ST HELEN’S ROAD: Man charged with attempted murder after Swansea knife incident

South Wales Police have charged a Blaenymaes man with attempted murder following a knife incident on St Helen’s Road in Swansea city centre on Friday morning.

Police say 35-year-old Bokan Qadiri has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He has been remanded into custody, and is due to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

The charges follow a dramatic Friday morning that saw one of Swansea’s busiest approach roads sealed off and an armed police response descend on Sandfields.

Officers were called to St Helen’s Road just before midday, at around 11.40am, following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man.

Within minutes, the road was shut between the Kingsway roundabout and Nicholl Street, bringing one of the main routes into the city centre to a standstill as emergency crews dealt with the scene outside the YMCA.

Police and ambulance vehicles lined the street, and a blue-and-white cordon was thrown up at the junction with Page Street. Officers in armed-response gear could be seen standing guard as passers-by stopped to watch.

A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Mr Qadiri was arrested at the scene that day on suspicion of wounding with intent, and has since been charged with the more serious offence of attempted murder.

Police were quick to reassure a rattled community, stressing that the two men were known to each other and that there was no wider threat to the public.

In a statement issued after the charge, a force spokesperson said: “Following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man on St Helen’s Road, Sandfields, Swansea on Friday morning, a 35-year-old man has now been charged.

“Bokan Qadiri, of Blaenymaes, Swansea, has been charged with attempt murder, threats to kill, and possess an offensive weapon in a public place.

“He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

“Both men are known to each other, and this is being treated as an isolated incident. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter.

“We recognise that incidents like this can be concerning for our communities. We want to reassure residents that this was not a random attack, and there was no wider risk to the public.”

#knifeCrime #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaMagistratesCourt

ST HELEN’S ROAD: Man arrested over knife attack as road closed near city’s YMCA

A man has been arrested after another man was injured in a knife attack on St Helen’s Road in Swansea.

South Wales Police said officers were called to the road in the Sandfields area at around 11.40am on Friday (19 June), following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man.

St Helen’s Road was closed for a time between the Kingsway roundabout and Nicholl Street while emergency crews dealt with the incident, which happened outside the city’s YMCA.

A number of police and ambulance vehicles attended, and a cordon was put in place at the junction with Page Street. Officers, some in armed-response gear, could be seen at the scene.

Police and ambulance crews at the scene on St Helen’s Road, Swansea, on Friday. (Image: Swansea Bay News)

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent, the force said. He remains in police custody.

Section 18 is one of the most serious assault charges, covering wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Officers said the two men are known to each other, and the force is treating it as an isolated incident.

South Wales Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened.

An investigation is under way, and the force said an increased police presence would remain in the area to reassure the community while enquiries continue.

Anyone who saw what happened, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101, quoting reference 2600192569.

A cordon in place near the YMCA on St Helen’s Road. (Image: Swansea Bay News)

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “Officers attended St Helen’s Road, Sandfields, Swansea at around 11.40am today (Friday June 19) following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man.

“A 35-year-old man from Blaenymaes has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent. He is currently in police custody.

“A 38-year-old man has been taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

“Both men are known to each other, and this is being considered an isolated incident. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“An investigation into this incident is under way. An increased police presence will be visible in the area for community reassurance whilst this investigation takes place.

“Any witnesses or those who may have dashcam or CCTV footage are asked to get in touch via 101, quoting 2600192569.”

#featured #knifeCrime #PageStreet #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #YMCA

KNIFE ATTACK: Four jailed after violent disorder outside St Helen’s Road takeaway left victims with stab wounds

Four men have been jailed after violence erupted outside a Swansea takeaway, leaving victims with stab wounds after the attack in which a knife and a large piece of wood were used.

The disturbance broke out on St Helen’s Road, in the Sandfields area of the city centre, at around 10.15pm on Wednesday 24 September last year.

Police were called to reports of an ongoing disturbance, and several people were left needing hospital treatment.

Swansea Crown Court heard the trouble had been set off by an earlier flashpoint, when a delivery driver was confronted by two men in another car at a set of traffic lights. The court heard the cause of that first dispute was never established.

The driver made his way back to the takeaway, where he armed himself with a knife. From there, the court heard, significant violence developed in which all four men played a part.

Mohabat Adreemzai, 20, of Rectory Way, Barry, and three men from Swansea were arrested over the attack.

The Swansea men were Yasir Aryan, 19, of St Helen’s Avenue, Brynmill; Mahfuz Uddin, 24, of Furnace Way, Waun Wen; and Mohammed Uddin, 26, of Gors Avenue, Townhill.

Adreemzai and Mahfuz Uddin were found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Aryan was found guilty of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, while Mohammed Uddin was found guilty of violent disorder.

The court heard that Mohammed Uddin had been out of prison on licence at the time, following a 2024 conviction for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

In mitigation, his barrister said the defendant had been running a food business and was loading deliveries into a vehicle outside the shop when the disorder broke out.

The court heard he became involved after seeing a relative being attacked with a large piece of wood, and that he disarmed the assailant but was himself stabbed twice in the back.

Mahfuz Uddin was sentenced to 39 months in prison and Adreemzai to 36 months in a young offenders institution.

Mohammed Uddin was jailed for 24 months and Aryan was sentenced to 21 months in detention.

Those given custodial sentences will serve 40% of their terms before being released on licence to complete the remainder in the community.

Detective Constable Corrie Lawford of South Wales Police said the scenes had been “extremely violent” and involved a large group of young men.

“These were extremely violent scenes involving a large group of young men which hold no place on the streets of Swansea,” he said.

“Knives ruin lives, and in this case, they have resulted in four men going to prison. We have just marked Knife Crime Awareness Week, so this sentencing comes at a fitting time. It shows that we will catch anyone involved in knife crime in our communities, and we will bring them to justice.”

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SWANSEA: Rain gardens spreading through Sandfields streets as second phase of flood-busting scheme takes root

Swansea’s rain garden programme is expanding, with new planting and pedestrian improvements now under way at Phillips Parade and Rodney Street in the Sandfields and St Helen’s area — adding to work already completed outside St Helen’s Primary School.

The scheme was first installed outside the school last year, where trees and shrubs were planted to soak up surface water after heavy rain, alongside improved paving and dropped kerbs to help pupils, parents and residents get around on foot, by bike or by scooter. The latest phase extends those improvements to new locations across the neighbourhood, with a further rain garden also installed at the end of Burrows Road, adjacent to Oystermouth Road.

Rain gardens work by capturing water runoff from roads and pavements before it can pool or cause flooding. The plants, shrubs and specially designed soil absorb the water, filtering out pollutants before they can reach local waterways — protecting the ecosystems that depend on them.

They also provide year-round food and shelter for pollinators including bees and butterflies, and bring seasonal colour to streets that might otherwise feel hard and grey. The combination of flood mitigation, biodiversity benefit and improved aesthetics in a single scheme has made rain gardens an increasingly popular tool for councils looking to improve urban environments on limited budgets.

The improvements form part of Swansea Council’s bid to introduce better walking and cycling infrastructure across the city, following a successful grant application to the Welsh Government’s Active Travel programme. Earlier reporting revealed that around £160,000 was invested in the first phase of the Sandfields scheme, with additional funding drawn from the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature fund and Natural Resources Wales.

The latest works were developed with community regeneration experts Urban Foundry, who worked with residents and local businesses to shape the plans. Consultation with the community was carried out before work began, with the scheme designed to reflect local needs and priorities.

Urban Foundry — who are also behind the recently opened Swansea Pottery Collective studio on Alexandra Road — have become a familiar presence in projects that look to transform underused or underperforming spaces across Swansea city centre and surrounding areas.

Stuart Davies, Head of Service for Transport and Highways at Swansea Council, said the measures were delivering a range of benefits for local communities. “These innovative measures are providing local communities with a range of benefits where links between streets for walkers and cyclists are improved,” he said.

“The introduction of rain gardens also provides a green and sustainable solution for spots within communities where standing water can occur during heavy rainfall,” he added.

The Sandfields programme is one of several active travel and green infrastructure projects the council has been delivering across the city. Previous coverage has highlighted similar improvements elsewhere in Swansea, as the council works towards its wider vision of developing greener spaces, cleaner air and lower carbon emissions in communities across the city.

The rain garden and active travel work in Sandfields follows a pattern that has been replicated across south-west Wales — with Carmarthenshire councils also receiving funding in the same grant rounds to deliver drainage and active travel improvements in their communities.

Work is ongoing at Phillips Parade, Rodney Street and Burrows Road. Residents can expect the planting to develop through the coming months as the gardens establish — with the full colour and wildlife benefits expected to be most visible by late summer and into autumn.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Rain gardens installed to tackle flooding in Swansea’s Sandfields
Our coverage of the first phase of rain garden installations outside St Helen’s Primary School.

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Earlier coverage of Swansea’s green infrastructure ambitions.

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SWANSEA: Plans to convert iconic Sandfields restaurant into 12-bedroom HMO complex submitted to council

Plans have been submitted to convert one of Sandfields’ best-known buildings – the late-Victorian Pantygwydr – into two Houses in Multiple Occupation totalling 12 bedrooms.

The pre-application planning notice has been lodged with Swansea Council, proposing the conversion of the historic corner property at the junction of Oxford Street and Richardson Street.

Under the proposals, the ground floor restaurant would become a 5-bedroom HMO, while the upper floors – currently used as four-bedroom owner’s accommodation – would be converted into a separate 7-bedroom HMO.

That would create 12 bedrooms in total across two HMOs at the building.

The building is currently home to the Pantygwydr restaurant, an independent French restaurant that has traded at the site since 2008 – nearly two decades.

It is currently still trading and taking bookings for 2026.

But the freehold of the property has now been listed for sale at £325,000 by Astleys Chartered Surveyors and is currently marked as Sold Subject to Contract.

The planning statement submitted to the council notes that the property has been marketed for several years without any demand for the existing restaurant use.

The Pantygwydr is a substantial late-Victorian building measuring 4,646 sq ft over three floors plus a basement.

Originally operated as the Pantygwydr Hotel, the building features classic Victorian architecture, strong corner frontage and period interior details including wood panelling and decorative cornices.

The basement is currently used as a beer cellar – a reminder of the building’s former life as a hotel and bar.

Under the proposals, no external alterations would be made to the property. A shared bike and refuse store would be created at ground floor level in the existing courtyard.

The application is significant in the context of HMO concentration in the Sandfields area – which has long been a focus of debate over the impact of high HMO numbers on community character and housing supply.

The site sits just outside Swansea Council’s HMO Management Area, where stricter rules apply. Outside that zone, planning policy permits HMO conversions provided they would not result in more than 10% of properties within a 50-metre radius being HMOs.

The applicant’s planning agents have calculated that there are currently three HMOs within 50 metres of the site, out of 59 properties in total. Approval of the application would create five HMOs in that radius – 8.47% of the local property stock, just below the 10% threshold.

The statement also argues that the property would generate significantly less parking demand as HMOs than as a restaurant – with the existing use estimated to require around 16 parking spaces, compared to seven for the proposed HMO use.

The application is currently at the pre-application stage, with reference number 2026/0329/PRE on the council’s planning portal. A formal planning application is yet to be submitted.

If submitted and approved, the conversion would mark the end of nearly 20 years of independent restaurant trade at the site – and the loss of one of Sandfields’ most distinctive hospitality venues.

The Pantygwydr restaurant remains open for bookings as planning discussions continue.

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PORT TALBOT: Schools keeping pupils indoors as fire crews remain on scene at Water Street blaze – road closures in place

Emergency services remain on scene at a major fire at a business premises on Water Street in Port Talbot, with local schools keeping pupils and staff indoors as a precaution while smoke continues to drift across the town.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Public Health Wales are advising local residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed while smoke is present, opening them again once conditions improve. Anyone who feels unwell is advised to seek appropriate medical advice.

Schools in the area have been told to remain open but to keep pupils and staff inside as a precautionary measure while smoke remains present. Parents are advised to follow guidance from their children’s schools directly.

Road closures remain in place around the site. The A4242 Afan Way dual carriageway is closed between the McDonald’s roundabout and Talbot Block roundabout. Afan Way and Water Street are also closed for westbound traffic at the McDonald’s entrance, although access is being maintained as necessary into Green Park Street.

Neath Port Talbot Council said its JCB operatives had been on site assisting fire crews in responding to the incident. Rest centre facilities have been placed on standby, and the council said transport arrangements would be put in place for any residents requiring them should a rest centre need to be opened.

The fire broke out at the Water Street commercial site, where around 200 tonnes of commercial waste had been stored. At its height the incident required the attendance of eight fire stations from both Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with crews working to contain the blaze and prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties.

Dramatic aerial images published earlier today showed the scale of the fire from inside the site, with smoke still rising from the collapsed industrial building beside the canal that runs through the area.

Drone footage released by the council shows the extent of the destruction at the Water Street site, with the surrounding residential streets and the wider Port Talbot skyline visible beyond the smoke plume.

Residents in the immediate vicinity of Water Street and the wider Afan Way area are asked to continue monitoring the situation and to follow the latest guidance from emergency services and the council.

Neath Port Talbot Council said it would keep residents informed as the situation develops, and is coordinating with fire and police services on traffic management and welfare arrangements for anyone affected by the incident.

Anyone with concerns about the smoke or their health should contact NHS 111 for advice, or call 999 in an emergency.

Our Port Talbot fire coverage

PORT TALBOT: Huge industrial fire sends black smoke billowing over town as eight fire stations scramble to Dock Road
Our original report on the Water Street fire as it broke out.

PORT TALBOT: Fire crews still battling Dock Road blaze as dramatic new images emerge from inside the site
Our second report with aerial images from inside the fire site.

#featured #fire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #PortTalbot #Sandfields #TataSteel

PORT TALBOT: Fire crews still battling Dock Road blaze this morning as dramatic new images emerge from inside the site

Fire crews from eight stations have spent the night battling a major commercial waste blaze at Dock Road in Port Talbot, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirming this morning that crews remain on scene and the fire is still ongoing.

The blaze, which broke out at 3.36pm on Wednesday at an industrial site on Dock Road, has now been burning for more than 15 hours. A fresh statement issued this morning confirmed that firefighters made steady progress overnight but are continuing to actively fight the fire and monitor hotspots across the site.

Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service from Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Ammanford, Tumble, Carmarthen, Pontarddulais and Glynneath continue to work alongside South Wales Fire and Rescue Service colleagues as part of a coordinated multi-agency response.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters have been making steady progress overnight and remain in attendance this morning, with crews actively firefighting and monitoring hotspots. Work is continuing with partner agencies as part of a coordinated multi-agency response.”

New images taken inside the Dock Road site show the full scale of the operation — with high-pressure jets trained on a mountain of smouldering commercial waste, fire hoses snaking across flooded and blackened ground, and firefighters in breathing apparatus working among the burned-out debris as dawn broke over Port Talbot.

Morning light breaks through smoke and steam over the Dock Road site as firefighters continued working into Thursday morning. Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

The fire involves approximately 200 tonnes of commercial waste. The scale of the blaze was visible for miles, with thick black smoke billowing across the town throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening before crews began to bring it under control overnight.

Road closures remain in place on and around Dock Road to allow emergency services continued access to the site. Residents across the area are being asked to continue keeping windows and doors closed if smoke is present.

The spokesperson added that people should continue to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing, and to call 999 only if life or property is in immediate danger — to help control room operators manage emergency resources effectively.

Cllr Sean Pursey, who represents the Sandfields East ward, this morning said the river footpath near the site also remains closed, with road closures in place near ATS. He urged residents to continue taking precautions outdoors until further guidance on air quality is issued.

Two firefighters in breathing apparatus work among the burned-out debris at the Dock Road site on Thursday morning. Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service / supplied

The operation is one of the largest seen in the Port Talbot area in recent years, with eight fire stations drawn into the response and a second fire service called in to assist. The A4241 Dock Road remains closed in both directions from the Industrial Park turn-off to North Bank Road.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed and investigations are expected to take place once the blaze has been fully extinguished.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said further updates will be issued when available. Swansea Bay News will continue to follow the story as it develops.

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PORT TALBOT: Huge industrial fire sends black smoke billowing over town as eight fire stations scramble to Dock Road

A massive fire involving around 200 tonnes of commercial waste at an industrial site on Dock Road sent thick black smoke billowing across Port Talbot on Wednesday afternoon, with eight fire stations scrambling crews to the scene.

Crews from eight fire stations were called to the Port Talbot industrial site at 3.36pm on Wednesday after a blaze took hold involving around 200 tonnes of commercial waste. The fire was so significant that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called in to support their Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service colleagues, with the operation running deep into the night.

Thick black smoke billowed high above the town’s rooftops and could be seen from miles around, with crowds gathering near the scene to watch the dramatic response unfold. Drone footage shared on social media captured the full scale of the incident, with multiple fire engines and aerial ladder platforms deployed across the industrial site on the bank of the River Afan.

The smoke plume towered over Port Talbot’s residential streets and was visible for miles. Image: Guerrilla Kitchen / Facebook

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued its first statement at 4.34pm, confirming crews were responding and urging residents to avoid the area. A more detailed update followed at 5.16pm confirming the scale of the blaze.

A spokesperson said: “Our crews from Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Ammanford, Tumble, Carmarthen, Pontarddulais and Glynneath Fire Stations have responded to an incident at Dock Road in Port Talbot. This incident is currently ongoing. With support by crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, crews are dealing with a fire involving approximately 200 tonnes of commercial waste.”

The spokesperson added that the area should be avoided to allow emergency services access, and that residents should keep windows and doors closed if there was thick smoke nearby. People were also asked not to call 999 unless lives or property were in immediate danger, so that control room operators could manage the high volume of emergency calls.

An aerial ladder platform was deployed at the Dock Road site as firefighters battled the blaze. Image: SARS Cymru / Facebook

South Wales Police also moved quickly to close a number of roads in the area. Their statement, issued at 4.17pm, confirmed closures at the roundabout on Afan Way and Harbour Way, the roundabout on Harbour Way towards Tata Steel, and Water Street between Blanco’s Hotel and McDonald’s.

The A4241 — Dock Road itself — remained closed in both directions late into the evening, from the Industrial Park turn-off all the way to North Bank Road, as crews continued to battle the blaze.

Images from the scene showed fire engines and ladder platforms surrounded by dense smoke as firefighters trained jets onto the burning waste. Aerial photos showed a large industrial yard with materials stacked across the site, with the smoke plume stretching well beyond the immediate area and across the town towards the hills.

The A4241 Dock Road was closed in both directions, with fire engines visible on the approach road alongside the River Afan. Image: Sky Cymru Drones / Facebook

This morning, Cllr Sean Pursey, who represents the Sandfields East ward, said emergency services were still in attendance and residents should continue to take precautions.

He posted on Facebook: “Morning all, we’re currently awaiting an update from agency partners on the fire situation. The river footpath remains closed and there are some road closures in the area near ATS while the fire service is in attendance.”

Cllr Pursey added that he would advise people to continue keeping windows and doors closed and to take precautions outdoors until further guidance on air quality was issued.

The smoke could be seen from Port Talbot town centre on Wednesday afternoon. Image: Cllr Sean Pursey / Facebook

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment on whether the fire has been extinguished and whether any investigation into the cause is underway.

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Major revamp planned for Sandfields and Aberavon as council unveils huge active travel upgrade

The £multi‑million scheme covers a 4.7km stretch linking the seafront with Afan Way, creating a continuous loop designed to make everyday journeys safer and easier without needing a car. Council officers say the project will tie directly into the wider Aberavon Seafront Masterplan, bringing long‑term improvements to some of the area’s busiest routes.

The plans include upgraded footways, new cycle lanes, safer crossings, resurfaced roads, better bus facilities and a series of public‑realm makeovers at key community hotspots. A consultation has now opened, with residents given until 11th March to give feedback.

The council says the work is vital in a community where official data shows fewer than half of households own a car, making safe walking and cycling routes essential for school runs, shopping trips and access to the beach.

Years in the making

The project has been in development since 2022, when a study identified ten Sandfields routes in need of upgrades. Early engagement followed in 2024, with residents helping shape the first designs for three priority corridors: Princess Margaret Way, Victoria Road and the Seaway Parade–Handel Avenue–Purcell Avenue loop.

By 2025, the scheme had expanded to include placemaking improvements around Memo Beach Café, the skate park, Tywyn Primary School and Purcell Avenue, with drop‑in sessions held last autumn to gather ideas. Detailed designs are now nearing completion, and the council is preparing a funding bid through the Regional Transport Fund to begin construction in 2026–27.

Map showing the proposed Sandfields and Aberavon active travel route, including planned public‑space upgrades around Memo Beach, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School.
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

What’s planned on the ground

If approved, the scheme will deliver new and widened footways, resurfaced pavements and missing links such as the broken section near the Naval Club. Dedicated cycle lanes are proposed for Princess Margaret Way, with on‑road routes added to nearby residential streets to create a safer network.

Eight new Toucan crossings and five new Parallel crossings are planned for some of the area’s busiest junctions, alongside more than 50 upgraded uncontrolled crossings with dropped kerbs and tactile paving. Bus users would see new shelters and a relocated stop opposite Remo’s to support revised routes along the seafront.

Public spaces are also set for a facelift, with new seating, planting, surfacing and landscaping around Memo Beach, the skate park and Tywyn Primary School. Additional greenery and pocket planting would be added throughout the area to soften the streetscape.

Parking changes include new loading bays near Francos and Memo Café, extra disabled bays and a small net increase in overall parking along the seafront. Measures to stop pavement parking — including bollards, planting and double yellow lines — are also proposed.

Princess Margaret Way would be fully resurfaced as part of the works.

“A good balance of improvements for everyone”

Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, said the plans strike the right balance for a community with low car ownership but high demand for safer routes.

“I strongly encourage anyone who lives in or visits these areas to have their say on the proposals which would offer improved safety and better‑connected routes, whilst also lifting the overall appearance,” he said.

How to take part

The consultation runs until 11th March 2026, with residents able to complete the survey at www.npt.gov.uk/activetravel.

Two face‑to‑face drop‑in events will be held at Aberavon Leisure Centre on Monday 2nd March (3pm–7pm) and Saturday 7th March (10am–1pm), where the project team will be available to answer questions.

Paper copies of the plans and survey are available at Sandfields, Port Talbot and Neath libraries.

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Police warn landlords after cannabis factory found in Swansea rental home

Officers were called to the address this week and found the remnants of a large-scale growing operation hidden inside the home. The property had been rented out for six months, during which time the landlord made no visits and held no written tenancy agreement.

Police say the landlord was first approached by a man he did not know, who offered cash and a down‑payment to secure the property. All further contact was made by text message. No identification, references or paperwork were taken before the keys were handed over.

The landlord told officers he had concerns during the tenancy but did not report them to local PCSOs or police before discovering the damage.

PC Scott Pearson, South Wales Police, said illegal activity had gone unnoticed because basic checks were not carried out.

“Due to not properly checking and vetting the new tenants along with missed opportunities to follow up via regular visits, it is clear that the illegal activity was not known about or recognised,” he said.

He warned that the consequences were now severe.

“As the above was not acted upon, the landlord now faces significant costs running into the tens of thousands of pounds for remedial work and unpaid utility bills.”

Pearson said rental legislation exists to protect both landlords and tenants, and failing to follow it can leave property owners exposed to serious financial loss.

He urged anyone with concerns about suspicious activity in a rented home to contact police or Crimestoppers.

“If you have any concerns of illegal activity in one of your properties or at a property near you, please share these concerns with the police or Crimestoppers,” he said.

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