Lewis Smith

Construction has begun on a plan to build 12 new social-rent flats on the former site of the Ffaldau Arms pub in Pontycymer, which was destroyed by fire in 2007. Valleys to Coast will deliver the project with CJ Construction, supported by £2.1 million in Welsh Government funding. The site’s central location offers access to frequent transport links and local amenities, and the scheme includes a community contribution to local initiatives. Valleys to Coast leaders highlight the project as part of broader regeneration efforts in Bridgend.

Four Neath Port Talbot councillors have left the Labour group ahead of upcoming local elections, with three joining the Independent group and former deputy leader Leanne Jones becoming unaffiliated. Jones cited disengagement from the local Labour group as her reason for resigning. Labour responded by acknowledging their departure during the candidate selection process while reaffirming its focus on providing active opposition to the Independent–Plaid Cymru coalition running the council.

Plaid Cymru retained its Trebanos seat in the Neath Port Talbot Council by-election, with candidate Jamie Watkins winning 51% of the vote. Reform UK finished second, followed by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Welsh Labour, Welsh Conservatives and the Green Party. Watkins, a lifelong resident of Trebanos, said he was proud of the result and highlighted priorities including parking, footpaths and local road conditions. The by-election was triggered when former councillor Rebeca Phillips was elected to the Senedd. Turnout was 31% with 436 valid votes cast.

A Plaid Cymru Senedd Member condemned Restore Britain councillor Owain Clatworthy for making divisive online statements about Islam and refugee policies. Other local councillors also raised concerns, while Clatworthy defended his remarks as honest commentary on integration. Questions were raised about his position on the council’s corporate parenting panel, and officials noted that any breach of conduct would fall under the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Complaints against Neath Port Talbot councillors rose sharply in 2025–26, with 11 complaints against county councillors and 15 against town and community councillors, compared with far lower figures the previous year. Most complaints were dismissed, with only one referred for further consideration. The council’s standards committee highlighted increased scrutiny of conduct and ongoing engagement with members to promote leadership and respectful behaviour.

A planning application proposes converting the vacant former Barclays bank in Dunraven Place, Bridgend, into a mixed‑use entertainment venue featuring a ground‑floor bar and lounge and a first‑floor nightclub. The three‑storey building, closed since April 2024, sits in an area currently subject to debate over pedestrianisation and traffic access as part of an ongoing experimental scheme. The plans, submitted in June 2026 by Cynon Group Limited, will be assessed by Bridgend Council’s planning department in the coming months.

Six candidates from major and smaller political parties outline their priorities ahead of the Trebanos by-election, called after former councillor Rebeca Phillips was elected to the Senedd. Candidate focuses range from river pollution, community safety, road maintenance, and child-friendly spaces to climate action and local engagement, each emphasising their ties to the community and plans to address local concerns as polling approaches on July 9, 2026.

Plans submitted to Neath Port Talbot Council propose demolishing the disused R.A.O.B. Club in Gwaun Cae Gurwen and constructing a two‑storey Tesco Express with 10 parking spaces. The application argues the area lacks adequate convenience retail options and outlines a 372‑square‑metre building designed mainly for everyday top‑up shopping. Previous proposals for apartments and semi‑detached homes were approved in earlier years. A planning decision is expected in the coming months.

A new 136‑space car park has opened in Pontneddfechan to ease long‑standing traffic congestion at Waterfall Country. Funded by more than £7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the project includes upcoming amenities such as a shop, welfare facilities, accommodation, and a play area. The council says the development will reduce pressure on local roads, improve safety, and support sustainable tourism, with the site operating daily through the summer and charging a flat £6 parking fee.

A mural of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Briton Ferry was painted over after the building’s owner said permission had not been granted. Councillor Gareth Rice, who funded and unveiled the artwork, said he believed he had obtained the required approval but accepted its removal and called for respect toward the owner. He indicated plans to find an alternative site for a replacement project. The mural, created by street artist JenksArt, was covered in early July 2026.

Bridgend councillors sought urgent clarification from the new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government on proposed reforms to the local government funding formula, expressing concern over potential impacts on local authorities and calling for assurances that communities would not be disadvantaged. An amendment highlighting the influence of UK Government funding arrangements and advocating Barnett Formula reform was proposed but ultimately rejected, with the original motion for clarity and consultation approved unanimously.

A section of the A4241 Harbour Way in Port Talbot will close intermittently from July 6, 2026, for up to four months to allow civil engineering and highway maintenance work. The traffic order permits closures for up to 18 months if needed, with a diversion route set through surrounding roads while maintaining access for pedestrians and emergency services.

Bridgend councillors approved a motion supporting freedom of speech after a heated debate over intimidation, political hostility and responsible conduct. Owain Clatworthy introduced the motion, while Jane Gebbie and Ross Penhale-Thomas proposed amendments addressing misinformation and responsible language. Some councillors raised concerns about vague definitions and the risk of policing speech, while others argued for higher standards and accountability. Both amendments ultimately passed alongside the original motion, reflecting efforts to balance free expression with responsible communication in local politics.

Bridgend County Borough Council approved extending its domestic abuse services contract with Safer Merthyr Tydfil for up to two years while conducting a comprehensive review aimed at creating a more preventative support model. An audit revealed domestic abuse as a major factor in child protection cases and highlighted gaps in service access. Deputy leader Jane Gebbie said the extension prevents locking the council into an outdated model during the review. The plan was unanimously approved.

Neath Port Talbot Council has begun replacing its diesel recycling vehicles with a new £7.14 million fully electric fleet, supported by a £2.86 million Welsh Government grant that covers the cost difference between electric and diesel models. Additional government funding will install renewable energy infrastructure at council depots to reduce operating costs. The first 10 of 21 vehicles will arrive in the summer, with the full rollout continuing through the year. Officials say the transition will improve air quality, increase collection capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and support Welsh Government recycling targets.

Bridgend County Borough Council plans phased maintenance and technology upgrades to its chamber and committee rooms for safety, modern working needs, and improved meeting functions. The project includes new audio-visual systems, electronic voting, and repairs to windows, roofing, and air conditioning, with work expected to last up to 14 weeks and temporarily close the chamber. One council meeting is likely to be held online, and completion is targeted for October.

A mural of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Briton Ferry will be painted over after the building’s owners objected, saying they were never consulted and have reported the work as criminal damage. Councillor Gareth Rice, who funded and organised the mural, said he believed he had obtained permission and expressed disappointment but accepted the owners’ decision. The conflict prompted strong community support for keeping the artwork and an online petition, while the owners stated they were surprised by the mural’s completion and had never approved it.

A Welsh housing association is consulting the public on proposals to build 25 fully affordable homes on two vacant sites in Croeserw. The scheme includes semi‑detached houses, one‑bedroom apartments and an assisted living block designed to integrate with local surroundings. The development aims to revitalise land previously occupied by demolished housing and support local housing needs. Feedback must be submitted to Asbri Planning by July 10, 2026 before a formal planning application is lodged.

Audit Wales identified weaknesses in Bridgend Council’s planning service, including limited understanding of its strategic role, poor performance oversight, and missed income targets. Despite no concerns about individual planning decisions, the audit highlighted resource management issues and reliance on agency staff. Council officers acknowledged the findings, noting that improvements such as increased staffing, training, new Section 106 officers, and new service and risk plans were already underway. Performance delays were attributed to handling larger and more complex planning applications compared with smaller councils.

The former Royal British Legion Club in Port Talbot, closed in 2025 after 90 years, is being put up for auction as a freehold property with a guide price of over £125,000. Located on Talbot Road near the town centre, the site is being sold as part of a formal disposal process by the Royal British Legion. A similar former club in Neath was repurposed into an Irish bar in 2024.

Local officials raised concerns about ongoing water quality problems at Ogmore-by-Sea beach and the River Ogmore, criticising the slow pace of improvements by Welsh Water and perceived weak enforcement by Natural Resources Wales. Welsh Water cited ongoing projects including a pilot scheme to identify pollution sources and a £7.5m upgrade to storm tank capacity. Councillors called for potential action against Welsh Water, improved monitoring, and clearer plans for interventions in local rivers amid reports of sewage pollution and repeated regulatory breaches.

Local authorities have approved plans to convert a former residential property on New Road in Neath Abbey into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation. The decision, made under delegated powers, limits occupancy to six residents and requires construction to begin within five years. The approval follows a series of similar HMO proposals across Neath Port Talbot, some of which have attracted public opposition, including a separate five‑bedroom HMO in Briton Ferry that was approved on appeal to the Welsh Government.

A five‑year plan for the Celtic Freeport outlines priorities aimed at driving investment, supporting key development projects, advancing supply‑chain innovation, and building a local skills market. The initiative, created through a joint bid involving regional councils and ports, targets over £8bn in investment and more than 11,500 jobs over 25 years, with a significant role in offshore wind development. A recent memorandum of understanding confirms Neath Port Talbot Council as the accountable body as the project enters its delivery phase.

Bridgend councillors approved a five‑year extension for the Ty’n Y Waun solar farm project after developers warned that UK Government grid‑connection changes could delay work beyond the original deadline. Cenin Renewables said the extension only altered the timeframe, while some councillors raised concerns about community impact and outdated environmental data. The amended condition passed by eight votes to four, allowing the project to proceed once grid‑connection issues are resolved.