#resolven — Public Fediverse posts

NEATH PORT TALBOT: Safer routes to schools, stations and parks — the walking and cycling plans for your area

Getting the kids to school on foot. Cycling to the station instead of driving. Reaching the local park without walking along a busy road.

These are the kinds of everyday journeys behind a set of new walking, wheeling and cycling routes proposed across Neath Port Talbot, which the council says would make active travel easier and safer.

The council has drawn up a long list of routes it wants to add or improve, each one intended, it says, to fix a spot where getting around without a car is currently hard, unsafe or impossible.

There is a catch worth stating up front: these are “future routes” — lines on a map marking where the council wants to act, not funded, designed schemes with a start date. But routes have to be on the map to qualify for Welsh Government money, which is why the council wants views now.

Here’s a flavour of what’s proposed, area by area.

Neath, Skewen and the surrounding villages

In Skewen, the railway currently cuts the village off from Neath Abbey. The council is proposing a route along the lane between Pale Road and the railway bridge, with a link along Cardonnel Road, which it says would reconnect the two — plus a separate path through Skewen Park to create a traffic-free way across the village.

At Cadoxton, a new path along Bryn Catwg would, according to the plans, give families a step-free route to Cadoxton Community Park.

Aberdulais and Cilfrew are split by the railway and the River Dulais. The council says a proposed route over the bridge, joining New Road to Cefn-yr-Allt, would connect the two communities.

For commuters, the council has placed some of its highest-priority schemes around Neath train station, with another new link aimed at getting people safely to Briton Ferry station.

Proposed active travel routes for Neath West, including Skewen and Briton Ferry. Proposed active travel routes for Neath East, including Cadoxton and Aberdulais.

Port Talbot, Aberavon and Taibach

In Taibach, the council says a route along Lady Charlotte Lane would make it easier to reach the community centre, the education centre and Mount Surgery.

A second Taibach route, along the path between Wood Street and Elba Avenue, is intended to improve the traffic-free options through Margam’s residential streets.

In east Port Talbot, the plans propose a route along Pen-y-Cae Road to improve access around the Tan-y-Groes Street roundabout.

Much of Port Talbot’s town centre, seafront and Sandfields network already ranks among the highest-priority routes in the borough, alongside a proposed walking and cycling link to Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Proposed active travel routes for Port Talbot town centre, seafront and Sandfields.Proposed active travel routes for Margam and Taibach.

Cwmavon, Glynneath and the Neath valleys

At Cwmavon, the council is proposing an off-road path along the western bank of the River Afan, which it says would give people on the Gwaun Afan estate a direct, traffic-free route in and out, tying into National Cycle Network Route 887.

In Glynneath, the plans include a route from the B4242 to the library, intended to put key community buildings within safe reach on foot or by bike.

At Resolven, the council is proposing a quieter alternative to the B4434 along Heol Herbert.

In Seven Sisters, officers say a route along Heol Heddwch and Tan-y-Rhiw would give children a safer way to reach Blaendulais Primary School and connect homes to the village’s sports and play facilities.

Also at Resolven, the council is proposing to extend an existing route along the B4434 to Melincourt, to serve possible new housing sites.

In Croeserw, the plans propose a walking route linking Viaduct Road to the village via Eastern Avenue, South Avenue and Bryn Siriol.

Proposed active travel routes for Cwmavon and the River Afan. Proposed active travel routes for Seven Sisters, including a link to Blaendulais Primary School. Proposed active travel routes for Glynneath.Proposed active travel routes for Resolven and Tonna. Proposed active travel routes for Croeserw.

Pontardawe and the Swansea Valley

Along the Swansea Canal near Pontardawe, the council is proposing a towpath route it says would create a continuous, car-free path through the Swansea Valley.

Elsewhere in Pontardawe, the plans note that the A474 currently allows no pedestrian access, and propose a new link up to Glan-Rhyd Road to address it.

Higher up, a future route from Tairgwaith to Cwmllynfell, via the reservoir, is intended to open access to a new visitor destination in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

Proposed active travel routes for Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, including a Tairgwaith to Cwmllynfell link.Proposed active travel routes for Pontardawe, including the Swansea Canal towpath.

How the routes are chosen — and how to have your say

Each route has been scored and ranked by Transport for Wales, which weighed how many people would use it and how well it connects schools, workplaces and local centres. That ranking helps decide which come forward first.

But the council is clear that ranking doesn’t guarantee delivery: every scheme still depends on funding, design and further consultation.

Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, transport and connectivity, said the aim was to help people make everyday journeys — to school, work or the shops — in a healthy, safe and sustainable way.

He said the consultation gave people and businesses a chance to say where changes were most needed, which would then shape the council’s funding bids.

The council says it especially wants to hear where walking, wheeling or cycling currently feels unsafe or difficult, and where links between communities are missing.

The 12-week consultation runs until 21 September. People can complete an online survey on DataMapWales, or view paper copies at Neath and Port Talbot libraries. Drop-in events will run over the summer, with dates listed at npt.gov.uk/activetravel.

This consultation follows earlier council proposals for active travel schemes across the borough, including a major revamp for Sandfields and Aberavon, a masterplan for Neath town centre and a proposed Neath to Cimla route.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Major revamp planned for Sandfields and Aberavon as council unveils huge active travel upgrade
A £multi-million, 4.7km scheme to link Aberavon seafront with Afan Way.

Council looks for views on new Neath cycling and walking plans
Three routes proposed for improvement in and around Neath town centre.

Council seeks views on proposed Neath to Cimla walking, cycling and wheeling route
An earlier consultation on a key active travel link in the Cimla area.

#ActiveTravel #BritonFerry #CllrWyndhamGriffiths #Croeserw #Cwmavon #cycling #Glynneath #Margam #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathValley #PortTalbot #Resolven #SevenSisters #Skewen #SwanseaValley #Taibach #TransportForWales #walking

RESOLVEN: Crushed! Van used to dump cannabis farm waste in Neath Valley forest is destroyed — after five prosecuted

A van used to dump cannabis farm waste in a Neath Valley forest has met a fitting end — in the jaws of a crusher.

The white Ford Transit tipper was forfeited to Neath Port Talbot Council by the court, and was destroyed on Wednesday.

It comes after five people were fined a combined £6,822 at Swansea Magistrates Court over the dumping of the waste on land at Rheola Forestry, near Resolven, owned by Natural Resources Wales.

The Ford Transit tipper forfeited to Neath Port Talbot Council before it was crushed.

Investigators were led to the culprits after correspondence was found within the dumped waste — with CCTV, witness accounts and what the council described as “extensive questioning” completing the case.

Keiron Powell, 29, and Darcy Thomas, 30, both of Greenwood Road, Neath, pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing controlled waste and transporting waste without a waste carrier’s licence, and were each ordered to pay £1,830.

Stephen John Powell, 54, also of Greenwood Road, admitted knowing his vehicle was being used to unlawfully deposit controlled waste, and was ordered to pay £812.

The dumped cannabis farm waste left on a forestry track in the Rheola forest, near Resolven. Image: Neath Port Talbot Council

Ian Jenkins, 39, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care to ensure waste was disposed of lawfully, and was ordered to pay £944.

Anthony Jones, 32, of Wheatley Road, Neath, denied the charges but was found guilty at trial of failing to ensure the waste was disposed of lawfully — and was ordered to pay £1,406. Another man who stood trial alongside him was found not guilty.

All five were sentenced on 21 May, with the court ordering the tipper to be handed to the council.

The flattened remains of the tipper among other crushed vehicles.

Cllr Scott Jones, the council’s cabinet member for streetscene, said: “We have beautiful areas of forestry and countryside throughout the Neath Port Talbot county and people should be able to enjoy it responsibly without encountering dangerous deposits like this.

“We hope this sends a strong message that regardless of how minor you think your role is in the illegal disposal of waste, you will still be held responsible.”

The crushed van’s shattered windscreen.

James Roseblade, land management senior officer for Natural Resources Wales, said illegal waste disposal continued to be “a serious and unacceptable blight on our communities, our environment, and our economy”.

“Waste crime takes many forms, operating at different scales, and costs businesses, landowners and taxpayers millions of pounds each year. It also causes significant harm to the environment, human health and wildlife,” he said.

“We welcome the court’s decision in this case and hope it sends a clear message that waste-related crime will not be tolerated and will be punished — and Natural Resources Wales and its partners will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who break the law.”

Footage released by the council shows the bags being put out at the kerbside and loaded into the tipper — along with the waste in situ at Rheola Forestry, and the van’s final moments in the crusher.

WATCH: Footage released by Neath Port Talbot Council shows the bags being left at the kerbside and loaded into the van — along with the waste dumped at Rheola Forestry, and the moment the forfeited tipper is crushed. Video: Neath Port Talbot Council

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

RESOLVEN: Five fined more than £6,800 after cannabis farm waste dumped in Neath Valley forest
The full story of the prosecutions over the waste discovered at Rheola Forestry.

#Cannabis #CannabisFarm #flyTipping #flytipping #NaturalResourcesWales #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathValley #Resolven #RheolaForest

RESOLVEN: Five fined more than £6,800 after cannabis farm waste dumped in Neath Valley forest

Five people have been ordered to pay nearly £7,000 after the remains of a cannabis farm were fly-tipped on forestry land near Resolven.

The waste was dumped illegally in the Rheola forest in the Neath Valley, on land owned by Natural Resources Wales.

It was a document left among the rubbish — along with CCTV, witness accounts and other evidence — that helped investigators track down those responsible.

Following a prosecution brought by Neath Port Talbot Council, four men and a woman were sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 21 May.

Between them they were ordered to pay a total of £6,822 in fines, costs and victim surcharges.

Keiron Powell, 29, of Greenwood Road, Neath, was ordered to pay £1,830 after admitting illegally depositing controlled waste.

Darcy Thomas, 30, also of Greenwood Road, Neath, was ordered to pay the same amount for the same offence.

Stephen John Powell, 54, again of Greenwood Road, Neath, was ordered to pay £812 after admitting being in control of the vehicle used to dump the waste.

Anthony Jones, 32, of Wheatley Road, Neath, was ordered to pay £1,406 after being found guilty of failing to ensure the waste was disposed of lawfully.

Ian Jenkins, 39, of no fixed abode, was ordered to pay £944 for the same duty-of-care offence.

A sixth man, who had denied wrongdoing, stood trial alongside Jones and was found not guilty.

The court also ordered the tipper truck used to carry the waste to be forfeited to the council, which is now assessing the vehicle and may have it crushed.

The dumped material was the spent contents of a cannabis grow — black fabric planters, growing medium and other equipment — rather than household rubbish.

The waste included black fabric planters and growing medium used in cannabis cultivation. Image: Neath Port Talbot Council

Cabinet member for streetscene, Cllr Scott Jones, said people should be able to enjoy the county’s forests and countryside without coming across dangerous dumped waste.

He said the case sent a strong message that anyone involved in illegal waste disposal would be held responsible, however minor they believed their role to be.

James Roseblade, land management senior officer for Natural Resources Wales, said illegal waste disposal remained a serious blight on communities, the environment and the economy.

He said tackling it was one of the organisation’s highest priorities, and welcomed the court’s decision as a clear signal that waste crime would not be tolerated.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Neath Port Talbot crushes fly-tippers’ vehicles as crackdown intensifies
The council’s wider clampdown on illegal dumping, including crushing offenders’ vehicles.

NEATH: Fly-tipper ordered to pay £5,000+ after being caught by hidden camera
A hidden camera caught a series of dumping incidents in Neath.

NEATH: Man sentenced after knives and household waste fly-tipped in town hotspot
Another recent council prosecution over dumped waste.

#Cannabis #CannabisFarm #flyTipping #flytipping #NaturalResourcesWales #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathValley #Resolven #RheolaForest

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.

Mariah Balenciaga and Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis walk the runway after their drag transformation during the makeover challenge.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

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

Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis is transformed into drag as Mariah Balenciaga prepares him for the makeover challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

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.

#BBC #DanielJervis #DragQueen #dragRace #LGBTQ #MariahBalenciaga #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #OlympicSwimming #Olympics #realityTv #Resolven #RuPaulDragRaceUK #RuPaul #RuPaulSDragRaceUKVsTheWorld #swimming #TeamGB #television #tv #WelshAthletes #WelshSport