SWANSEA: Is your street next? Council signs off £14.5m for roads as 4,600 potholes filled

More of Swansea’s streets are in line for resurfacing after the council signed off £14.5m for the city’s roads.

Cabinet has approved further highways funding, which the council said built on a wider commitment of more than £12m for resurfacing, repairs and potholes — taking total investment to around £14.5m in 2026-27. The authority described it as a record level of investment.

The decision follows the extra £2m for the city’s roads the council set out earlier this month, which has now been formally approved.

The council said almost 4,600 potholes had been filled in the first five months of this year, alongside resurfacing schemes across the city.

It said recent resurfacing had included Cwm Level roundabout, Wimmerfield Drive in Killay, Roseland Road in Waunarlwydd, and Vardre Road in Clydach, along with streets in Uplands and Morriston.

The council said further work was planned through its small resurfacing programme, with schemes scheduled in Gowerton, Penclawdd, Mayals and Bishopston.

It said the latest funding would pay for more carriageway resurfacing, junction improvements and urgent smaller repairs, helping to tackle a backlog of maintenance.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said residents wanted to see real improvements to the condition of the city’s roads.

“This record level of investment is helping us deliver that,” he said. “People are already seeing resurfacing and repair work taking place in communities right across Swansea, and thousands of potholes have been fixed in recent months.”

He said the latest funding would allow the council to do more in the year ahead, meaning “more resurfaced roads, more local repairs and a continued focus on the areas that matter most to residents.”

Cllr Stevens also acknowledged that the council’s approach to potholes was, in many cases, a stopgap.

“Our commitment to pothole repairs, for example, is to provide a temporary fix for problem places while we plan more full repairs at a later date,” he said.

He added that the investment also supported longer-term work to make the road network more resilient, including drainage and flood prevention.

The funding comes after the council’s wider road repair blitz earlier this year, when it said new resurfacing crews had been brought in to step up the programme.

The council said further schemes would be confirmed as the programme continued.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Extra £2m for the city’s roads — and the £686k that unlocks a flood fix
The funding boost set out by the council earlier this month.

Road repair blitz ramps up as new crews hit the streets
How the council stepped up its resurfacing programme earlier this year.

The roads earmarked for resurfacing across Swansea
A look at the streets the council has lined up for work.

#CllrAndrewStevens #highways #potholes #roadResurfacing #SwanseaCouncil

SWANSEA: Three more skateparks open as £3m wheeled sports drive rolls on

Skaters and BMX riders have wasted no time getting on three new wheeled sports parks that have just opened across Swansea.

The biggest is a street plaza-style park at Victoria Park, joined by upgraded sites at the Phoenix Centre in Townhill and Mynydd Newydd in Penlan.

All three were being ridden before anyone had cut a ribbon — the official openings aren’t due until later this summer.

They are the latest sites to land under Swansea Council‘s £3 million spend on skate, BMX and scooter facilities, a programme riders themselves pushed for over several years.

The council says the goal is to put most residents within two miles of somewhere to skate or ride.

The Victoria Park plaza is the standout. Work there has been tracked from the first diggers on site through to its promised spring opening, and it has now opened its gates.

The designs were drawn up by specialist firm Curve Studio, with the building work handed to contractors Wheelscape, Bendcrete Leisure and Canvas Spaces.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said the early turnout showed the parks were hitting the mark.

“This investment is about creating welcoming, high-quality places where people of all ages can be active, develop skills and enjoy modern facilities close to home,” he said.

Council leader Rob Stewart was also at Victoria Park to see the new plaza in use.

The three openings follow upgrades already finished at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and Melin Mynach in Gorseinon.

They build on years of lobbying by local riders, who backed the spending as a way to grow the sport and give young people somewhere to go.

There is plenty still in the pipeline. A BMX-focused park is planned for the Elba sports complex in Gowerton, with a small cycling track in Blaen-y-maes, a new pump track in Bishopston and a refurbished one at Clyne Valley.

A junior pump track is lined up for Gorseinon and a skatepark for Ynystawe Park — both shown off in design form late last year.

Further schemes include dirt tracks at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach and Coed Bach Park in Pontarddulais, plus pump tracks at Morriston Park, Heol Las Park in Birchgrove, Maesteg Park in St Thomas and the SA1 Prince of Wales Dock.

The whole drive sits inside the council’s wider £11m spend on play areas and recreation since the pandemic, paid for through ward budgets, the Community Investment Fund, town and community council money and Welsh Government active travel grants.

It all comes shortly after skaters, families and PCSOs got together for a community paint day at Mumbles skatepark, brightening up the ramps with their own designs.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New Victoria Park skate plaza on track for spring opening
How the city’s flagship new street-plaza facility took shape.

New BMX and skatepark designs revealed for Gowerton and Ynystawe
A look at two of the sites still to come under the programme.

Council announces £11m investment in play areas and wheeled sports facilities
The wider recreation spending the skatepark drive sits within.

Skaters and PCSOs give Mumbles skatepark a colourful makeover
A community paint day brightens up the ramps.

#BMX #CllrAndrewStevens #CurveStudio #PhoenixCentre #SkatePark #Skateboarding #SwanseaCouncil #Townhill #VictoriaPark

SWANSEA: Local football gets £750,000 boost for new facilities

This significant funding is poised to make playing football more attractive and accessible to a wider range of people, from existing players to new participants, according to Swansea Council.

The improvements are a joint effort, driven by Swansea Council in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF).

The CFF, the charitable arm of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), is the sport’s national governing body.

Community clubs across Swansea are expected to benefit directly from these new, modern facilities, the council has indicated.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, has warmly welcomed the substantial funding.

He believes the investment will significantly boost football’s popularity across Swansea.

Cllr Stevens highlighted the anticipated positive impact on grassroots sport.

“The improvement work on playing field changing rooms at Trallwn Fields, Cwm Level and Ynystawe Park will encourage more people to get involved with grassroots sport,” he stated.

He further emphasised the goal of attracting a diverse group of users.

“Once built, the facilities will be attractive to existing players and many others – including women and girls, amongst whom we’re already seeing huge participation growth across the city – who perhaps don’t play right now,” Cllr Stevens added.

This investment in new facilities is part of a larger, planned £1 million council commitment to upgrading football infrastructure city-wide.

Aled Lewis, director at the CFF, has underscored the foundation’s dedication to inspiring communities through improved facilities.

“These much-needed investments across Swansea will be essential for the growth of the game,” Mr Lewis commented.

He praised the collaborative effort with Swansea Council, noting its importance.

“Through collaboration with Swansea Council, we’re ensuring grassroots players have safe, community-led environments for everyone to enjoy. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact they’re going to have once they’ve been completed,” he said.

The council’s new local football strategy, developed with the CFF and FAW, aims to enhance opportunities to play the sport in the coming years.

Key improvements are set to include high-quality, inclusive changing facilities, upgraded to modern standards, as outlined by the council.

These upgrades are specifically designed to ensure the facilities are attractive and accessible to a more diverse group of users.

The sports fields at Trallwn, Cwm Level and Ynystawe are already well-utilised by several clubs and the Swansea Senior and Junior Football Leagues.

Designs for the upgrades will now be created, following council plans.

The work will be subject to planning approval, which includes necessary studies like ecological surveys.

Local clubs have been actively involved in shaping the designs, a process the council has reported.

Once finalised and approved by funders and planners, the designs will be shared with all stakeholders.

Crucially, this grant will also free up council funds, Swansea Council has confirmed.

These freed-up funds can then be used to improve other football facilities around Swansea, including Cadle Mill, at Blaen-Y-Maes, and Bonymaen Park, according to the council.

#BlaenYMaes #Blaenymaes #Bonymaen #CllrAndrewStevens #cwmLevel #CymruFootballFoundation #FAW #football #grassrootsSport #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #Trallwn #trallwnFields #YnystawePark

Swansea’s coat of arms to return to street signs

The move, which the council says will be a “cost-free addition”, will see the historic crest return to street signs as part of the regular replacement programme for damaged or missing nameplates, a move designed to celebrate the city’s heritage.

The council said the new signs will also be more resilient to the weather, ensuring they last longer.

“The city crest is part of our shared heritage,” said Cllr Andrew Stevens,, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management.

“By adding them to street signs as we did many years ago will help celebrate our shared history and add to our sense of shared identity.”

The announcement, made on the council’s Facebook page, has generated significant public discussion. The first of the new signs have been installed in Morriston.

Cllr Stevens added that the idea had been suggested by a number of people and that it “does add a stylish new look to the nameplates.”

He also provided some historical context for the crest, which includes the city’s Latin motto, ‘Floreat Swansea’, meaning ‘Let Swansea Flourish’.

The crest itself is rich with symbolism representing the city’s history. The blue and white wavy lines signify Swansea’s status as a seaport, while the castle represents its medieval fortifications. An osprey, long associated with the city, forms the crest, and the shield is supported by a lion, representing the de Braos family who were Lords of Gower, and a dragon, representing Wales.

“The origin of our city’s coat of arms is lost to history, but the one we’re using now dates back more than a century to 1922 when it was granted by the College of Arms. Since then it’s had additions as Swansea has flourished from a town to the city we live in today.”

#cityCrest #CllrAndrewStevens #Morriston #streetNameplate #streetSign #Swansea #SwanseaCoatOfArms #SwanseaCrest #UplandsTerrace

SWANSEA: Council announces £11m investment in play areas and wheeled sports facilities

The investment was highlighted during a visit by Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care, to Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has benefited from both schemes.

£8m Play Area Programme Since Pandemic

The council says it has invested around £8 million in creating or refurbishing over 80 community play areas since 2021. The project was supported by an additional £5 million in Welsh Government funding this year to help create inclusive and accessible play spaces, according to the council.

At Coed Gwilym Park, the funding has helped secure a wheelchair seesaw and a wheelchair trampoline, which are currently under construction. A new natural play area and a zipwire are also being added.

Children enjoying the new play equipment at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has been upgraded as part of Swansea Council’s £8 million play area investment programme. Image: Swansea Council

Welsh Government Minister Dawn Bowden said:

“It was great to visit Coed Gwilym Park and see how the local authority has been listening to the voices of children in developing play spaces. These improvements, supported by Welsh Government funding, will make a real difference to children and their families, providing opportunities to play and be active with friends.”

Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden (background left) and Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Community Services Cllr Hayley Gwilliam (background right) with local schoolchildren at the upgraded play area at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach. Image: Swansea Council

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the programme was inspired by the pandemic.

“When we came out of the pandemic, the council made a commitment to modernise community play areas that’s seen more than 80 of them improved over the last five years. It means no child is far from a local, safe place to play outdoors with their friends.”

£3m Wheeled Sports Investment

The council has also announced a £3 million investment to upgrade facilities for BMX, skateboarding, and other wheeled sports.

New plans announced by the council include:

  • Coed Gwilym Park, Clydach: Dirt track and jumps
  • Coed Bach Park, Pontarddulais: Dirt track
  • Morriston Park: Pump track
  • Heol Las Park, Birchgrove: Pump track
  • Maesteg Park, St Thomas: Pump track
  • Ynystawe Park: Skate park
  • SA1 Prince of Wales Docks: Pump track
  • A new regional skate park (location to be confirmed)

The council says upgrade work has already been completed on a new skatepark at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and a skatepark at Parc Melin Mynach in Gorseinon.

Cai Bosch, Manager of the West French Skate Shop in Mumbles at Mumbles Skatepark (Image: Rob Kenning)

Cllr Andrew Stevens said:

“We’re determined to make Swansea one of the best places in Wales for wheeled sports, and today’s announcement of further new locations shows the scale of our ambition. Our long-term aim is to create a connected, inclusive and high-quality network of wheeled sports facilities that support healthier lifestyles, youth engagement and stronger communities across Swansea.”

A public forum to discuss the plans will be held at the Guildhall on Wednesday, February 25, from 5pm to 6.30pm, according to the council.

Hayley Gwilliam, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

“The feedback we’ve had from children, their families and communities has been tremendous. The investment is one of the largest and most sustained commitments to outdoor play areas of this kind anywhere in the UK.”

#BMX #CllrAndrewStevens #CllrHayleyGwilliam #Clydach #CoedBachPark #CoedGwilymPark #DawnBowdenMS #Gorseinon #HeolLasPark #MaestegPark #MorristonPark #ParcMelinMynach #Parks #playground #playgroundUpgrade #Pontarddulais #PrinceOfWalesDock #pumpTrack #SkatePark #skatepark #StThomas #Swansea #YnystawePark

Swansea’s road repair blitz ramps up as new resurfacing crews hit the streets

The council says an additional £300,000 has been pumped into the programme, allowing teams to tackle more potholes, worn‑out stretches and weather‑damaged routes after weeks of cold, wet conditions.

Fresh resurfacing lined up across the city

A series of busy roads are now earmarked for work in the coming weeks, including key routes in Clydach, Morriston, Fforestfach, Llansamlet, Clase, Bishopston and Uplands.

Locations scheduled for repairs include:

  • Ynyspenllwch Road, Clydach (Ffordd Cwmtawe to Clydach)
  • Lone Road, Clydach
  • Llanllienwen Road, Morriston
  • A48, Morriston (J46 to Bryntywod entrance)
  • Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach (Ffordd Cynore to Swansea Road)
  • Nantong Way, Llansamlet (outside Royal Mail)
  • Rheidol Avenue, Clase
  • Bishopston Road, Bishopston
  • Maes y Gwernen Road and Drive, Cwmrhydyceirw
  • Uplands Crescent

The council says full resurfacing has already been completed at a number of high‑traffic spots, including the Peniel Green Road motorway junction.

‘We’re using every resource we’ve got’

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said crews were working flat out to keep up with demand.

“We are using all of our resources to tackle as many of the highway repair requests as possible,” he said.

“Full resurfacing work is being completed at key traffic spots including the motorway junction at Peniel Green Road. Our small resurfacing teams are also out tackling large areas of road that have been impacted by the recent cold and wet weather.”

Part of a wider £300k pothole and resurfacing blitz

The council says the latest work forms part of the £300,000 pothole and resurfacing blitz announced earlier this winter. According to the authority’s early‑February update, teams filled around 960 potholes in January, with repairs running at “around 100 a day” during the coldest weeks. The same update confirmed that full resurfacing had recently been completed on Peniel Green Road at the M4 junction, along with sections of Frampton Road, Carmarthen Road and Ffynone Road in Uplands.

The council said an extra team had been brought in to “speed up and increase the number of repairs”, with more resurfacing schemes scheduled across the city in the coming weeks as the winter programme continues.

£37m proposed for highways and transport

The council’s proposed budget for 20206/27 is due to be discussed by the council’s cabinet on 19 February. This includes a new Economic Growth Fund which according to the council would include an extra £3m for resurfacing and potholes, taking next year’s roads budget to more than £12m within a wider £37m allocation for highways and transport.

#Bishopston #Clase #CllrAndrewStevens #Cwmrhydyceirw #Llansamlet #Morriston #potholes #resurfacing #roadResurfacing #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #Uplands

New smart sensors rolled out to protect Swansea’s water users

According to the council, more than 40 Public Rescue Aid (PRA) units are now fitted with the technology at key waterside locations including the River Tawe and Swansea Marina, with further installations planned ahead of summer at Singleton Lake, Mumbles Promenade, Bracelet Bay, Caswell and Langland.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Councillor Andrew Stevens, said the sensors were proving “a simple but powerful way” to protect the public. He said missing or moved rescue equipment “puts the public at real risk”, and that the new system allows the council to respond faster and replace equipment sooner.

A Swansea Council water rescue ring fitted with a smart sensor at the River Tawe in SA1, part of the authority’s expanding water safety network. (Credit: Swansea Council)

The council states that when a rescue aid is opened or disturbed, the system automatically alerts its Water Safety Team, who can then visit the site within 24 hours. This sits alongside the team’s routine two‑weekly physical inspections carried out throughout the year.

Water Safety Co‑ordinator Andrew Suter said the technology had already supported a real emergency response. He said he received a call from police about a rescue on the River Tawe involving a life ring, but the system had already notified him that the equipment had been opened, allowing the council to replace it the next day.

Swansea Council says the example highlights the partnership between its Water Safety Team and emergency services, and confirmed it will continue expanding the sensor network as part of its commitment to improving water safety and ensuring rescue equipment remains available and in good condition.

More Water Safety News

New sensors a ‘life-saver’ for water safety aids
How smart technology is helping Swansea Council protect the public.

Holiday park brings water safety lessons to schools
Initiative launched as Wales records the UK’s highest drowning figures.

Call for action as young people’s drowning deaths rise
New figures prompt renewed warnings from safety campaigners.

Council warns vandals are putting lives at risk
Swansea Council urges the public to stop tampering with rescue equipment.

#BraceletBay #CaswellBay #CllrAndrewStevens #Environment #Langland #MumblesPromenade #PublicRescueAid #RiverTawe #sensors #SingletonLake #Swansea #SwanseaMarina #Technology #WaterSafety

Night‑time road closures as new safety upgrades head to Mumbles seafront

Swansea Council confirmed that work will start on January 25 to install two new pedestrian crossings and widen pavements at the junction of Newton Road and Mumbles Road. The authority says the scheme is intended to link the recently upgraded promenade with the village’s main shopping street ahead of the Easter tourism season.

Five nights of closures before weeks of temporary lights

According to the council, a short stretch of Mumbles Road will close overnight for five nights from Sunday to Thursday, between the White Rose pub and the taxi office. Diversions will run via Newton Road from 8pm to 6am.

The council says almost all construction will take place at night to keep traffic moving during the day and maintain access to businesses.

From February 1, Swansea Council says three‑way temporary traffic lights will operate 24/7 for around six weeks. The authority says the lights will be removed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays where possible, returning each Sunday evening.

Crossings, wider pavements and a safer bus stop

The council says the upgrade includes two new pedestrian crossings near the mini‑roundabout, wider pavements around the junction and improvements to the Swansea‑bound bus stop, which will get a new shelter and more space for waiting passengers.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the work would complete the link between the new prom and the village centre.

“The seawall upgrade and prom improvements have made a huge difference to the area for residents and visitors,” he said. “Mumbles remains open for business during the new work. Most work will be done by night to minimise impact on traffic and businesses.”

Cllr Stevens said the new crossings would give people “safe and easy” access between the shops and the seafront.

“Newton Road is a busy pedestrian area and we want to ensure those walking between the prom and the shops can do so as safely as possible,” he said.

He added that the bus stop upgrade was needed because queues often formed on a narrow pavement.

Delays expected but work timed for pre‑Easter finish

Swansea Council says temporary traffic lights are unavoidable and will cause delays, but the aim is to complete the scheme before Easter.

“We will be doing everything we can to keep the disruption to a minimum and complete the upgrade as soon as possible,” Cllr Stevens said. “We want to thank businesses, residents and visitors alike for their patience while it goes ahead.”

The council says the bus stop will remain in use throughout the works but may be temporarily relocated along the same stretch of pavement as construction progresses.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Painted utility boxes bring colour and conversation to Mumbles
A community art project brightens the seafront and sparks local engagement.

New Mumbles seafront play area opens as part of coastal revamp
Families welcome the latest addition to the multi‑million pound promenade upgrade.

Mumbles para‑rower Ben Pritchard crowned Welsh Sports Personality of the Year
Local athlete honoured after a standout year on the international stage.

Council sets out plan to keep new‑look Mumbles prom clean and welcoming
Swansea Council outlines how it will maintain the upgraded seafront ahead of peak season.

#CllrAndrewStevens #Mumbles #MumblesRoad #NewtonRoad #roadClosure #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

New Victoria Park skate plaza on track for spring opening

The existing skate area has now closed while construction gets underway, with specialist contractor Wheelscape appointed to deliver the scheme. Swansea Council says the popular mini ramp could be saved and relocated if the condition allows.

Part of a £3m citywide upgrade

The Victoria Park revamp forms part of a £3m investment in skate, BMX and wheeled‑sports facilities across Swansea. The aim is to ensure most residents live within two miles of a modern, upgraded site.

Curve Studio has helped design the new plaza, shaping the layout and features based on what local users said they wanted.

‘Safe, modern spaces close to home’

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the project shows the authority’s commitment to high‑quality community facilities.

Cllr Andrew Stevens said:

“This investment is about giving people of all ages more chances to be active, build skills and enjoy safe, modern spaces close to where they live.”

He said the Victoria Park scheme is one part of a wider network now being built across the city.

Artist’s impression of the new street‑plaza style skate and wheeled sports facility planned for Victoria Park, Swansea.
(Image: Swansea Council)

Cllr Andrew Stevens said:

“With work now starting at Victoria Park, alongside improvements that are complete, under way or planned elsewhere, we’re building a network of skate, BMX and wheeled sports facilities across Swansea. These projects show the value of working closely with communities and specialist designers to deliver facilities that reflect what users have asked for and will serve local areas well into the future.”

More upgrades on the way

Contracts have recently been awarded for improvements at Mynydd Newydd in Penlan and the Phoenix Centre in Townhill, with work due to start in the coming weeks.

Recent upgrades at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and Melin Mynach in Gorseinon have already been completed — both delivered by Wheelscape.

Further schemes in development include a small cycling facility in Blaenymaes, a new pump track in Bishopston, refurbishment of the existing pump track at Clyne Valley, and a junior pump track in Gorseinon. More locations are expected to be announced soon.

Backed by multiple funding streams

The overall programme is being supported by ward members, community and town councils, the community investment fund and the Welsh Government’s active travel grant.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Work begins on new skate plaza at Swansea’s Victoria Park
First look at the £3m wheeled‑sports investment as construction gets underway.

Work to start on new skate plaza at Victoria Park as £2.8m wheeled sports investment rolls out
Council confirms timeline for the city‑wide upgrade programme.

#BMX #CllrAndrewStevens #CurveStudio #SkatePark #skatePlaza #Skateboarding #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #VictoriaPark

Council backs down on Clyne Valley tarmac plan after public outcry

The Old Carriage Drive bridleway, which links Derwen Fawr and Killay, became the focus of fierce local anger last year after residents discovered proposals to lay a hard tarmac surface along the rural route. Walkers, horse‑riders and cyclists warned the scheme would “urbanise” one of the valley’s most cherished green corridors, prompting protests, petitions and packed public meetings.

Now the council has confirmed it is rowing back on the original plan and will instead restore the bridleway using a more traditional surface dressing, improved drainage and lighter‑touch repairs designed to keep the route’s natural character intact.

A clear shift after community pressure

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the rethink came directly from the strength of feeling shown by residents and community groups.

“Our discussions with residents and community groups have come up with suggestions that will help enhance the route while also maintaining the look and feel of the local natural environment.”

“We’ve listened to what people have been saying about our original proposals and the result will see enhancements aiming to reflect many of their suggestions.”

He said the new approach would still improve accessibility, but without the hard urban finish many feared. The revised plan includes clearing drainage ditches, restoring the bridleway’s original surface and improving connections to adjoining paths.

A woodland section of the Clyne Valley path network, part of the area set for a softer, nature‑friendly upgrade. (Image: Swansea Council)

Residents claim victory after months of opposition

Locals had slammed the tarmac plan as “completely inappropriate”, staging a protest walk through the valley in a bid to stop it. The council’s reversal is already being seen by many as a significant climbdown.

Campaigners had warned that tarmac would damage the valley’s ecology, increase speeds on the route and erase the historic feel of the Old Carriage Drive. Some accused the council of pushing through a scheme that ignored the bridleway’s rural status.

Part of wider investment — but with a lighter touch

The council says the new works will complement more than £1 million already spent upgrading the main Clyne Valley Path, which has been widened and resurfaced in recent years to cope with rising footfall. But unlike the main route, the Old Carriage Drive will now retain its woodland character.

Cllr Stevens said the upgrade would “add to and continue the significant investment” in the country park, while ensuring the bridleway remains in keeping with its surroundings.

What happens next?

Detailed designs for the revised scheme will be drawn up in the coming months, with work expected to focus on restoring the bridleway’s original surface rather than replacing it with tarmac.

For many residents, the shift marks a rare moment where community pressure has directly reshaped a council project — and a win for those determined to keep Clyne Valley’s woodland routes as natural as possible.

More on the Clyne Valley row

Protest planned over Clyne Valley bridleway resurfacing
Residents organise a protest walk after plans emerge to tarmac the historic route.

Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway
Walkers, cyclists and horse‑riders condemn the proposal as “completely inappropriate”.

#ActiveTravel #bridleway #CllrAndrewStevens #ClyneValley #ClyneValleyCountryPark #ClyneValleyWoods #DerwenFawr #Killay #OldCarriageDrive #SwanseaCouncil #tarmac