BAGLAN: Councillors demand answers from Whitbread CEO over Bagle Brook Beefeater closure — and urge rethink

Three councillors representing Baglan have written directly to the chief executive of Whitbread to demand answers over the planned closure of the Bagle Brook Beefeater – and to urge the company to reconsider.

Joshua Tuck, Carol Clement-Williams and Susanne Renkes, all councillors for Baglan on Neath Port Talbot Council, sent the letter to Whitbread CEO Dominic Paul on 2 May – the day after Swansea Bay News revealed that the Bagle Brook was among four local restaurants facing closure as part of the company’s nationwide restructuring.

In the letter, the councillors described the Bagle Brook – which has served the Baglan community since 1979 – as far more than a restaurant. “For many people locally, this is far more than simply a restaurant,” they wrote. “The Bagle Brook has become an important part of community life in Baglan. It is a place where families gather to celebrate milestones, friends meet to catch up over food and drinks, and local residents come together to maintain the social connections that are so important to community wellbeing.”

The letter praised the dedication of staff at the restaurant, describing them as “well regarded amongst patrons for their professionalism, warmth and dedication” and saying they had helped make it “the valued local institution it has become.”

The councillors acknowledged the commercial pressures facing the hospitality sector but said the impact on local jobs and community life must be given equal consideration. “While we understand commercial pressures exist, we believe that the impact on local jobs, livelihoods and community life must be given equal, if not greater, consideration than profitability,” they wrote.

They put a series of specific questions to Dominic Paul, asking whether Whitbread intends to sell the Baglan site as a going concern, whether there are plans to convert the restaurant space into additional Premier Inn hotel rooms, and whether any form of food and drink offering would remain on the site for local residents and visitors.

The councillors also demanded clear assurances about the futures of staff currently employed at the Bagle Brook – asking how many local jobs are at risk, what measures are being taken to protect them, and what efforts will be made to redeploy staff into alternative roles within Whitbread where possible.

The letter concluded with a direct call to the company’s leadership. “We urge Whitbread to reconsider the closure of the Bagle Brook, or at the very least provide full transparency about its future plans and meaningful support for the staff and community affected,” the councillors wrote.

The letter in full

2nd May 2026

Dominic Paul, CEO
Whitbread PLC

Dear Mr Paul,

We are writing as local councillors representing residents in Baglan and the wider Port Talbot area to express our deep disappointment and concern regarding the proposed closure of the Bagle Brook Beefeater.

For many people locally, this is far more than simply a restaurant. The Bagle Brook has become an important part of community life in Baglan. It is a place where families gather to celebrate milestones, friends meet to catch up over food and drinks, and local residents come together to maintain the social connections that are so important to community wellbeing.

In an era where many traditional community spaces have disappeared, venues like the Bagle Brook play a vital role in bringing people together. It has served as an accessible, welcoming meeting place for residents of all ages and backgrounds, and its loss would be deeply felt by many across our community.

We also want to place on record our appreciation for the hardworking staff at the Bagle Brook. The team are well regarded amongst patrons for their professionalism, warmth and dedication. Staff are consistently described as welcoming, polite and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customers have a positive experience. They have helped make the restaurant the valued local institution it has become, and they deserve recognition for that contribution.

We recognise that the hospitality sector is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and wider economic pressures. Whitbread has publicly cited higher business costs as part of its wider restructuring plans, which could see nearly 200 restaurant closures and around 3,800 jobs affected across the UK and Ireland.

However, while we understand commercial pressures exist, we believe that the impact on local jobs, livelihoods and community life must be given equal, if not greater, consideration than profitability.

We would therefore welcome urgent clarification on the future of the Baglan site specifically:

• Does Whitbread intend to sell the site as a going concern?
• Is the plan to convert the restaurant space into additional Premier Inn hotel rooms?
• Will any form of restaurant, pub or eatery remain on the site for local residents and visitors?

We are also particularly concerned about the staff currently employed at the Bagle Brook and would ask for clear assurances regarding their futures:

• How many local jobs are currently at risk at this site?
• What measures are being taken to protect those jobs?
• What efforts will be made to redeploy existing staff into alternative roles within Whitbread where possible?

At a time when communities such as ours are working hard to strengthen community bonds and protect places where people can come together, decisions like this have a significant local impact.

We urge Whitbread to reconsider the closure of the Bagle Brook, or at the very least provide full transparency about its future plans and meaningful support for the staff and community affected.

We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Tuck, Councillor for Baglan
Carol Clement-Williams, Councillor for Baglan
Susanne Renkes, Councillor for Baglan

Whitbread announced on Thursday that it would close all of its remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre branded restaurants as part of a plan to become a pure-play hotel business. The company said the proposed reduction to its 30,000-strong workforce remained subject to employee consultation, and that it hoped to retain a significant proportion of those affected through redeployment across its 15,000 annual vacancies.

Whitbread has not yet responded publicly to the councillors’ letter.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate
Our original report on the Whitbread closures across the Swansea Bay area.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate

Four restaurants across the Swansea Bay area are among nearly 200 set to close after Premier Inn owner Whitbread announced plans to cut up to 3,800 jobs as part of a sweeping five-year overhaul of its business.

The Swansea Vale Brewers Fayre on Upper Fforest Way in Llansamlet, the Waterfront Beefeater on Langdon Road in Swansea’s SA1 maritime quarter, the Bagle Brook Beefeater on Pentwyn Baglan Road in Baglan, and The Sandpiper Brewers Fayre on Sandy Road in Llanelli are all included in the list of sites affected by the restructuring.

Whitbread confirmed the proposed changes on 30 April as part of a new five-year plan that will see it exit its remaining branded restaurant estate entirely and replace all 197 sites with a more efficient food and beverage model linked more closely to its Premier Inn hotels. Around 110 branded restaurant sites are expected to be sold as going concerns over the next 24 months, while the remainder will be converted or closed.

The company said the proposed reduction to its 30,000-strong workforce remains subject to employee consultation, and that it anticipates retaining a considerable proportion of those affected through redeployment. The firm’s previous restructuring programme in 2024 resulted in around 1,500 redundancies.

Chief executive Dominic Paul said the plan would transform the business. “We always challenge ourselves to improve and, in light of significant cost increases in the form of business rates and national insurance, as well as the implied market discount to our inherent value, we’ve looked hard at the options open to us to maximise value creation over the medium and long-term,” he said. “This plan will transform Whitbread into a higher-margin, higher-returning pure-play hotel business.”

Unite, the union representing workers across the business, said it would seek urgent discussions with Whitbread and provide support to affected members – after claiming staff first learned of the redundancies through media reports rather than from their employer. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the cuts as “cruel” and called on the company to enter formal consultations immediately.

Unite national officer Colenzo Jarret-Thorpe added: “It is disgraceful that Whitbread employees heard about the job cuts through the media. The company did not even have the decency to let its staff know first.”

As part of the restructuring, Whitbread plans to sell 1.5 billion pounds of freehold property to fund future growth, reducing its freehold ownership to between 30% and 40% – making it a majority leaseholder for the first time since the Premier Inn chain was founded in 1987. The company is targeting 2 billion pounds of free cash flow by its 2031 financial year, and intends to increase its total hotel room count to 96,000 by that date, up from approximately 86,600 currently.

The announcement follows Whitbread’s pre-tax profit of 298 million pounds for the year ending February 2026, representing a 19% decline on the previous year. Overall revenues remained unchanged year-on-year at 2.9 billion pounds, though UK sales climbed by 1%.

The closure of The Sandpiper is the latest blow to Llanelli’s hospitality sector, which has suffered a string of losses in recent months. The Bryngwyn and Ali Raj restaurants closed on the same day in January, prompting hundreds of tributes from customers sharing decades of memories. The Tinhouse taproom followed in February, and the four-star Stradey Park Hotel closed with immediate effect in March, leaving staff without jobs and couples fearing for their wedding deposits.

Whitbread itself has already been reducing its footprint in the area. The Pemberton Beefeater in Llanelli – which sat next to the Premier Inn at Parc Pemberton Retail Park, close to Parc y Scarlets stadium – closed in July 2024, with plans to demolish the site and revamp the wider development. The Sandpiper Brewers Fayre on Sandy Road, also in Llanelli, is now set to follow.

The closures come as rising business rates and national insurance costs continue to squeeze the hospitality sector across Wales. Welsh Government introduced 15% business rates relief for hospitality businesses in 2026, but CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – has warned the measure still leaves Welsh venues at a significant disadvantage compared with England, where the relief stands at 75%.

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Prolific burglar caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen Baglan doors jailed for five years

Lewis Wood, 35, from Newport, was seen on multiple home security cameras quietly testing front doors across Elmwood Road, Maes Rhydden, Lodge Drive and Glan Hafryn during a late‑night spree in November and December.

The footage shows him moving methodically from property to property, checking handles and slipping into porches as families slept inside.

His final stop was a home on Church Road, where he found a set of car keys on a kitchen table and drove off in the family’s vehicle. The theft was discovered when the victim returned from an early‑hours dog walk to find the car gone.

Police traced Wood after reviewing hours of CCTV and doorbell footage. Officers later found the stolen car parked outside his home.

When arrested, Wood insisted he was “a car thief, not a burglar”, claiming he had only been looking for keys so he could drive home.

At Swansea Crown Court, prosecutors said Wood had been on licence at the time and already had 22 previous convictions for 78 offences, including six house burglaries and 11 counts of driving while disqualified. He also admitted three assaults at a Cardiff Bay restaurant last summer, where he lunged at a staff member and spat at two others after being asked to leave.

Wood pleaded guilty to three burglaries, ten attempted burglaries, theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and three counts of assault by beating. He was jailed for five years and three months.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told him the fear he caused was far more serious than the value of anything stolen.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “The real mischief of burglary is the feelings of insecurity victims suffer after having their homes invaded by a stranger. It seems the only way to stop you burgling people’s houses is to keep you in prison.”

He warned Wood that if he continued offending, “your daughter will grow up without you”.

South Wales Police said the sentence reflected the impact on the community.

DC Sam Tobin said: “Burglars and thieves like Lewis Wood are the sort of selfish people who make good people feel unsafe in their own home. He cared nothing for any of his victims, but his offending will have had a big effect on their lives.”

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£3m Welsh Government fund to boost museums, libraries and archives across South West Wales

The investment, part of the Priorities for Culture Capital Grant Scheme, is designed to make cultural spaces more accessible, sustainable and welcoming. Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said the aim was to protect “vital community assets” and ensure they continue to serve as visitor attractions, learning hubs and wellbeing spaces.

Swansea: lighting up the city’s heritage

In Swansea, the city’s oldest museum will be literally brighter. Swansea Museum is receiving funding for its Illuminate project, which will replace outdated lighting in the History Gallery and temporary exhibition space with modern, energy‑efficient systems. Swansea University’s cultural collections will also benefit, with new environmental monitoring and accessibility improvements to safeguard rare items and open them up to more visitors.

Neath Port Talbot: greener libraries

In Neath Port Talbot, Baglan Library will undergo building improvements with new front windows to boost energy efficiency and create a more comfortable space for readers and community groups.

Bridgend: preserving and delivering culture

Porthcawl Museum will use its grant to conserve artefacts and refresh exhibitions, working alongside Glamorgan Archives. Meanwhile, the Awen Cultural Trust, which runs libraries across Bridgend county, will make its Books on Wheels service more sustainable by switching to a zero‑emission electric vehicle to deliver books to housebound residents.

Carmarthenshire: archives and museums reimagined

Carmarthenshire is seeing some of the most ambitious projects. Carmarthenshire Archives will create a new exhibition space to bring hidden collections into public view. At Carmarthenshire Museum, two projects will improve both physical and digital access: new interpretation and lighting in galleries, and a revamp of the CofGar website to make collections easier to explore online.

At Dinefwr’s Newton House, run by the National Trust, visitors will benefit from new lifts, braille interpretation and audio‑visual guides, ensuring the historic site is accessible to all.

Pembrokeshire: Tenby’s new chapter

In Pembrokeshire, Tenby Museum & Art Gallery will transform a storage area into a new public gallery, creating space for fresh interpretation and exhibitions.

A wider vision for culture

The Welsh Government says the £3m is just the first wave of investment, with a further £2.5m available for bids over the next year and £15m in total to be distributed by March 2026.

The Priorities for Culture strategy emphasises that culture is not just about heritage, but about regeneration, inclusivity and wellbeing. From greener libraries to more accessible museums, the projects in South West Wales reflect that ambition.

#archives #AwenCulturalTrust #Baglan #BaglanLibrary #Carmarthen #CarmarthenshireArchiveService #CarmarthenshireArchives #CarmarthenshireMuseum #CofGar #Dinefwr #funding #grantFunding #libraries #Library #museums #NationalTrust #NewtonHouse #Porthcawl #PorthcawlMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaMuseum #Tenby #TenbyMuseumAndArtGallery

Baglan man jailed after indecently exposing himself in public

50-year-old Scott Thomas, from Baglan, flashed his genitals and backside towards passers-by as he walked along Dunraven Street, Aberavon at around 7am on Friday, July 18.

Thomas immediately admitted the offence upon arrest.

He has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. He will be required to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of seven years.

PC Rachael Travers said:

“Scott Thomas’s actions were completely unacceptable and will have caused alarm to those who saw him in Dunraven Street, especially at that time of morning.

“He will have known the likely consequences of what he was doing. Those consequences are now a reality for him.”

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

#Baglan #indecentExposure #SouthWalesPolice

Tributes paid to long-serving Baglan councillor

A funeral service was held for Cllr Richards at St Catharine’s Church, Baglan, on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

Cllr Richards was first elected to Neath Port Talbot Council in June 2004 and served continuously as one of the Baglan ward members until the time of his death.

He was originally elected as a representative of the Neath Port Talbot Ratepayers’ Association but joined the Labour Group in 2008 then becoming a Cabinet Member during the Labour administration period up until 2022. 

Speaking at the AGM on Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “I first met Peter in 2008, shortly after my election, and it was clear from the outset he was a person of exceptional kindness and unwavering support. Our friendship blossomed as we worked together on behalf of our community and I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement.

“Peter’s commitment went far beyond his own ward; he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of everyone living in Neath Port Talbot. As a cabinet member of the Labour administration, he approached his duties with both professionalism and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Also, his work with the Co-operative movement exemplified his passion for community and service.

”Peter was a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend. His absence will be felt deeply by all of us, but his legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire our work. We will miss him dearly.”

The Leader of the council’s Labour Group, Cllr Sonia Reynolds, added: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies must be with Peter’s family and close friends during this time of great loss.

“Peter was a dedicated and active Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services. I recall his invaluable support in 2017, when I and other newly elected councillors found ourselves thrown into the deep end of Social Services Scrutiny. His advice was readily available, thoughtful, wise, and always delivered with generosity—quick to offer praise where it was due and ever willing to guide others with care and experience.

“His commitment to local residents was unwavering. Many will have their own stories of Peter’s kindness, his readiness to help, and the guidance he offered without hesitation. He lived his Christian faith not only in belief but in action – through the way he treated people, served his community and lived his life with compassion and humility.

“Peter was loved in his community, valued within our group, and respected across this council. He will be deeply missed.”

#Baglan #NeathPortTalbotCouncil

HDM Solar opens new Port Talbot branch, bringing green jobs and investment to South Wales

A new chapter in South Wales’s transition to clean energy began last week as HDM Solar officially opened its Port Talbot branch, backed by a wave of local support and national ambition.

The launch event, held on Friday 18 July at Baglan Energy Park, was attended by Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg, representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Philip Hunkin, and key figures from the renewable energy sector. Together they celebrated the arrival of one of the UK’s fastest-growing solar suppliers — and the opportunities it brings.

The 17,500 sq ft facility, which includes a 6,000 sq ft bonded storage unit, is set to create around 10 skilled jobs locally. It’s part of HDM Solar’s £10.2 million national expansion plan to open 60 branches across the UK — a strategy aimed at powering growth in the solar and EV installation market.

“It was a pleasure to attend the official opening and welcome HDM Solar’s significant investment in our community,” said Stephen Kinnock MP. “This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to their ambition, innovation, and belief in the potential of our town.”

“Not only will this development create skilled jobs in the growing green energy sector, it also supports Port Talbot’s shift to a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s a clear signal that our town is ready to lead in the green energy revolution.”

The local authority has backed the project through funding support for the new site — part of its strategy to secure future-ready industries in the wake of expected TATA Steel redundancies.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt said: “We’re proud to support HDM Solar’s investment and their commitment to creating quality green jobs here. This partnership shows what’s possible when businesses and councils work together.”

HDM Solar — known nationally as “The Installer’s Wholesaler” — provides tailored systems and technical support to trade and commercial clients, along with direct-to-site delivery. CEO Adam Firth said the opening was more than a business milestone — it’s about empowering communities.

“With the backing of Neath Port Talbot Council and the enthusiasm of the local business community, we’re confident this branch will thrive,” he said. “It’s about investing in people and place, not just expanding our footprint.”

The new branch will also complement the work of HDM Energies, a sister company focused on commercial solar installations. Through its Energy For All scheme, HDM Energies offers systems with zero upfront cost — helping businesses cut energy bills and carbon emissions while locking in fixed low rates.

With Wales poised to play a central role in the UK’s climate targets — including an 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 — developments like HDM’s new Port Talbot hub are helping set the pace for industry and innovation.

More Port Talbot stories from Swansea Bay News

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#Baglan #BaglanEnergyPark #CllrSteveHunt #greenEnergy #HDMSolar #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Solar #StephenKinnockMP

Labour holds Baglan seat in Neath Port Talbot by-election as Reform slips to third

The contest was triggered by the death of long-serving councillor Peter Richards, who had represented Baglan since 2004. Labour candidate Josh Tuck won the seat with 708 votes, defeating independent candidate Wendy Blethyn (532 votes) and Reform UK’s John Bamsey, who came third with 447 votes2.

“I’m just over the moon but also so grateful to the people of Baglan for putting their trust in me,” said Cllr Tuck. “Peter Richards was a friend to Baglan and an incredibly hard-working councillor. I’ll do my best to honour his legacy.”

Tuck said his immediate priorities include tackling road and pavement repairs, cutting back hedgerows and trees, and opposing lay-by parking charges at Aberavon beach, which he described as “a huge issue for us.”

The turnout for the by-election was 33.99%, with 1,886 votes cast from an electorate of 5,558.

Reform’s momentum stalls in Baglan

Reform UK had entered the contest with growing momentum, following recent by-election wins in Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, and Torfaen, and a surge in national polling that placed the party ahead of Labour in several Welsh constituencies46.

However, the Baglan result suggests that Reform’s appeal may be more variable at ward level. Despite a strong showing, Reform fell short of overtaking Labour or the independent candidate, raising questions about the party’s ability to convert national polling strength into consistent local wins.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on Reform’s rise across South West Wales, including its landslide victory in Llanelli, its projected Senedd seat gains, and its growing influence in debates over welfare reform, education, and tourism policy: 🔗 Reform projected to have most Senedd seats but Plaid and Labour coalition most likely government 🔗 New polling shows Reform surge redrawing the political map in South West Wales 🔗 Reform win landslide victory in Llanelli by-election

Final results – Baglan by-election, 17 July 2025

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#Baglan #byElection #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #ReformUK #WelshLabour

Baglan Bombshells spin off hundreds for cancer charity

The women’s over 30s team organised a 24-hour Spinathon to raise money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity as part of the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament – which is raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital. This is also part of the wider ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal.

The event at Baglan RFC involved 23 Bombshells who rode continually on two static bikes on rotation – kindly loaned by Warehouse Gym – from 6pm on Friday 27 June until 6pm on Saturday June 28.

Two inspiring Bombshells, Joanne and Leanne, having already cycled in their nominated four hour time slot in the early hours of the morning, saddled up to ride the last half hour in an emotional finish.

Both Joanne and Leanne have used the essential services that the Swansea Bay Health Board oncology department provides and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they completed the last few minutes of the 24-hour ride.

As well as the Bombshells working hard to ensure the wheels were continually turning throughout, there was also an opportunity for others to join them on a third bike. The Bombshells wish to thank those from the Baglan Bombers, Baglan seniors, friends and family – who joined them on the bikes across the 24-hours.

The team say they were also delighted to welcome members of the Pontardawe Daffs women’s touch rugby team who also hopped on the third bike in the final hours of the ride, throwing their support behind the Bombshells.

Whilst the team were overjoyed to be joined by their teammate Ceri Forward, who despite having already completed a three peaks hike in Cardiff that day to raise money for mountain rescue, jumped on the third bike for the final half an hour.

The Spinathon also coincided with Baglan RFC’s Family Fun Day on the Saturday which saw scores of people flocking to the club for stalls, food, entertainment and games for all ages.

Michelle Hall, who rode on the 10pm to 2am shift, said: “We are over the moon to raise this amount of money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity, and we even have more to come, with donations still coming in!

“It was such an incredible 24-hours, every Bombshells gave it their all, and the support through the day was unbelievable. Spirits were kept high throughout the whole challenge – even through the graveyard shifts.

“The build up to the last half an hour gave us all goosebumps and it was a very emotional countdown to mark the end of the Spinathon with Leanne and Joanne on the bikes. We are so proud of them both as they have faced their cancer journeys with inspiring bravery.”

The Bombshells would like to thank everyone who has supported the cause through their attendance on the day and through their generous sponsorship.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated – every penny really does count – and if anyone would like to still support this cause it’s not too late,” said Michelle.

“We’d also like to thank Baglan RFC for hosting our Spinathon, Warehouse Gym and everyone who supported us on the bikes through the 24-hours – it was such a team effort.

“It was also fantastic to have our charity event coincide with Baglan RFC’s family fun day – it was such a lovely day which saw the community join together.”

The Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament will take place on Saturday 9th August at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon RFC, and will see 16 local teams take part. Spectator tickets will be available on the day and are £5 for adults with children going free.

Michelle added: “We can’t wait to play in the upcoming tournament and it’s been fantastic to see all the teams involved raise so much money for the cancer centre – and we know there is much more to come.

“Women’s touch rugby has certainly exploded in the Swansea Bay region over the last few years so to see everyone joining together, uniting for this special cause has been truly wonderful and we’re now counting down the days until 9th August!”

To donate to the Baglan Bombshells donation page, please visit: http://swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/pf/michelle-hall

To find out more about the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament please visit their Facebook page.

The ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal aims to raise £200,000 to develop a dedicated outpatient department specifically for cancer patients at Singleton Hospital. The goal of the appeal is to transform the current space into a comforting environment that supports the wellbeing of patients and their families during a challenging time.

#Baglan #BaglanBombshells #BaglanRFC #Cancer #Charity #fundraising #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #touchRugby

Baglan to Port Talbot road closed after ‘serious collision’

The A48 was closed between Fernfield and Dinas Baglan Road in Baglan earlier this morning while emergency services attend the scene of the collision.

Images taken by Cee SD and posted to social media show a van hanging off a tall stone wall in a precarious position.

Quite how the van ended up like that has not been officially confirmed, however eyewitnesses say it looked like the van’s handbrake failed and it rolled off a driveway which was at a higher level on top of the stone wall.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We’re at the scene of a serious collision on the A48 Briton Ferry to Baglan, Neath.

“The road is currently closed in both directions between Fernfield to Dinas Baglan Road.

“It is expected to remain closed for some time; please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. We’re grateful for your patience.”

Police later issued an update to say the road was reopened at 11.41am.

#A48 #Baglan #featured #RoadTrafficAccident