£16.9m restoration begins at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre

The 40-year-old theatre, attached to the town’s civic centre, is being overhauled by Morgan Sindall Construction on behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council via the South West Wales framework. Funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the scheme is part of wider town centre regeneration and is due for completion in autumn 2026.

The building will be stripped back to bare brick and remodelled to improve customer flow and accessibility. Plans include accessible seating on the top tier and front rows, an extended atrium foyer, expanded toilets, a new lift for wheelchair users, and relocating the bar to face the atrium rather than the auditorium.

Backstage, the theatre will be extended by up to three metres to allow performers to move discreetly between wings without using stairs, expanding the range of shows the venue can host. A lift will transport scenery directly from the car park to the stage, removing the need to carry large props via outdoor steps.

Outside, the existing fountain will make way for a small amphitheatre inspired by Ancient Greek venues to enable summer events. Rain gardens and additional greenery will manage stormwater and boost biodiversity, with selected paving replaced by sustainable landscaping.

The refurbishment preserves the theatre’s character by recycling and repairing materials where possible. The original white oak stage will be replaced with a one-inch-thick ply stage painted black, while sections of the old stage will be reused as an internal feature. Timber on the balcony and main walls will be retained to maintain the venue’s historic feel, and green roofs will be installed on each side of the new extension.

Morgan Sindall plans to use a local supply chain within 40 miles, alongside apprenticeships and student placements to deliver social value during construction. Public works will be phased to keep access open to the town and maintain car parking throughout the project.

Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “It’s an astounding achievement to start works on Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre. This building is a real cornerstone of the Port Talbot community, so we can’t wait to give it a new lease of life, all while getting to know the community along the way. We’re working closely with Neath Port Talbot Council to make sure we deliver a refurbishment that can give the local area a boost and attract some incredible acts to enjoy the upgraded facilities.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “The Princess Royal Theatre holds a special place in the heart of Port Talbot, and this transformation marks a positive step forward in our wider regeneration plans for the town centre. By investing in this much-loved venue, we’re not only preserving its legacy but also creating a more accessible, vibrant space that can host a broader range of acts.”

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Port Talbot restaurant shut down over cockroach infestation and filthy conditions

The Mirchi Masalla restaurant, located on Commercial Road in Taibach, was issued with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on 21 July 2025 by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Food Safety and Health Protection team.

During a routine inspection, officers found the premises in a “filthy” state, with evidence of live cockroaches and poor hygiene standards. The notice required the business to shut immediately.

Following the inspection, Swansea Magistrates Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming the closure and preventing the restaurant from reopening until the council is satisfied that the public health risk has been removed.

The restaurant, which had been operating seven days a week, will remain closed while the food business operator works with the council to make necessary improvements.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Our officers took action to prevent this food business from operating to protect members of the public whose health was being put at risk. Officers are now monitoring the position to ensure the order is upheld and the business will not reopen until this authority is satisfied an imminent public health risk is removed.”

Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that food safety standards are met before the business is allowed to resume trading.

#CllrCenPhillips #cockroaches #EnvironmentalHealth #foodHygiene #IndianRestaurant #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Taibach

Illegal disposable vapes seized from Neath Port Talbot shops

Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards have confiscated dozens of illegal disposable vapes still being sold in local shops — despite a nationwide ban that came into force on 1 June 2025.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited two premises in the area and discovered 67 single-use vapes on sale. The businesses voluntarily surrendered the items, which will now be safely disposed of in line with environmental regulations.

The ban, introduced under the Environmental Protection (Single Use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024, is part of a wider UK effort to reduce environmental harm and protect children from underage vaping. Disposable vapes are considered non-compliant if they are not refillable or rechargeable, or if their coils and pods cannot be easily replaced.

“The ban on disposable vapes is there to protect the public and the environment and has been well publicised,” said Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing. “Disposable vapes are a significant problem, as they contain hazardous materials which are difficult to safely dispose of and because they are frequently purchased by under-18s.”

The businesses involved will receive formal warning letters, with potential penalties including fixed fines or prosecution if found selling banned products again.

Residents with concerns about illegal vape sales or underage purchases are urged to contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh speakers), or email tsd@npt.gov.uk.

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#CitizensAdviceCymru #CllrCenPhillips #disposableVapes #illegalVapes #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #TradingStandards

Taibach vape shop shut down after selling illegal cigarettes and vapes

A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved the closure of Vape Land in Commercial Road, Taibach, under Section 80 Of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team say the premises had been selling counterfeit and non-tax paid tobacco and cigarettes as well as Illegal and oversized vapes on a number of occasions since June of last year.

A Senior Investigations Officer from the council’s Trading Standards Team gave the District Judge a brief history of Vape Land, explaining that on June 12th, 2024 a test purchase of a pouch of Amber Leaf hand rolling tobacco was made by colleagues as part of a national operation – trademark holders later confirmed the tobacco to be counterfeit.

In August 2024, South Wales Police and Neath Port Talbot Council Enforcement Officers conducted an inspection at Vape Land which led to vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes being seized.

The District Judge was further told more complaints were received regarding the sale of non-compliant single use vapes, cigarettes and tobacco and the sale of vapes to people under 18.

As a result, a further operation with South Wales Police took place in April of this year during which vapes, cigarettes and leaf tobacco were seized. All the single use vapes seized were found to contain far in excess of the fluid allowed for such products.

The District Judge agreed to the closure order at a hearing on June 12th, 2025 after being told by the investigations officer it was the council’s view that unless the shop was closed the nuisance would not stop.

The court heard the person who has been leasing the shop since April 2024 could not be traced for interview.

The sale and supply of single-use (disposable) vapes across the UK became illegal on June 1, 2025. This ban applies to all businesses, both online and in-store, regardless of whether the vapes contain nicotine. 

The rationale behind the ban is to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are often discarded improperly and contain harmful substances. The ban also aims to protect children and young people, as disposable vapes are seen as appealing to underage vapers. 

Non-compliant single use vapes of the type found at Vape Land are often in colourful, child-appealing packaging and flavours. The consequences to the mental health of the impressionable children purchasing these vapes can be long term and very serious.

The NPT Council Senior Investigations Officer told the District Judge: “The business which was trading from this premises was operating with blatant disregard to the consequences the children would suffer due to accessing these vapes.”

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips said: “I commend our Trading Standards Officers for achieving this closure order and I would urge anyone who cares about their community and their children’s health to report any information they have relating to illegal tobacco or vape sales.”

#CllrCenPhillips #illegalCigarettes #illegalVapes #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Taibach #TradingStandards

Margam Country Park commemorates VE Day 80 with moving tribute

In partnership with the Friends of Margam Park, staff and volunteers have worked together to create a series of installations, exhibitions and commemorative displays that will be open to the public from late April through September, encompassing both VE Day on the 8th May and VJ Day on the 14th August.

Inside Margam Castle, visitors will find the Entrance Hall beautifully decorated with hand-knitted and crocheted red poppies arranged around the fireplace. The staircase hall will feature red poppies, white paper doves and VE Day 80 flags in a display designed to symbolise both remembrance and peace.

Historic photographs from VE Day celebrations, from the 8th May 1945, will be on display, accompanied by atmospheric audio recordings – including Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech, music from the 1940s and memories of local residents who lived through war years.

One of the most ambitious elements of the tribute will be found near the Castle Terrace, where more than 3,000 handmade poppies crafted from upcycled plastic bottle ends and individually painted, will be installed on Monday 28th April. Park staff, volunteers and the Friends of Margam Park will work together to place each poppy by hand, creating a striking sea of red across the landscape. The poppies will remain in place until the 12th May.

Margam’s on-site café, Charlotte’s Pantry, will also take part in the commemoration. From the 28th April each table will feature a small-scale version of the photo exhibition, allowing visitors to quietly reflect while enjoying refreshments. There will also be a VE Day 80 ‘Street Party’ in Charlotte’s Pantry on the 8th May.

Additionally, Charlotte’s Pantry will be serving fish and chips, a nostalgic nod to one of the few foods that remained unrationed during World War Two, helping to boost morale.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “VE Day is an important opportunity to pause and reflect on a generation that endured so much. By marking the occasion we are remembering their stories, celebrating their resilience and giving our local communities a way to come together in tribute. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of Margam Park and volunteers for their support with this installation.”

The display inside Margam Castle will be in place from Monday 28 April and will remain open until the 9th September. The external poppy installation will begin on Monday 28 April and will be in situation along the Broadwalk steps and Castle Terrace for two weeks.

#CllrCenPhillips #Margam #MargamCastle #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #VEDay #Veterans

Council to target owners of abandoned buildings in new crackdown

Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet agreed to fund two extra officers to specifically deal with empty non-residential and commercial properties through both proactive and reactive enforcement work.

The Cabinet heard the Environmental Health Team was under increasing pressure due to a wide range of issues and, as a result, dealing with empty residential properties has been given priority over enforcement action regarding non-residential or commercial properties.

These pressures include new laws which have seen private rented housing inspections soaring, poor housing conditions linked to the cost of living crisis in which landlords are unable to afford and manage repairs, and calls for help over noise and statutory nuisance issues.

Also, public demand for enforcement regarding empty residential properties is significant. The service is currently operating a priority-based system for residential properties with a waiting list having developed made up of derelict and unsightly properties requiring targeted action.

The council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Empty non-residential and or commercial properties can pose health and safety risks and other issues including anti-social behaviour, fire setting and substance misuse.

“Tackling the problems caused by these properties, as well having benefits for our communities, also ties in with our broader regeneration strategies for our towns, valleys and villages. Doing nothing is not an option.” 

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added: “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to raise a budget for these new posts and it’s important we begin addressing as soon as possible the problems associated with those commercial or non-residential buildings which are blighting our communities in Neath Port Talbot.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#CllrAlunLlewellyn #CllrCenPhillips #emptyBuildings #emptyShops #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil

Saunas, hot tubs and beach huts could be headed for Aberavon seafront

Other suggestions contained in an Aberafan Seafront Masterplan approved by members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (5 February) include the expansion of food options and provision of extra parking and changing facilities.

The masterplan was designed by consultants Roberts Limbrick and Chris Jones Regeneration, who were commissioned by Neath Port Talbot Council to create a cohesive strategy and ‘conceptual plan’ for the future direction of the popular seafront.

With the support of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, they developed ideas to improve the Aberafan Seafront in terms of uses and spaces.

The document says: “The natural beauty and rugged nature of the seafront here shows endless potential and it is our aim to harness this and create a destination seafront.”

Among the proposals are:

• The New Naval Club – a destination restaurant and bar overlooking the sea and a new Dunes Park created using boardwalks in the sands. 
• Scarlet Avenue Car Park – including a new toilet block and accessible route to the beach. 
• New play spaces, involving integrated ability play, beach huts (rented to beachgoers or used as shops) and play spaces (near the Ocean Way Car Park). Aqua Splash to be rationalised and made more inclusive.
• An Extensive Wellness Garden (near Remo’s) with hot tubs, plunge pools and mobile saunas. A Linear park (near the Four Winds site), with extensive green spaces retained. A new pump track and skate park (at a point in front of the leisure and fitness centre) with an expansion of existing toilets, a community stage and events area and food trucks.
• An enhanced area around The Whale Sculpture with natural elements such as logs and boulders creating a playful environment with an opportunity to incorporate diverse planting to create a soft, green space that blends with the coastal landscape. Further to the east there will be new showers, a toilet block and changing areas and active travel links to the ‘small beach’ area and Newbridge Road.

The next steps now include identifying the strategic and local partnerships needed to help co-deliver the proposals, making cost estimates and seeking funding.

Two waves of consultation were carried out regarding the masterplan with, in the first wave, 92% either totally agreeing or agreeing the seafront was ‘a great place to relax’ and 88% agreed or totally agreed it was ‘a great place for everyone’.

In the second wave, 75% of respondents agreed with the goals of the masterplan including enhancing beach attractions and amenities including food options, accessibility and enhancing the area’s profile.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “The Seafront Masterplan provides a guide for future investment in this most important asset – one of the jewels on the crown for Neath Port Talbot – so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“I was particularly pleased by the enthusiasm shown by local residents in giving their views in consultation on this masterplan and we were able to include local opinions in the finished masterplan.

“This is just the start of the journey and we will now begin the process of identifying individual projects and developments on the seafront.”

The Cabinet’s decision was made subject to a three-day call-in period.

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#Aberafan #Aberavon #AberavonBeach #AberavonSeafront #CllrCenPhillips #featured #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #regeneration