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.”

#aberdulais #education #llangatwgCommunitySchool #neath #teacher

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)

#Aberdulais #assualt #NeathPortTalbot #SouthWalesPolice

Aberdulais Falls.

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