#taibach — Public Fediverse posts
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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
#ActiveTravel #BritonFerry #CllrWyndhamGriffiths #Croeserw #Cwmavon #cycling #Glynneath #Margam #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathValley #PortTalbot #Resolven #SevenSisters #Skewen #SwanseaValley #Taibach #TransportForWales #walking
An earlier consultation on a key active travel link in the Cimla area. -
Senedd pays tribute to Richard Burton on centenary of his birth
Aberavon MS David Rees led the commemoration, describing Burton as a trailblazer for aspiring actors, an inspiration to people across Wales, and a global icon whose legacy continues to resonate.
“On 10 November, 1925, Richard Walter Jenkins Jr was born in his family home in Pontrhydyfen,” Mr Rees told Members. “His father was a miner. His mother worked in the local pub, the Miners Arms. As the 12th of 13 siblings, he grew up in a Welsh‑speaking household until his mother, Edith, died tragically when he was just two.”
Burton was raised by his sister Cecilia and her husband in Taibach, in a community shaped by coal, steel and chapel life. His talent was spotted at Port Talbot Secondary School by teacher Philip Burton, who became his mentor and whose surname Richard later adopted.
“Richard’s two passions were acting and rugby, and it was the former in which he truly excelled,” Mr Rees said. “Performing in local plays and eisteddfodau, he developed his acting skills and built a strong reputation. Following his time at Oxford University, he began a professional career on stage across the UK before moving into film, where the world became aware of his talent.”
Burton went on to become one of the most recognisable actors of his generation, nominated for an Oscar seven times and starring in films including Cleopatra, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
Despite his international fame, Mr Rees said Burton remained deeply connected to his roots.
“He retained strong links with Port Talbot, proudly promoting his Welsh identity internationally and returning regularly to Pontrhydyfen – the one place where he felt he truly belonged,” he said.
Marking the centenary, Mr Rees told the Senedd it was fitting to honour Burton’s achievements and his pride in being Welsh.
“Richard would have been 100 this week, but he sadly died well before his time at the age of just 58. A short life, but a great legacy. We will never forget that talent or that voice – and what a memorable voice. Thank you for everything, Richard.”
#aberavon #actor #davidReesMs #film #pontrhydyfen #portTalbot #richardBurton #richardBurtonCentenary #senedd #taibach
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Four Neath Port Talbot vape shops shut down in crackdown on illegal sales
A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved three‑month closure orders against:
- Vape Land, Commercial Road, Taibach
- Vape Zone, Queen Street, Neath
- Classic Vape, Station Road, Port Talbot
- Pontardawe Vape, James Street, Pontardawe
It is the second time in six months that Vape Land has been issued with a closure order.
Pattern of illegal sales
The court heard that test purchases and inspections over the past two years had repeatedly found counterfeit cigarettes, non‑tax‑paid tobacco and oversized or non‑compliant vapes on sale.
In September, joint inspections by South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards and Waste Enforcement Officers led to seizures of vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes. Further complaints were also received about sales to under‑18s.
Despite being notified of the council’s intention to apply for closure orders, the owners of Vape Land, Vape Zone and Pontardawe Vape did not attend their hearings. Classic Vape’s new owner contested the application, but the judge accepted the council’s evidence that the business had changed hands repeatedly following inspections.
What Trading Standards do
Trading Standards teams work to protect consumers and communities by tackling illegal, unsafe or unfair trading practices. Their work includes:
- Carrying out test purchases to check if shops sell age‑restricted products like tobacco, alcohol or vapes to under‑18s
- Inspecting premises for counterfeit or non‑compliant goods
- Seizing unsafe or illegal products, including oversized or disposable vapes
- Taking enforcement action through the courts, including closure orders
- Advising businesses on compliance with consumer protection laws
Residents can report concerns about illegal sales to their local council’s Trading Standards team.
Wider crackdown
The closures come just days after Swansea Magistrates extended closure orders on vape shops in the city, underlining a wider regional clampdown on illegal sales.
Since June 2025, the sale of disposable single‑use vapes has been banned across the UK. The ban was introduced to tackle environmental concerns and to protect children and young people, with many illicit products found in child‑appealing packaging and flavours.
Council response
Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:
“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.”
He urged residents to report any information about illegal tobacco or vape sales to the council.
More on Trading Standards
From vape shop closures to counterfeit goods crackdowns, our Trading Standards coverage follows the teams working to protect communities across South West Wales.
Browse all Trading Standards stories →
#ClassicVape #CllrCenPhillips #counterfeitCigarettes #illegalTobacco #illegalVapes #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweVape #PortTalbot #QueenStreet #Taibach #TradingStandards #VapeLand
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Took another #Wander in the hills above #PortTalbot today, following the #WalesCoastPath (alternative route) from #Brombil to #Taibach before heading for #Goytre and then back over the hill and passed #BrombilReservoir. Some great views over #Aberavon and #SwanseBay. Met some impressive looking Rams and a friendly #Goat...and a bonus (very small) #waterfall to finish off the walk.
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Took another #Wander in the hills above #PortTalbot today, following the #WalesCoastPath (alternative route) from #Brombil to #Taibach before heading for #Goytre and then back over the hill and passed #BrombilReservoir. Some great views over #Aberavon and #SwanseBay. Met some impressive looking Rams and a friendly #Goat...and a bonus (very small) #waterfall to finish off the walk.
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Took another #Wander in the hills above #PortTalbot today, following the #WalesCoastPath (alternative route) from #Brombil to #Taibach before heading for #Goytre and then back over the hill and passed #BrombilReservoir. Some great views over #Aberavon and #SwanseBay. Met some impressive looking Rams and a friendly #Goat...and a bonus (very small) #waterfall to finish off the walk.
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Took another #Wander in the hills above #PortTalbot today, following the #WalesCoastPath (alternative route) from #Brombil to #Taibach before heading for #Goytre and then back over the hill and passed #BrombilReservoir. Some great views over #Aberavon and #SwanseBay. Met some impressive looking Rams and a friendly #Goat...and a bonus (very small) #waterfall to finish off the walk.