Editor<p><strong>Chancellor and First Minister meet communities facing change in Neath Port Talbot</strong></p><p>Residents of Neath Port Talbot had the chance to speak directly with two of the UK’s most senior politicians this week, as <strong>Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves</strong> and <strong>Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan</strong> toured key sites in the county to see how communities are responding to industrial change.</p><p>The visit began at the <strong>former Dyffryn Rhondda Colliery</strong> in the Upper Afan Valley, where Neath Port Talbot Council is leading a major coal tip safety project. The Chancellor met with <strong>Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt</strong>, <strong>Cabinet Member Cllr Jeremy Hurley</strong>, and contractors from Walters UK to view progress on stabilising the site — part of a wider £143 million UK Government investment in coal tip safety.</p><p>Later, the Chancellor and First Minister visited the <strong>Opportunity Hub</strong> in Port Talbot’s Aberafan Shopping Centre, where they met local people seeking work — including those affected by the closure of blast furnaces at <strong>Tata Steelworks</strong>, currently transitioning to a cleaner <strong>Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)</strong> model.</p><p>Staff from <strong>NPT Employability</strong> and the <strong>Trailblazer Programme</strong> shared how they’re helping residents retrain and upskill for long-term employment. The UK Government has committed <strong>£10 million</strong> to support this pilot initiative in Neath Port Talbot, Blaenau Gwent and Denbighshire.</p><p>The Chancellor also spoke with former steelworkers supported by the <strong>Employment and Skills Fund</strong>, set up by the <strong>Tata Steel Transition Board</strong> to help those impacted by the shift to greener steel production.</p><p><strong>Cllr Steve Hunt said:</strong></p><blockquote><p>“We’re glad to see the Chancellor taking a first-hand look at the issues we’re facing here in Neath Port Talbot — from the dangerous legacy of the mining industry to job losses due to changes at Tata Steel. This council is working hard with its partners to mitigate these problems and we welcome the funding that is so essential for us as we move to a cleaner, greener future.”</p></blockquote> <p><strong>Related stories from Swansea Bay News</strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://swanseabaynews.com/record-funding-for-coal-tip-safety-works-announced-including-more-than-6-3m-for-neath-port-talbot/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">£6.3m for coal tip safety in Neath Port Talbot</a></strong><br> Welsh Government announces record funding to address legacy mining risks across Wales.</p><p><strong><a href="https://swanseabaynews.com/chancellor-and-first-minister-visit-neath-port-talbot-to-discuss-employment-support-and-coal-tip-safety/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chancellor and First Minister visit Neath Port Talbot</a></strong><br> Leaders meet workers and inspect coal tip safety works and employment support initiatives.</p><p><strong><a href="https://swanseabaynews.com/neath-port-talbot-to-pilot-trailblazer-employment-support-programme/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Neath Port Talbot to pilot Trailblazer employment programme</a></strong><br> £10m boost for new scheme tackling economic inactivity in South West Wales.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/aberavon-shopping-centre/" target="_blank">#AberavonShoppingCentre</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/afan-valley/" target="_blank">#AfanValley</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/chancellor/" target="_blank">#Chancellor</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/cllr-jeremy-hurley/" target="_blank">#CllrJeremyHurley</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/cllr-steve-hunt/" target="_blank">#CllrSteveHunt</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/dyffryn-rhondda-colliery/" target="_blank">#DyffrynRhonddaColliery</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/eluned-morgan-ms/" target="_blank">#ElunedMorganMS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/employability/" target="_blank">#employability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/employment/" target="_blank">#employment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/employment-and-skills-fund/" target="_blank">#employmentAndSkillsFund</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/first-minister/" target="_blank">#FirstMinister</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/neath-port-talbot/" target="_blank">#NeathPortTalbot</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/neath-port-talbot-council/" target="_blank">#NeathPortTalbotCouncil</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/port-talbot/" target="_blank">#PortTalbot</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/rachel-reeves-mp/" target="_blank">#RachelReevesMP</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/tata-steel-transition-board/" target="_blank">#TataSteelTransitionBoard</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/tata-steelworks/" target="_blank">#TataSteelworks</a></p>
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#afanvalley
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Editor<p><strong>First Cymru announces major bus network overhaul across South & West Wales</strong></p><p>Bus operator First Cymru is rolling out a comprehensive set of changes to its South and West Wales network from <strong>Sunday 31 August 2025</strong>, with revised timetables, new routes, and increased service frequencies designed to improve reliability and connectivity across the region.</p><p>The updates span <strong>Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend</strong>, and the <strong>Vale of Glamorgan</strong>, and have been developed in collaboration with local councils — including funding support from <strong>Carmarthenshire County Council</strong>.</p><p><strong>New Services & Route Extensions</strong></p><ul><li><strong>L11 (Llanelli–Kidwelly)</strong>: A brand-new hourly service via Burry Port and Pembrey, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council.</li><li><strong>6A (Swansea–Grenfell Park)</strong>: New weekday service via SA1.</li><li><strong>X1 (Swansea–Bridgend)</strong>: Now extended to Swansea University’s Singleton Campus with larger double decker buses.</li><li><strong>39 (Swansea–Tycoch)</strong>: Will now operate Monday to Friday during college holidays, extending beyond its previous term-time-only schedule.</li><li><strong>195 & 197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen)</strong>: Extended to Parc Trostre, with the 197 also serving Ffos Las Estate.</li><li><strong>69 (Bridgend–Cefn Glas)</strong>: Now operating via Angel Street and Glan y Parc.</li><li><strong>X2 (Porthcawl–Cardiff)</strong>: Rerouted through Neville Street and Fitzhamon Embankment, avoiding Westgate Street.</li></ul><p><strong>Increased Frequencies</strong></p><ul><li><strong>L3 (Llanelli–Pontarddulais)</strong>: Now running every 60 minutes.</li><li><strong>321 (Llantwit Major–Talbot Green)</strong>: Increased to hourly service.</li><li><strong>87 (Neath–Margam)</strong>: Additional trips during college holidays and extended journeys to Dalton Road.</li></ul><p><strong>Route Revisions</strong></p><ul><li><strong>L1 & L2</strong>: Now serving the new Pentre Awel development.</li><li><strong>128</strong>: Will operate via Cross Hands Business Park.</li><li><strong>129</strong>: Will bypass Pantyffynnon via the A483.</li><li><strong>84, 81 & 82</strong>: Will now terminate at Port Talbot Parkway Station.</li><li><strong>59 & 83</strong>: Interlinked at Pontrhydyfen for seamless travel between Neath and the Afan Valley.</li></ul><p><strong> College Services Updated</strong></p><p>Services <strong>901–907</strong>, connecting various towns to Neath College, will have revised timetables to improve punctuality for the new academic year.</p><p><strong>Withdrawals</strong></p><ul><li><strong>103 (Ammanford–Llandybie)</strong>: Withdrawn and replaced by services <strong>165</strong> and <strong>X13</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Timetable Tweaks Across the Network</strong></p><p>In addition to new routes and service extensions, <strong>many existing services will see timetable adjustments</strong> aimed at improving punctuality and better aligning with passenger demand. These include:</p><ul><li><strong>L1–L7 (Llanelli area)</strong>: All services revised to improve reliability, with L1 and L2 also rerouted via Pentre Awel.</li><li><strong>124–129 (Ammanford area)</strong>: Timetables adjusted for punctuality; 128 and 129 also feature route changes.</li><li><strong>145–146, 165–166 (Carmarthenshire)</strong>: Updated schedules, with 166 gaining Saturday trips and replacing some weekday-only journeys.</li><li><strong>195–197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen)</strong>: Timetables revised alongside route extensions.</li><li><strong>6, 29, 34, 39 (Swansea)</strong>: All revised for punctuality, with service 39 now running during college holidays.</li><li><strong>56, 59, 81–83, 87 (Neath Port Talbot)</strong>: Adjustments include extended routes and improved connections, especially between Neath and the Afan Valley.</li><li><strong>901–907 (Neath College services)</strong>: Timetables updated to support the new academic year.</li><li><strong>69, X2 (Bridgend & Cardiff)</strong>: Revised schedules and rerouted paths to improve access and reduce delays.</li><li><strong>321 (Vale of Glamorgan)</strong>: Increased frequency to hourly service.</li></ul><p><strong>Local Collaboration</strong></p><p>The overhaul reflects extensive collaboration with local authorities and feedback from passengers, aiming to create a more responsive and efficient public transport network.</p><p><strong>Plan Ahead</strong></p><p>All changes take effect from <strong>Sunday 31 August 2025</strong>. Passengers are advised to <a href="https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-west-wales/news-and-service-updates/updates/31st-august-2025-service-changes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">check updated timetables</a> before travelling.</p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/103/" target="_blank">#103</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/129/" target="_blank">#129</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/195/" target="_blank">#195</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/197/" target="_blank">#197</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/321/" target="_blank">#321</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/39/" target="_blank">#39</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/59/" target="_blank">#59</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/69/" target="_blank">#69</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/6a/" target="_blank">#6A</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/81/" target="_blank">#81</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/82/" target="_blank">#82</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/83/" target="_blank">#83</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/84/" target="_blank">#84</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/afan-valley/" target="_blank">#AfanValley</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/ammanford/" target="_blank">#Ammanford</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/bridgend/" target="_blank">#Bridgend</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/bus/" target="_blank">#Bus</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/cross-hands/" target="_blank">#CrossHands</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/featured/" target="_blank">#featured</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/first-cymru/" target="_blank">#FirstCymru</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/grenfell-park/" target="_blank">#GrenfellPark</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/gwendraeth-valley/" target="_blank">#GwendraethValley</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/kidwelly/" target="_blank">#Kidwelly</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/l1/" target="_blank">#L1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/l11/" target="_blank">#L11</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/l2/" target="_blank">#L2</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/l3/" target="_blank">#L3</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/llanelli/" target="_blank">#Llanelli</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/neath-valley/" target="_blank">#NeathValley</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/pentre-awel/" target="_blank">#PentreAwel</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/pontrhydyfen/" target="_blank">#Pontrhydyfen</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/port-talbot/" target="_blank">#PortTalbot</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/port-talbot-parkway/" target="_blank">#PortTalbotParkway</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/port-tennant/" target="_blank">#PortTennant</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/singleton-campus/" target="_blank">#SingletonCampus</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/swansea-university/" target="_blank">#SwanseaUniversity</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/timetable/" target="_blank">#timetable</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/x1/" target="_blank">#X1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://swanseabaynews.com/tag/x2/" target="_blank">#X2</a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>River Afan, Cymer. <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/PortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>PortTalbot</span></a></p>
Books on the Line<p>The Rhondda Tunnel Society was formed in 2014 with the aim of siting the long-lost tunnel portal stone in a location to the entrance of the disused and buried Rhondda Tunnel at Blaencwm.</p><p>But now their vision is to completely reopen the longest tunnel in Wales, linking the Rhondda and Afan Valleys.</p><p> <a href="https://www.rhonddatunnelsociety.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="">rhonddatunnelsociety.co.uk/</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p><p><a href="https://toot.wales/tags/TransportHistory" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>TransportHistory</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Heritage" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Heritage</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Rhondda" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Rhondda</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Railway" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Railway</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/Wales" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>Wales</span></a></p>
Swansea Bay News<p>Plans for a £250m adventure resort in Port Talbot’s Afan Valley with a 50-bed hotel, spa, restaurant, viewing area, 570 lodges and biking and walking trails have taken a major step forward. </p><p>On Tuesday (November 8th), members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Planning Committee, which has already granted the project outline planning permission, approved a reserved matters application from developers Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley Ltd.</p><p><a href="https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/09/250m-afan-valley-adventure-resort-comes-a-step-closer/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">swanseabaynews.com/2022/11/09/</span><span class="invisible">250m-afan-valley-adventure-resort-comes-a-step-closer/</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/NeathPortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>NeathPortTalbot</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Richard Burton On His Humble Welsh Upbringing <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/PortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>PortTalbot</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=708q7LjMGso" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="">youtube.com/watch?v=708q7LjMGso</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Richard Burton on mining. <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/PortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>PortTalbot</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=58&v=NFnra54Yk44&feature=emb_logo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">youtube.com/watch?time_continu</span><span class="invisible">e=58&v=NFnra54Yk44&feature=emb_logo</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Pinched from FB page Port Talbot Old & New......local heroes...Richard Burton, Rob Brydon and Dick Wagstaff. <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/PortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>PortTalbot</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Afan Chicken and a pint of Afan Ale, in the Afan Tafarn! Get in!! 😉 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Pint of Solar from Cerddin Brewery in Maesvegas! 👍🍺🥁 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanLodge" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanLodge</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Best beer garden in PT! 🍺👍 🌲 🌳 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/TheBritPub" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>TheBritPub</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/PortTalbot" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>PortTalbot</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a></p>
TheBeastOfBaglan<p>Afan Valley in spring. Bottle of “Cascade” from Dai at Cerddin Brewery in Maesvegas! 👍🍺 <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanValley</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/AfanLodge" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>AfanLodge</span></a> <a href="https://toot.wales/tags/RealAle" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#<span>RealAle</span></a></p>
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