not be tolerated. Attempting to steal metal from the railway network or from depots can pose a serious risk of harm to the offender, and the costs incurred by the railway operator are passed on to the average commuter.”

Cerys Canning, Programme Manager at Network Rail, said:

“This was an extremely dangerous act that put lives at risk and caused significant damage to the railway. Even lines that are not currently in use remain part of the operational railway and can be brought back into service at short notice. Interfering with track in any circumstances is illegal and can have catastrophic consequences.

“The damage caused in this case cost almost £46,000 – money that would otherwise be spent on maintaining and improving the railway for passengers and freight customers.

“Anyone found trespassing or attempting to remove railway assets is committing a serious criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly. We’re grateful to the members of the public who raised concerns, and we will continue working closely with British Transport Police to protect the railway and keep people safe.”

Rapist already serving 14‑year sentence gets another decade behind bars for attacking second woman

South Wales Police said 40‑year‑old Simon Morgan, of Groves Road, Neath, was found guilty of raping a woman in 2015 — an offence that happened years before he was jailed in 2025 for a separate campaign of violence, coercive control and rape against another victim.

The force said Morgan’s latest conviction means he will now spend almost a quarter of a century in prison, after a judge ruled he poses a “significant risk” of causing serious harm to the public.

Police said the 2015 rape was not reported at the time. According to evidence heard in court, Morgan pushed the woman to the floor, strangled and kicked her, took her phone and then raped her. The victim told the court she had tried to block out what happened as a “coping mechanism” and said she continues to suffer nightmares.

South Wales Police said Morgan’s offending shows a pattern of “sexual and violent” behaviour.

Rape Investigation Team officer Emma Robbins said:

“Simon Morgan’s sexual and violent offending is disgusting and is not limited to just one victim. He is a permanent threat to women’s safety and there is no doubt that had his brave victims not come forward, he would be committing these same offences to someone else today.”

She added that the victims had shown “immense bravery” in speaking out and said it was “pleasing to see such a violent and dangerous man… consigned to such a large prison sentence.”

At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees said both rapes had been accompanied by violence and that Morgan’s history — which includes 10 previous convictions for 16 offences — demonstrated the danger he poses. His record includes assaults, ABH, GBH with intent and rape.

The court heard Morgan was already serving a 14‑year sentence imposed in April 2025 for raping a woman in 2021, an attack in which he dragged her to the floor, assaulted her and made threats to kill her while holding a bottle of rum. He was also sentenced at the time for a separate violent assault on a man in Neath that required reconstructive surgery, and for two assaults on a woman — one of which happened on a Gower beach in front of families.

Morgan’s barrister, Nick Gedge, told the court his client maintains his innocence over the 2015 rape. He said Morgan had experienced “childhood trauma”, had been engaging with education in prison, and had “found the Buddhist faith”.

Judge Rees imposed a 10‑year extended sentence, made up of six years in custody and four years on licence. The sentence will run consecutively to the 14 years Morgan is already serving. He must serve two‑thirds of the custodial term before he can apply for release, and the Parole Board will decide if he is safe to be freed.

South Wales Police said they have not released Morgan’s custody image at the request of a victim.

The force urged anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek support, saying survivors will be “listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and supported throughout the judicial process”.

Rail chaos hits Swansea as 12‑day shutdown begins — passengers warned to expect long delays

The closure — running from Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, with an additional full shutdown on Sunday 8 February — has been confirmed by Network Rail, which says engineers will be working “around the clock” on the Landore Viaduct and the surrounding track.

Network Rail says the work involves renewing rails, sleepers, switches, crossings and points, as well as refurbishing the viaduct structure that carries trains over the River Tawe. The organisation describes the upgrades as “vital” to keeping services safe and reliable.

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales & Borders Route Director, said the closure was unavoidable:

“We’re carrying out vital track renewal work and refurbishing Landore Viaduct to improve the reliability of the railway for passenger and freight services. To complete this work safely, we need to close the railway between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea. We’re sorry for the disruption this will cause.”

The history of Landore Viaduct

Landore Viaduct first opened in 1850 as part of the South Wales Railway engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The original structure was built largely from timber and carried trains across the River Tawe into Swansea.

The viaduct was rebuilt in the late 19th century as rail traffic increased, replacing the timber superstructure with stronger materials. Further modernisation took place in the 1970s, leaving only a handful of Brunel’s original masonry piers still visible today.

For more than 170 years, the viaduct has remained a key route for passenger and freight services travelling in and out of Swansea, linking the city to the wider South Wales Main Line.

The shutdown means no trains at all between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea for most of the next 12 days. Both Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway say their services will be heavily affected, with replacement buses running throughout the closure.

TfW says passengers should expect longer journeys and changes to connections, with some early‑morning and late‑evening services diverted or curtailed. Services to West Wales will continue to run, but many will start or finish at different stations than usual.

Colin Lea, TfW’s Planning and Performance Director, said:

“These essential works are an important investment in making the railway more reliable for years to come. We know disruption is frustrating and we’re grateful to customers for bearing with us.”

GWR has confirmed that its London Paddington services will now start and finish at Port Talbot instead of Swansea for most of the closure period. Some trains will not run at all on Friday 6 February because rolling stock will be out of position.

Passengers travelling through Gowerton face additional disruption because a low bridge prevents full‑size coaches from serving the station. Smaller buses are being used, meaning passengers heading beyond Swansea will need to change vehicles at the station before continuing their journey.

The disruption will intensify again this coming weekend, with buses replacing trains between Cardiff, Bridgend and Swansea on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, and further changes on Sunday 8 February.

Despite the upheaval, Swansea Station itself remains open, with ticketing, toilets and refreshments available as normal.

With the closure now underway, thousands of commuters are bracing for delays, packed buses and longer journeys — and hoping the promised improvements will justify the disruption.

“Don’t waste our future”: Pupils and celebrity artist hit back at fly-tippers with bold mural in Neath Port Talbot

The striking new mural, splashed across a corrugated wall near Ysgol Melin, features piercing green eyes and a bilingual warning: “No fly tipping — don’t waste our future.” It’s bold, it’s angry, and it’s built from the ideas of Year 5 pupils who’ve had enough of rubbish dumped in their streets.

Nathan Wyburn, known for creating portraits out of Marmite, glitter and even burnt toast — and for appearing on Britain’s Got Talent — led the project after a hands-on workshop with the children and Neath Port Talbot Council. The kids didn’t just paint — they helped design the whole thing, from the message to the mood.

Discarded furniture and waste were piled in front of the mural during the unveiling, hammering home the point: this is what fly-tipping looks like, and this is what it does to communities.

Cllr Scott Jones, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in Neath Port Talbot. This year alone we achieved a 26% reduction in fly-tipping incidents – one of the largest decreases across all Welsh local authorities.”

Benjamin Meredith-Davies from Fly-tipping Action Wales added:

“This mural is more than artwork — it’s a call to action. These kids care deeply about their community, and they’ve used art to spark real conversations about waste and respect.”

The mural is part of a wider push to clean up Wales and crack down on illegal dumping. But it’s also a reminder that the next generation isn’t waiting quietly — they’re picking up paint rollers and making noise.

More arts and community stories

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Local children envision Port Talbot’s future in vivid new murals
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Green light for £30m rebuild of Llangatwg Community School as council approves major new campus

The project will see the existing school replaced with a modern, purpose‑built English‑medium campus designed for up to 850 pupils, including specialist provision for learners with additional needs.

The new building will be constructed on the current site, but the council says the difference in quality will be “transformational”, with a focus on flexible teaching spaces, sustainability and facilities that can be used by the wider community.

The plans include state‑of‑the‑art classrooms, science labs, IT suites, a learning resource centre and roof‑terrace teaching areas. A new sports hall, performance hall, vocational workshops and conference rooms form part of the design, alongside extensive outdoor facilities including two sports pitches, three multi‑use games areas and a forest school.

The campus will also feature a greenhouse, an outdoor amphitheatre and dedicated food‑growing areas, with the council emphasising the school’s role as a community hub. New bus, car and taxi drop‑off zones, EV charging points and accessible parking are also included.

Council officers say the design has been shaped around sustainability and energy efficiency, with ecology, landscaping and drainage specialists involved from the outset. The project complies with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning standards, which require modern, low‑carbon, future‑proofed school buildings.

Cllr Nia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Education & Early Years, said planning approval marked a major milestone.

“Securing planning approval means we can now move forward with delivering a state‑of‑the‑art learning environment for pupils at the school,” she said. “This investment will provide modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities that not only support excellent teaching and learning but also benefit the wider community.”

The council says the rebuild forms part of a wider multi‑million‑pound programme to upgrade schools across Neath Port Talbot, delivered jointly with the Welsh Government.

Construction timelines and phasing details are expected to be confirmed later this year.

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Major 250‑home Bryncoch development back on the table as new plans revealed

Long‑running scheme re‑emerges

A huge proposal to build a 250‑home estate at Leiros Parc has resurfaced as Codi Group — the new housing association formed from the merger of Pobl and Linc Cymru — opens a fresh round of public consultation.

The 11.8‑hectare site sits above Caewern on a sharp south‑facing slope. It is currently farmland, scrub and a former farmyard, but the new outline plans show one of the largest housing developments proposed in Neath in years.

The scheme includes homes, a small community hub, allotments, play areas, new walking and cycling routes, a bus loop and large areas of public open space.

Years of testing and design work

The Design and Access Statement shows the project has been in development for almost a decade. Site investigations began in 2017, with coal mining risk assessments, soil testing, drainage studies and topographical surveys carried out over several years.

Earlier versions of the layout were drawn up long before Codi Group existed, indicating the scheme has been progressing quietly in the background.

Contaminated soil across the site

One of the most significant findings is the discovery of elevated arsenic levels in the shallow soils across the entire site. The proposed solution is to cap the land with buildings, hardstanding and 600mm of clean imported soil in gardens and landscaped areas.

Coal seams were also identified, but engineers say the risk from old workings is negligible.

Steep terrain shapes the development

The DAS describes the slope as the site’s biggest constraint, with long cross‑sections showing how sharply the land falls away. The terrain dictates the road layout, drainage strategy and the distribution of open space.

Drainage tests show mixed results, meaning the estate will rely heavily on Sustainable Drainage Systems, including swales and soakaways. The scheme will require separate SAB approval alongside planning.

A network of high‑voltage overhead power lines crosses the land and may need to be buried to allow development.

Access, footpaths and green buffers

Access would come from Daphne Road, with a secondary pedestrian, cycle and emergency route from Leiros Parc Drive. A public right of way running through the fields would be retained and linked into new routes.

Large areas of the site are set aside as woodland buffers and “eco‑tone planting”, creating green separation between the homes and surrounding landscape. The plans also include a community park, kick‑about area and several small play spaces.

Allocated housing land with affordability requirement

The land is already allocated for housing under Neath Port Talbot’s Local Development Plan, with a requirement for 25% affordable housing. As a housing association‑led scheme, the final proportion could be higher, though this is not confirmed in the outline documents.

Residents can now comment on the plans through the statutory pre‑application consultation run by Asbri Planning. A full planning application will follow once the consultation closes on 16 February 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Another 95 new homes planned for Pontarddulais farmland
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Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe
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New homes to be developed at Ammanford Town Hall
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Cwtch Mawr multibank begins pilot expansion into Neath Port Talbot

Faith in Families says the expansion marks a significant step for the Swansea‑based project, which has been battling rising need by redistributing new, surplus goods from businesses to families struggling to afford the basics. The charity says it is now moving at speed to support more households across the county.

Five hubs have been chosen for the rollout — in Port Talbot, the Afan Valley, Neath, the Dulais Valley and Pontardawe. Faith in Families says each hub will receive clothing, toiletries, nappies and household essentials, ready to be passed on through trusted local organisations.

The charity says its vans are already being loaded, with deliveries expected to begin as soon as each hub gives the green light.

A rapid response to rising need

Faith in Families says the pilot will test how fast large volumes of essential goods can be moved across a wider area while keeping support rooted in local communities. The charity says the work forms part of a wider partnership known as NPT United, bringing together public services, charities and businesses to support families under pressure.

Jon Waite, Facilities and Development Manager at Faith in Families, said:

“This pilot is about working at pace while keeping things local and practical. We know there is real need across Neath Port Talbot, and by working with established community hubs we can get essential items to families quickly, through people they already know and trust. This trial will help us understand what works best on the ground and how we can build strong, joined‑up approaches going forward.”

Expanding a model built on speed and dignity

Faith in Families says the multibank model is designed to get essential goods to families without delay, paperwork or stigma. The charity says working through schools, community groups and frontline services ensures support reaches people through organisations they already trust.

Faith in Families says the Neath Port Talbot pilot will help shape how the model can be expanded further across Wales, with the aim of making sure no family goes without the basics.

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Early coverage of the multibank model as it began delivering essentials to families in need.

Virgin Media O2 donates hundreds of smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank
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Neath man’s tongue‑in‑cheek campaign brings back much‑loved Thatchers cider

What started as a joke between friends has ended with Scott Sullivan from Neath being invited to Thatchers’ famous Myrtle Farm in Somerset for a personal surprise from fourth‑generation cidermaker Martin Thatcher — and the official return of Redwood, a much‑missed limited‑edition cider that disappeared from shelves years ago.

Scott’s posts calling for Redwood’s comeback gathered unexpected momentum online, drawing in cider lovers across Wales and the West Country. The campaign caught the attention of Thatchers themselves, who decided to bring the small‑batch favourite back as part of this year’s Cider Barn range.

A fan campaign that actually worked

Scott says he first fell in love with Redwood during a farm tour back in 2018, when he and a group of friends tried the oak‑aged cider for the first time. When it quietly vanished from the range, they never stopped talking about it — and eventually Scott launched a playful online push to bring it back.

The joke turned into a movement, and the movement turned into a result.

Thatchers invited Scott back to Myrtle Farm, where the campaign had first taken root, and surprised him with a case of the newly released Redwood — handed over by Martin Thatcher himself.

Martin Thatcher, fourth‑generation cidermaker, said:

“We were genuinely moved by the enthusiasm and nostalgia surrounding Redwood. Scott’s campaign reminded us of the special place this cider holds in people’s memories. With the apple varieties being so delicious in this year’s harvest, bringing it back felt like the right way to honour that passion.”

‘Surreal’ moment for Neath superfan

Scott Sullivan said:

“Redwood was the cider that made me fall in love with Thatchers. We instantly fell in love with its oak‑aged depth and delicate sweetness. I launched the campaign partly as a joke, but underneath it was a genuine love for something that brought us joy. To be invited back to Myrtle Farm and surprised by Martin Thatcher himself was surreal.”

He said he was “grateful” the company not only listened but brought the cider back “in such a thoughtful way”.

Redwood returns as part of exclusive Cider Barn range

Redwood, a 6% ABV golden cider matured in 150‑year‑old oak vats and infused with oak chips, is known for its rich character and subtle vanilla aroma. It returns alongside Grenadier and Tremletts in this year’s Cider Barn releases.

The small‑batch bottles are available exclusively from the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm and online.

Martin Thatcher added:

“As Scott will attest, the Cider Barn range makes a perfect gift for cider lovers or a special treat for those who love to try something new.”

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Neath’s Katherine Jenkins stuns on Golden Globes red carpet as her Welsh gin brand makes Hollywood debut

The classical singer, who has sold millions of albums worldwide, walked the red carpet at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes in Los Angeles, marking a huge moment for both her career and the fast‑rising Welsh spirits brand she helped create.

A Hollywood entrance with Welsh flair

Jenkins made an entrance worthy of Hollywood royalty, wearing a bespoke Suzanne Neville gown paired with Kwiat diamonds and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. The look blended modern glamour with the polished confidence she’s known for — and ensured Cygnet’s co‑founder was one of the most photographed stars of the night.

Speaking on the red carpet, she said the Globes were “a whirlwind of incredible talent” and that she was proud to bring “a little taste of Britain through Cygnet Gin” to one of Hollywood’s biggest evenings.

Welsh gin lands in the hands of A‑listers

Jenkins walked the carpet alongside her husband and fellow Cygnet co‑founder, filmmaker Professor Andrew Levitas. Together, the pair represented a new wave of British luxury brands making their mark on the global stage.

As the official gin partner of the Golden Globes, Cygnet didn’t just appear on the red carpet — it was poured at the event, featured in the coveted celebrity goody bags and spotted in the hands of some of Hollywood’s most influential stars.

The partnership comes as Cygnet expands into the United States, with the Golden Globes providing the kind of global spotlight most brands can only dream of.

From Neath to Hollywood — and now the world

Cygnet, launched in 2023, has quickly carved out a reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious gins. Its flagship spirit, Cygnet 22, is distilled using 22 botanicals — including Manuka honey — and pure Welsh water, and is presented in a hand‑blown decanter named “Eirlys”, the Welsh word for snowdrop.

The brand has already picked up a string of international awards and is now distributed in Dubai, Singapore, the UK and the US. Its newest release, Cygnet Infinity, has just secured a Gold Medal at The Spirits Business Low & No Masters 2026.

For Jenkins, the Golden Globes appearance marks another milestone in a career that has taken her from Neath to the world’s biggest stages — and now onto one of Hollywood’s most glamorous red carpets with a Welsh gin in hand.

More celebrity news

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Supporters rally behind the Hollywood star after online criticism.

From Countdown to cap & gown: Carol Vorderman gets Swansea honour
The TV favourite receives a major recognition from Swansea University.

Peep Show star Robert Webb lists restored Glanamman farmhouse for £1.2m
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More celebrity news from Swansea Bay News
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Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/12/rogue-legacy-developers-next-game-is-neath-an-eldritch-roguelike-tactical-rpg/

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Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/12/rogue-legacy-developers-next-game-is-neath-an-eldritch-roguelike-tactical-rpg/

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Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/12/rogue-legacy-developers-next-game-is-neath-an-eldritch-roguelike-tactical-rpg/

#Neath #PCGaming #Roguelikes #IndieGames

Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/12/rogue-legacy-developers-next-game-is-neath-an-eldritch-roguelike-tactical-rpg/

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Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG #Neath #PCGaming #Roguelikes #IndieGames

Rogue Legacy developer's next ...

Rogue Legacy developer's next game is Neath, an eldritch roguelike tactical RPG #Neath #PCGaming #Roguelikes #IndieGames

Rogue Legacy developer's next ...

Neath cops bust secret cannabis factory in abandoned M&S

Officers swooped on the former Marks & Spencer store on Green Street, which has stood empty since May, after locals tipped off the Neighbourhood Policing Team about suspicious goings-on behind the boarded-up windows.

A 34-year-old man was spotted acting shiftily near the site and was arrested on the spot for burglary. But what came next stunned even seasoned officers.

Inside the cavernous building, cops uncovered a sprawling network of commercial rooms rigged for industrial-scale cannabis cultivation — complete with ducting, filtration units, and enough power cabling to light up half the town. No drugs were found, but police say the setup was “days away” from going live.

The suspect was further arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis and remains in custody.

“Could’ve been South Wales’ biggest ever grow”

Inspector Ryan Davies said the bust was “a textbook example of community intelligence and rapid police action,” adding:

“This could’ve become the largest cannabis factory South Wales has ever seen — worth millions in criminality and exploiting vulnerable people to take the risk while others reap the rewards.”

He praised residents for their support during the high-profile raid, which unfolded in broad daylight in the heart of Neath’s shopping district.

“We acted fast, and we shut it down before it started. That’s a win for the town.”

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Future Ospreys stars to play home games at The Gnoll

Ospreys Rugby has confirmed that its age grade sides — the youth and development squads — will call The Gnoll home for the 2025/26 campaign.

The move deepens the partnership between Ospreys and Neath RFC, with both clubs stressing their commitment to developing young talent and supporting communities across the region.

Building links off the pitch

Ospreys said the decision builds on existing connections with Neath RFC.

The club’s community arm already runs a weekly Sporting Memories group at The Gnoll, helping older people living with dementia, depression or loneliness through sport‑based reminiscence and social engagement.

Linda Daniel, who manages the Ospreys’ age grade teams and also sits on the Neath RFC board, has been credited with helping to unite the two organisations through shared purpose and collaboration.

Players and coaches involved

The partnership also extends to the playing and coaching staff.

Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has joined Neath RFC’s coaching team, while academy players will be allocated to Neath throughout the season to gain competitive experience.

Ospreys said this will provide “invaluable development opportunities” for young players as they progress through the regional pathway.

“Fantastic stage for the next generation”

In the official announcement, Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley described The Gnoll as an ideal venue for the region’s rising stars.

“The partnership with Neath RFC represents everything we want to achieve as a region by developing young talent, supporting our communities, and building sustainable rugby pathways,” he said. “The Gnoll has a proud history and provides a fantastic stage for our next generation to grow and perform.”

Following the statement, Bradley also posted on X to underline the importance of Neath to the Ospreys region.

“It’s great that we’re working closely with @neathrfc again. Neath is such an important part of the region,” he wrote.

Neath proud of rugby heritage

Neath RFC’s Head of Rugby Lyn Jones said the town’s tradition makes it a natural home for the Ospreys’ youth fixtures.

“For a town with such a rich rugby heritage, it’s imperative that Neath once again provides the foundations for the success of our Region and Welsh rugby,” he said. “We’re proud to help bridge the gap between community and professional rugby. The Gnoll, the Neath brand, and our districts should always be the hotbed for developing young Welsh talent.”

Season memberships include fixtures

Ospreys confirmed that all age grade fixtures at The Gnoll will be included in season memberships, giving supporters the chance to watch the region’s future stars in action throughout the campaign.

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Investigation launched after respiratory infections at Neath primary school

Several children attending Blaenhonddan Primary School have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infections, prompting a coordinated response from Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Neath Port Talbot Council.

In a statement, Public Health Wales confirmed it is working closely with the school and local partners to manage the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

“Public Health Wales is supporting the school and partners to reduce the spread of illness and to provide public health advice to parents and staff,” the agency said.

Parents and guardians are being urged to monitor children for symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.

James Adamson, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are aware of several cases of acute respiratory infections linked to the school and are working closely with Swansea Bay University Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Council and the school to manage the situation.”

He added that the flu season is now underway in Wales, and respiratory infections are common among children at this time of year.

“The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales,” Mr Adamson said. “Having the flu vaccination every year remains the best way for people to protect themselves and their children.”

The school remains open, with additional hygiene measures and public health guidance in place.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

#blaenhonddanPrimarySchool #bryncoch #neath #phw #publicHealthWales #respiratoryInfection

“Swansea University literally saved my life”: Neath author shares journey of grief, resilience and hope

Emma graduated with a BSc in Business Management from Swansea University in 2022, despite enduring the devastating loss of her teenage daughter Megan to leukaemia during her studies. She says her time at university gave her the structure and hope she needed to keep going.

“Swansea University literally saved my life after Megan died at 15,” Emma explained. “There were times when I genuinely didn’t know if I could continue. But my degree became my lifeline – it gave me a reason to get up in the morning, structure when my world had fallen apart, and hope when I had none.”

Turning pain into purpose

Emma has now channelled her experiences into a new book, The Journey Home, which she hopes will inspire other women in midlife to embrace new challenges and rediscover themselves.

“The book is for women who have spent their lives showing up for everyone else, only to reach their forties or fifties and realise they’ve lost sight of who they are,” she said.

Her message is clear: even in the darkest times, it is possible to find light again.

From student to mentor

Since completing her undergraduate degree, Emma has gone on to achieve a master’s in psychology, examining the link between imposter syndrome and female entrepreneurship. That research became the catalyst for her book.

She now runs her own wellness enterprise, coaching women to fulfil their potential through simple, practical strategies such as walking, mindfulness and self‑reflection.

“I provide a holistic approach to life coaching,” she said. “Wellness isn’t about spending money – it’s about small changes that can make a huge difference.”

A mature student’s perspective

Emma left school with few qualifications, and enrolling at university aged 37 was a daunting step. But she says it transformed her confidence and outlook.

“Since I started at Swansea I haven’t looked back. I may have been the oldest person on my course, but I loved it straight away. Studying through lockdown was tough, but it built strength and character. University taught me how to argue, how to question, how to research – skills that change the way you think and work.”

She now encourages others to consider higher education later in life:

“The education system we have here in Wales is a gift and age really is no barrier. So why not go for it, challenge yourself and reach for your dreams?”

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Refugee‑run café brings taste of Ukraine to Swansea with new city centre venue

A café founded by Ukrainian refugees has opened a new venue in Swansea, backed by a £25,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

Ruta Kitchen, first launched in Neath in January 2025, was set up by founders Vladimir Pavliiciuc, Volodymyr Iliev and Ihor Tertyshnyi. Their aim was to support displaced Ukrainians, foster community integration, and bring together Welsh and Ukrainian food and culture.

The Orchard Street café in Neath quickly became popular with locals, serving everything from traditional Ukrainian borscht to full British breakfasts. Its success encouraged the team to expand further, opening a second site on Nelson Street in Swansea.

Community and culture

Founder Vladimir Pavliiciuc said the business was always about more than food:

“We wanted to create somewhere that would bring together Welsh and Ukrainian culture through food — but we also wanted to create job opportunities for Ukrainian families in the area. We’ve received a lot of support in Neath and earned a lot of experience in running the café, and we decided it was the right time for us to open another café in Swansea.”

He added that the Swansea site would not have been possible without the Development Bank’s support:

“We didn’t have the funds needed to take over and refurbish the venue on our own. The funding means we’ve now got a growing business that is creating jobs and benefitting local communities.”

Backing from the Development Bank

The £25,000 micro loan came via the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, a £500 million programme financed by the Welsh Government. The fund offers loans, mezzanine finance and equity investments between £25,000 and £10 million, with terms of up to 15 years.

Charlotte Price, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, praised the café’s impact:

“The work Ruta Kitchen has done in supporting Ukrainian families locally has been fantastic, and they’ve received a very warm welcome from the community in Neath. This investment has allowed them to take the next step on their journey as a business, combined with the excellent reputation they’ve already built up.”

Supporting Welsh businesses

Since its launch in 2017, the Development Bank of Wales has invested £959 million in small businesses and property developers. It now manages £2 billion in funds and supports more than 3,600 small business customers. In 2024/25 alone, debt and equity funding totalling £152 million helped 502 businesses to create and safeguard 6,185 jobs across Wales.

Local impact

The new Swansea café is expected to create jobs and provide a welcoming space for both locals and Ukrainian families. By blending cultures through food, Ruta Kitchen is building bridges while contributing to the regional economy.

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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.

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South Wales Level Crossing reopens following Safety Improvements http://dlvr.it/TP9Qq3 #DBCargo #Infrastructure #LevelCrossing #Neath

South Wales Level Crossing reopens following Safety Improvements http://dlvr.it/TP9Qq3 #DBCargo #Infrastructure #LevelCrossing #Neath