#neathporttalbot — Public Fediverse posts

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/

ABERGWYNFI: Man admits weapons stash after major incident saw homes evacuated

Maximin Carter, 51, from Neath Port Talbot, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to a string of offences following the dramatic scenes in Abergwynfi last month.

Police were called to a property on Commercial Street on February 14 amid concerns he was attempting to make an explosive.

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, the incident led to homes being evacuated and a major emergency response in the village, with residents told to leave for their safety.

Officers later discovered what they described as a “significant” cache of weapons at the address.

Carter has now admitted possessing an air rifle, a samurai sword, a knuckle duster and four telescopic truncheons.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a banned weapon under the Firearms Act 1968, along with six counts of possessing offensive weapons.

The 51-year-old has been remanded in custody and is currently being held at Swansea Prison.

He is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on April 7.

The case follows the major incident that unfolded in Abergwynfi, which Swansea Bay News covered live as police cordons were put in place and residents were evacuated.

We also reported how a man later appeared in court charged in connection with the discovery of weapons at the property.

The latest development confirms the scale of the weapons haul that triggered the emergency response and disruption for the local community.

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.

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.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Road rainbows to add colour to Swansea’s inclusive Wind Street
A bold new splash of colour celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Welsh Government pledges to be Europe’s most LGBT‑friendly nation
Ministers set out an ambitious plan to strengthen rights and protections.

New £50 note unveiled featuring scientist Alan Turing
A tribute to the codebreaker whose legacy reshaped modern computing.

More LGBT stories
The latest updates on equality, culture and community across our region.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/770338/ Met Office snow warning covering much of Wales as up to 15cm forecast #BlaenauGwent #Britain #Caerphilly #Carmarthenshire #Ceredigion #Conwy #Denbighshire #GreatBritain #Gwynedd #MerthyrTydfil #MetOffice #Monmouthshire #NeathPortTalbot #Newport #Pembrokeshire #Powys #Rhondda #Swansea #Torfaen #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WalesWeather #Wrexham

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
A major expansion of the Swansea hub, boosting capacity to support families across the region.

Local multibank helping over 120,000 people each year gets £30K cash boost
Funding support to help the multibank meet rising demand for essential goods.

New charity initiative already supporting thousands
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
A major tech donation helping families stay connected during rising cost pressures.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/693603/ 48-hour stay at home warning as Welsh hospitals declare critical incidents #AneurinBevanUniversityHealthBoard #Bridgend #Gwent #Health #MerthyrTydfil #NeathPortTalbot #Newport #NHS #RhonddaCynonTaf #Swansea #Torfaen #UK #UnitedKingdom

https://www.europesays.com/uk/644160/ Mum told for 2 years she was just a bit chesty – but doctors were horribly wrong #Health #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #NHS #People #RealLife #UK #UnitedKingdom

Bus strikes across South West Wales come to an end after deal agreed

The company announced this week that a revised pay offer has been accepted by staff, lifting the threat of further walkouts and restoring certainty for passengers.

Agreement brings relief after months of disruption

Industrial action by Unite members had caused widespread disruption to services in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and beyond, with strikes stretching into the autumn and winter.

Several rounds of negotiations saw offers rejected, strikes postponed, and services repeatedly thrown into doubt. At one stage, Unite confirmed action would continue into January, escalating concerns for commuters and local councils.

The breakthrough came after First Cymru tabled an improved offer, which has now been accepted.

First Cymru statement

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted by colleagues and that the threat of further strike action has been lifted. This agreement provides certainty for our teams and our customers, and enables us to move forward together.

“Our priority now is to restore confidence and deliver the reliable, consistent services that our communities depend on every day. We want to thank our customers for their patience during this period of uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming back anyone who may have been affected by the recent disruption.”

Looking ahead

The end of the strikes will be welcomed by thousands of passengers who rely on First Cymru buses daily for work, school and essential travel. Local leaders, including Neath Port Talbot Council, had previously voiced concern about the impact of prolonged disruption on communities and businesses.

With the agreement now in place, attention turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring services run smoothly through the busy winter period.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer
Early breakthrough as improved pay terms paused action and offered hope of a resolution.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed
Local leadership welcomed a pause, highlighting the impact on commuters and essential travel.

First Cymru bus strikes set to continue into January as dispute escalates
The dispute deepened, with extended action threatening winter reliability across the network.

First Cymru bus strikes confirmed as workers reject latest pay offer
Unite members rejected terms, confirming new strike dates and pushing negotiations to the brink.

First Cymru confirms bus strikes will go ahead after pay offer rejected
Operator response followed the rejection, warning of significant service disruption.

First Cymru bus strikes postponed after new pay offer
A new offer paused planned walkouts and reopened dialogue between the parties.

First bus strike to cause major disruption across South and West Wales
Initial warning set the tone for months of uncertainty across Swansea and neighbouring areas.

#busStrike #busStrikes #featured #firstCymru #industrialAction #llanelli #neathPortTalbot #payDeal #southWestWalesTransport #swansea #uniteTheUnion #uniteUnion

https://www.europesays.com/uk/567967/ Shop sold vape to child and had illegal products seized in sting operation #Britain #Crime #GreatBritain #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #PortTalbot #SouthWalesPolice #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

https://www.europesays.com/uk/550969/ Girl, 5, died suddenly just days after first feeling unwell #Cimla #Courts #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #News #UK #UnitedKingdom

Did you know long-time member @SwanseaBayNews also federates their full news stories directly to the Fediverse?

This is an amazing way for local publishers to talk directly with their audience, give them a follow!

Search for @[email protected] to pull in the latest covering #Swansea #NeathPortTalbot #Carmarthenshire #Pembrokeshire and - place where I saw the first Star Trek film in the cinema - #Bridgend

Was it called the Embassy?

Handy link for toot.wales users: https://toot.wales/@swanseabaynews@swanseabaynews.com

https://www.europesays.com/uk/371146/ Full list of 20mph roads in your area of Wales set to return to 30mph #20mphSpeedLimit #Anglesey #BlaenauGwent #Britain #Caerphilly #Cardiff #Carmarthenshire #Ceredigion #Conwy #Denbighshire #Flintshire #GreatBritain #Gwynedd #MerthyrTydfil #Monmouthshire #NeathPortTalbot #Newport #Pembrokeshire #Powys #RhonddaCynonTaf #Swansea #Torfaen #UK #UnitedKingdom #ValeOfGlamorgan #Wales #WelshGovernment #Wrexham

https://www.europesays.com/uk/294246/ Man rolls Mercedes in 80mph chase then lands in bigger trouble #Bettws #Britain #Cardiff #CardiffCrownCourt #Courts #Crime #Drugs #GreatBritain #Gwent #GwentPolice #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #Newport #SouthWalesPolice #TrafficAndTravel #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

https://www.europesays.com/uk/178149/ Met Office issue three day weather warning misery as thunderstorms and torrential rain hit Wales #BlaenauGwent #Bridgend #Britain #Caerphilly #Cardiff #Carmarthenshire #Ceredigion #Conwy #Denbighshire #Flintshire #GreatBritain #Gwynedd #MerthyrTydfil #Monmouthshire #NeathPortTalbot #Newport #Pembrokeshire #Powys #RhonddaCynonTaf #Swansea #Torfaen #UK #UnitedKingdom #ValeOfGlamorgan #Wales #WalesWeather #Wrexham

Museums launch new bilingual app to support LGBTQ+ communities living with dementia

Launching during LGBTQ+ History Month, LGBTQ+ in Wales will evoke memories of queer Welsh history, as Swansea Museum and West Glamorgan Archive Service join with other organisations across Wales to support LGBTQ+ people living with dementia in their communities.

The app package uses the real memories of community members in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot and from across Wales, as well as spotlighting key items from queer culture found in Welsh museum collections.

Created alongside National Museums Liverpool’s House of Memories dementia programme, Swansea Museum and West Glamorgan Archive Service have contributed their own items and memories to create a digital archive or LGTBQ+ content.

The main aim of this project is to spark conversations between people living with dementia and their loved ones. Using items found in the app as cues and talking points, people living with dementia can have meaningful conversations, as well as personalising the app to focus on items that hold particular significance to them.

LGBTQ+ in Wales is a digital archive of memories from Wales’ LGBTQ+ communities, with experiences of nightclubs, Pride marches, queer activism, drag acts and more. This new package is an addition to the House of Memories Cymru programme, which was launched at the Senedd in 2023.

Highlights from Swansea Museum and West Glamorgan Archive Service collections that feature in the app package includes programmes for the first gay marriage in Swansea, “Pits and Perverts” event poster, theatre programmes for drag acts and a Swansea University LGB society newsletter.

Other museums across Wales have supported and contributed to the project to create a selection of memory prompts from queer culture in Wales. The museums involved are: Conwy Culture Centre, Swansea Museum, National Museum Wales, Glamorgan Archives, West Glamorgan Archives, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery and Museum of Cardiff.

Other highlights for people to explore include court registers, inclusive rugby team shirts and flags and memorabilia from Pride events using a mixture of audio, video and images.

House of Memories Cymru is available through National Museums Liverpool’s My House of Memories app. Alongside the dementia community, the app is co-created through the award-winning House of Memories programme and features memories from a range of community groups in the UK and further afield.

The LGBTQ+ in Wales package will contain items that relate to specific areas of Wales. Already existing items from museum collections will be brought together to showcase the country’s rich and diverse queer history.

Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, said: “This LGBTQ+ in Wales app package will be such an insightful resource, celebrating the rich history and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities throughout our country.

“This Welsh Government-supported initiative not only helps preserve our shared heritage but also provides an invaluable support for people living with dementia and their loved ones to connect through meaningful memories. Projects like this demonstrate the power of heritage and inclusive storytelling in strengthening communities across Wales.”

“Wales is striving to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. Our LGBTQ+ Action Plan sets out steps to strengthen equality, challenge discrimination, and create a safer, more inclusive society.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CeriDupree #dementia #LGBTQ_ #Museum #NationalMuseumWales #NeathPortTalbot #Pride #Swansea #SwanseaMuseum #WestGlamorganArchiveService

South Wales Police have issued a dispersal notice preventing groups congregating on the beach at Mariners Quay in Port Talbot after reports of antisocial behaviour.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2023/06/08/police-issue-dispersal-notice-after-antisocial-behaviour-on-a-port-talbot-beach/ #PortTalbot #NeathPortTalbot #SouthWalesPolice

A Gwaun Cae Gurwen man has been banned from keeping all animals for three years after causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs and for keeping dogs in a poor environment.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2023/06/07/gwaun-cae-gurwen-man-sentenced-after-neglecting-dogs-and-causing-suffering/ #NeathPortTalbot #RSPCA #Dogs #GwaunCaeGurwen

Sioned Williams, Member of the Senedd for South Wales West has called for the plans to replace #Alltwen, #Godre-graig and #Llangiwg Primary schools with a new ‘super school’ in #Pontardawe to be rejected.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/senedd-member-calls-for-pontardawe-super-school-plan-to-be-rejected/ #NeathPortTalbot #Education #Schools #PlaidCymru #Senedd

Margam Country Park has made it into the UK’s prestigious top ten parks and green spaces list following a public vote.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/16/margam-country-park-named-one-of-the-best-in-the-whole-of-the-uk/ #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #Margam #KeepWalesTidy #GreenFlag #Parks