NEATH: Three months of roadworks to hit Aberdulais from Sunday as gas company digs up village street

Drivers and residents in Aberdulais are facing almost three months of roadworks from this Sunday after Wales and West Utilities confirmed it is starting work to replace ageing gas pipes in the Dulais Road Fach area.

The work begins on Sunday 18 May and, if all goes to plan, is not expected to finish until 17 August — meaning traffic management will remain in place throughout most of the summer.

Traffic lights will be in operation throughout the scheme, which has been planned in conjunction with Neath Port Talbot Council.

The work is part of a wider £950,000 investment by Wales & West Utilities to upgrade gas infrastructure across the Neath Valley over the next two years, with more than four kilometres of gas pipes set to be replaced across the area as part of the programme.

Adam Smith, the Wales & West Utilities project manager overseeing the Aberdulais scheme, acknowledged the disruption but said the work was unavoidable.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area,” he said. “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community.”

He added that the Aberdulais work was also about future-proofing the network for cleaner energy.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future,” he said.

Residents who need more information about the project can visit wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects or call the Wales & West Utilities customer service team free on 0800 912 2999.

The scheme is expected to cause the most disruption during peak hours, with drivers advised to allow extra time for journeys through the area throughout the duration of the works.

The wider Neath Valley mains replacement programme is one of several ongoing infrastructure investments by Wales & West Utilities across south Wales, as the company works to upgrade pipes that in some cases date back decades.

If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak at any point during the works, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately — engineers are available around the clock.

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Councillors back bold plan to explore Swansea Valley tram‑train link

Green Party councillor Nathan Goldup‑John brought the motion to a full council meeting on 17 December, urging officers to investigate a tram‑train route running from Aberdulais or Tonna into Swansea — with scope for future extensions deeper into the valleys.

‘Time to re‑imagine the Neath corridor’

Cllr Goldup‑John said the region needed to think big about transport, describing the Neath corridor as a “green, connected spine for south west Wales”.

He argued that an electrified tram‑train system could cut car dependency and reduce emissions, while also unlocking regeneration opportunities along the route.

The proposal, he said, would dovetail with the wider Swansea Bay Metro vision, creating a fast, low‑carbon link between valley communities and the city.

He added that new Metro‑style stations could connect directly with local bus routes, giving residents across the county borough far better access to reliable public transport.

Cross‑party support – with one caveat

Labour’s Cllr Sonia Reynolds said her group supported the motion but stressed it must not undermine the council’s push for bus franchising, due to roll out by 2027.

Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt also backed the proposal, while reassuring members that buses remain a top transport priority.

What happens next?

Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion. Officers will now prepare a report for cabinet before the end of the financial year, including options for commissioning a full feasibility study.

If progressed, the scheme could form a major new strand of the Swansea Bay Metro – and potentially reconnect valley communities with Swansea by rail for the first time in generations.

Neath teacher gave schoolgirl a can of Malibu and a card signed with a kiss

Richard James Pugh, 41, from Aberdare, slipped a can of Malibu and pineapple mixer into the girl’s school bag in January, alongside biscuits, iced coffee and a Nando’s voucher. He also messaged her on Instagram and signed a card “your best buddy” with a kiss.

The pupil told Merthyr Magistrates Court that the unwanted attention left her feeling “vulnerable” and “exposed,” saying she was constantly looking over her shoulder at school.

Judge blasts betrayal of trust

Pugh initially denied supplying alcohol to a minor, but changed his plea to guilty last month. He was fined £500, ordered to pay £850 in costs and surcharges, and made subject to a 12‑month restraining order.

District Judge Neil Thomas said Pugh had “damaged the trust of his profession” and accused him of refusing to take responsibility, adding: “There was nothing of any credibility in his evidence and he could not tell the truth even at this late stage.”

Police condemnation

South Wales Police described his behaviour as “inappropriate” and said it had brought both his profession and the school into disrepute.

Detective Constable Rachel Thomas said:

“Richard Pugh’s inappropriate behaviour brought both his profession and the school into disrepute. This was unwanted attention shown towards a pupil which has caused them anxiety.”

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Aberdulais man jailed for violent attack on two women

29-year-old Scott Miller assaulted the two victims on multiple separate occasions. He pulled the first victim to the ground by their hair before repeatedly punching her to the face, causing her to strike her head on a door frame. He left this victim with a number of injuries.

While on bail for the above offences, Miller assaulted his second victim on more than one occasion, including putting his hands around this victim’s throat, causing her to suffer a panic attack. He also made threats to kill this victim.

Miller pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation and three counts of assault by beating and has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Sergeant Rachel Draisey from South Wales Police said: “As a force, we do not tolerate even a single incident of violence against women and girls. Scott Miller was responsible for multiple examples of this unacceptable conduct.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe, wherever they are, and nobody should be subjected to violence, harassment, and intimidation.

“Scott Miller’s victims should not have had to go through their traumatic experiences at his hands.

“Those who are suffering abuse can be assured that we will do everything we can to support and protect them from harm.”

(Lead image: South Wales Police)

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Aberdulais Falls.

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