SWANSEA: Meats, milkshakes, sunglasses and cheese — the one-man crime wave that hit 13 city centre shops in a month

A prolific shoplifter who visited the same Co-op nine times in a single month — and hit 13 Swansea city centre shops in four weeks — has been jailed and banned from every Co-op branch in the city.

James Brittain, 46, now of Alexandra Road, Swansea, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of theft from a shop at Swansea Magistrates Court, stealing goods worth almost £700 during a spree in March and April this year.

Brittain targeted Co-op branches on Bryn Road and Walter Road nine times, taking items including meats, ready meals, bottles of alcohol, chocolate and milkshakes. He also stole alcohol and cheese from Tesco on two occasions, bread from a Greggs bakery, and pairs of sunglasses from Vision Express.

The court heard that his long-term drug use had taken a significant toll on his physical and mental health. His advocate described him as someone who had become “institutionalised” to life in prison and who struggles when in the community.

Brittain was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and will serve 40 per cent of that time in custody before being released on licence. He was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order prohibiting him from entering any Co-op branch in Swansea for the next three years.

South Wales Police say that the order is the sixth secured by its Neighbourhood Policing Team in Swansea for retail crime in the past two years. The application was supported by evidence compiled through close partnership working with local retailers and local authority CCTV.

Officers added that the broader enforcement effort has contributed to a 14% fall in shop thefts in Swansea city centre.

City Neighbourhood Inspector Andrew Hedley said tackling prolific offenders remained a priority. “Securing this sixth Criminal Behaviour Order in two years for retail crime reflects the proactive and evidence-led work of officers who are focused on those causing the greatest harm through repeat offending,” he said.

“Alongside targeted enforcement and highly visible policing, this work has contributed to a 14% reduction in shop thefts in the city centre. We will continue to focus our efforts and maintain our determination to protect local businesses and disrupt persistent retail crime.”

Swansea Business Crime Reduction Manager Steve Gallagher said the order sent a clear message to repeat offenders. “Persistent retail crime has a significant impact on retailers, their staff, and the overall confidence of the city centre, and this action shows that repeat offending is being tackled effectively,” he said.

“Through strong partnership working with South Wales Police, we are seeing meaningful enforcement that helps deter further offences, reduce financial losses, and improve the day-to-day safety of those working and trading in the city.”

Brittain has 30 previous convictions for 114 offences, including nine house burglaries, 22 non-dwelling burglaries, aggravated vehicle taking, and going equipped for burglary. In December 2020 he was sentenced to 32 months in prison for two attempted burglaries in the Sketty area of Swansea.

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STUDENT VILLAGE TRANSFORMATION: Final phase of major Swansea housing project given the green light

Swansea Council’s planning committee has unanimously backed plans for the remaining 92 homes at Hendrefoilan Park in Sketty, marking the end of a decade-long project.

The former Hendrefoilan Student Village, which closed its doors in 2023, is being reborn as a 248-home estate featuring a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties.

Developer St Modwen Homes — now part of Miller Homes — says work will start “imminently” on the final selection of houses, which will be “wrapped around” a significant area of existing woodland.

James Mulcahy, managing director of St Modwen Homes, said: “We have made a significant commitment to this area of Swansea with a simple outcome — to help develop the former student village into desirable new housing.”

The project has already seen nearly £1 million paid by the developer to fund a major extension at Hendrefoilan Primary School and improve local traffic junctions.

The final phase will include 10 affordable homes, bringing the total number of affordable properties on the estate to 25, alongside a brand-new play area for local families.

While the approval was unanimous, the committee did raise questions about the completion of “missing” footpaths onto Dunvant Road and the management of construction dust on the site.

Planning officers confirmed that the developer would be pressured to finish the outstanding paths, while three replacement trees will be planted for every one cut down during the final build.

Prospective buyers can already register interest in the Hendrefoilan Park development, with a new showhome expected to open later this year as the final phase of the landmark project nears completion.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Another 95 new homes planned for Pontarddulais farmland
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SINGLETON PARK: Future of iconic 200-year-old Swiss Cottage in doubt again as leaseholder pulls out

The Friends of Singleton Park group announced that the leaseholder for the Grade II listed building had given up their lease, leaving no clear path to renovating the historic landmark.

Swansea Council confirmed the news, saying that while it was “disappointing”, the authority remained committed to finding a new sustainable use for the cottage.

The news comes less than three years after it was announced that the landmark was set for a new lease of life, with Swansea-based Tifa Properties taking on a 15-year lease in August 2023.

The company had planned to transform the vacant building into a café with food and drink units, creating a new hub for park users.

In a statement on social media, the Friends of Singleton Park said: “It has been brought to our attention that the lease holder for Swiss Cottage has given up his lease.

“This means that 3 years on, there is not a clear path to renovating this iconic building.”

The group noted that while the exterior of the cottage had been repainted, the building was not any more “functionally useable”.

They also highlighted that 2026 is a significant year for the cottage, as it marks the 200th anniversary of its construction in 1826.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “The council has provided considerable support to help restore the exterior of this fantastic feature of Swansea’s history.

“While it’s disappointing that the current leaseholder at Swiss Cottage has decided to surrender the lease, we remain committed to finding a suitable sustainable use for the Swiss Cottage and will now look at alternative options to achieve that.”

The picturesque cottage was designed by architect Peter Frederick Robinson, who designed Sketty Hall for the Vivian family, after he was inspired by timber-built houses he had seen in Switzerland.

It has stood empty for many years and has been the subject of numerous failed plans and proposals.

The building was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2010, with a major restoration project completed in 2014 to repair the roof, windows, doors and distinctive decorative features.

Last year, the park was the subject of a public consultation on a new improvement plan, with drop-in sessions for residents held next to the historic cottage.

MOTORISTS WARNED: Three months of lane closures on Mumbles Road for gas pipe upgrade

Motorists are being warned to expect delays as a major gas pipe upgrade is set to begin on Mumbles Road next week, bringing with it three months of phased lane closures.

Wales & West Utilities will start work on 4 March to replace over 1,000 metres of gas pipes in the area, a project described as “vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses.”

The work, which is scheduled to finish in June, has been planned in conjunction with Swansea Council to minimise disruption. While access will be maintained at all times and traffic will still be able to travel in all directions, lane closures will be in place and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Crucially, the project has been planned to avoid working on Mumbles Road itself during the busy Easter school holidays.

The work will be carried out in three phases:

•Phase 1: Mumbles Road at the junction with Sketty Lane (4 – 27 March)

•Phase 2: Mill Lane (30 March – 10 April)

•Phase 3: Mumbles Road at the junction of Mill Lane (13 April – 15 June)

Wales & West Utilities’ Adam Smith, who is managing the work, said the project was essential for the community.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future,” he said.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.”

He added that the work would also ensure the network is ready to transport green gases in the future.

SWANSEA: Council to invest nearly £70m in council homes this year—part of £267m four-year plan

Millions of pounds are being earmarked to insulate and weatherproof hundreds of existing homes, making them warmer and more efficient to help reduce the cost of heating for tenants.

The spending is part of the biggest ever investment in council-owned homes for affordable rent in the city, which will see £267 million spent over the next four years.

Where the Money Is Going

Among the major projects planned for spending this year are:

£40 million is being spent on keeping council homes in communities across the city in a good state of repair, including Penyrheol, Fforesthall, Penlan, Sketty, Mayhill, and Townhill.

Within the £40m, £17 million is being set aside for more upgrades at the Dyfatty flats at Croft Street, Griffith John Street, and Clyne and Jeffreys Court.

More than £12.7 million is planned for spending on the council’s pioneering More Homes initiative, which aims to add 1,000 affordable homes for rent to its existing stock. This includes new homes being built at Brokesby Road and £1.5m for acquisitions.

More than £1.2 million will be spent on improving homes at Heol Emrys and Tudno Place, with funding also earmarked for future years to develop more affordable homes, providing estate and environmental improvements.

More than £1.8 million is going on the council’s continuing programme of improving kitchens and bathrooms.

More than £3.6 million is being spent on environmental improvements in places like Garnswllt, Townhill, West Cross, and Fforesthall.

‘Better Homes for Our Residents’

Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Improvement, said Swansea Council’s ambitious spending programme for council housing reflected its commitment to providing high-quality homes that are energy-efficient and affordable for tenants.

Cllr Andrea Williams said:

“Better homes for our residents are one of the critical building blocks of creating a better future for children, for families and for our city. They improve people’s health and affordable homes that are energy efficient help reduce poverty and together they contribute to happier communities.”

She added:

“Over the last few years there has been a huge investment worth hundreds of millions of pounds into making sure the homes we own are in good shape and fit for the future under the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. In the coming year further investment of an estimated £69m will mean hundreds of families will benefit from improvements to their homes. Money is being earmarked for other projects including electrical re-wiring and weather-proofing where needed as well as general environmental improvements.”

Supporting Local Jobs

Cllr Williams said the council’s housing projects support hundreds of local jobs and apprenticeships, so it’s a “win-win” for local communities.

Funding for the new homes and the upgrades for existing homes is coming from the rents paid by tenants, Welsh Government grants, and HRA borrowing. None of the spending is from council tax.

New homes completed at former student village site in Swansea

St Modwen Homes is building up to 300 new homes in one of the largest residential projects built in Swansea over recent years, Hendrefoilan Park, on land formerly occupied by a student village off Ffordd Yr Olchfa Sketty. 

Planning consent for the existing phase of development was granted in 2016. As part of the planning agreement, St Modwen has made a commitment to contribute £942,000 to expand Hendrefoilan Primary School as part of a Section 106 agreement. 

A further £29,000 has been pledged to make traffic light improvements to the immediate area. Demolition work on the final part of the former Hendrefoilan Student Village will make way for additional development on the site. 

David Greengrass, head of sales at St Modwen Homes, said:

“We have been proudly delivering new homes in Swansea for several years as part of our Hendrefoilan Park development, which is transforming this part of the city with sustainable, energy-efficient new housing. 

“Work has now progressed so far on the site that we’ve been able to release our showhomes for sale at the development, where prospective buyers can benefit from both a brand new home and the added comfort of a professionally finished interior design concept throughout the homes. 

“As part of our scheme in Sketty, we’ve been able to contribute towards the local community with much more than just our new homes, with contributions made via our S106 agreement to support local education and transport, among other services. 

“We look forward to finishing work on the remaining homes in this phase of the project, with more than 90 per cent of the homes already sold, and inviting new buyers into our showhomes where they can picture life in their very own St Modwen property.” 

With work continuing on the final homes in the current phase of the development, St Modwen Homes has since released its showhomes for sale at Hendrefoilan Park. 

A four-bedroom Gregory and three-bedroom Eustace showhomes are available for purchase at the development. 

For more information on the Hendrefoilan Park development, visit https://www.stmodwenhomes.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/wales/hendrefoilan-park-swansea. 

#fforddYrOlchfa #hendrefoilanStudentVillage #housing #sketty #stModwen

Swansea care worker who made 102-year-old’s cheeky wish come true honoured with national award

Teri Edwards, 37, from Bonymaen, was recognised at the Wales Care Awards after going above and beyond for residents at Hawthorn Court in Sketty and Ocean Living in Mumbles — including arranging the surprise visit that had her care home in stitches.

The devoted mum-of-two, who has spent two decades in social care, says she’ll do “whatever it takes” to make her elderly residents smile — from organising cheeky surprises to helping them tick off their bucket-list wishes.

The 37-year-old, who became a regular visitor to residential homes in her early teens when accompanying her home care worker mum to work, says the sky is the limit when it comes to entertaining and bringing joy to her residents.

The mum-of-two, who recently made the dreams of a 102-year-old female resident, Gwyneth Griffiths, come true when she organised a surprise visit from a ‘Butler in the Buff’, has now become the toast of the social care industry after scooping a coveted bronze award in the Wales Care Awards 2025.

The awards, sponsored by Meddyg Care and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, pay tribute to the frontline heroes of social care, with all finalists guaranteed to come away with either a gold, silver or bronze prize in recognition of their achievements. 

Put forward for the Leadership and Management in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by My Choice Healthcare, Teri collected her prize at a glittering awards ceremony held at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Teri, who has worked her way up to the role of home manager in a 20-year social care career, said: “It took my breath away when I heard I’d made the final. I honestly didn’t expect it. My deputy manager has informed all the staff and they’ve all said it’s well deserved, which is lovely.

“Everything I do is for my residents. If they’re smiling, then I know my job is done. And as long as they’re happy, I’m happy.

“I just love this job, it’s so rewarding. Myself and my deputy often sit outside when our shift is finished and just watch the residents laughing and chatting in the lounges through the window. We spend more time with them than our own families because they need us and we get a great sense of fulfillment caring for them and doing everything we can for them.

“Going into a care home shouldn’t feel like life has ended. We support the residents to thrive and promote their independence rather than take it away from them. We’ll work with them to get to the goal they want to achieve. If they asked me to do 50 star jumps – and I’m not the fittest – I’d do it! There’s nothing more rewarding.”

Terri, who lives with her husband Adrian and has two sons aged 16 and four, grew up in Waun Wen, Swansea, and attended Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Morriston.

Prior to her first job, she spent time caring for her grandmother who was bedridden to give her grandfather a break and occasionally accompanied her mum, who was also a care home manager, on her shift.

She started volunteering in care homes at the age of 15 and immediately felt her calling.  

“I used to go to work with my mum in Mumbles and would sit and chat to the residents and give them tea and biscuits,” she said.

One of her proudest achievements was introducing a wish tree with her colleagues to help make the residents’ dreams come true, which was an instant hit.

“We had a gentleman who was receiving end of life care who wanted to watch a Swans game at the Liberty Stadium so we made that happen,” she said.

“Then, we had a 102-year-old lady who wanted a stripper! We checked with her family and the regulations and booked a ‘Butler in the Buff’! She absolutely loved it and still talks about it every day. She also asks when he’s coming back!

“This should be the most enjoyable time in their lives and the next best thing to home. We need to give our best.

“I don’t do this to get recognition. If my grandparents went into a home – or even me later down the road – I wish that someone would treat me the way I treat my residents. A smile goes a long way.”

“I honestly don’t feel like I go to work.”

Teri’s colleagues say she has improved staff retention and morale within her team and plays an important role in enhancing the environment of the home, often painting and decorating.

Bethan Evans, Chief Executive Officer for My Choice Healthcare, who was among those putting her forward for the award, said: 

“I am delighted that Teri has reached the finals within the Wales Care Awards, and that her warmth, kindness and passion for supporting Older People is being recognised.

“She is a force of nature and truly is a very special lady. Her determination for always putting ‘her residents’ at the heart of everything that she does is an inspiration for all those around her. We consider ourselves very lucky that she chooses to work with us.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards once again shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.

He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.

“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

A special moment in the evening when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.

According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long-standing support for the Wales Care Award and for social care more broadly.

“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.

“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”

#Bonymaen #CareForumWales #HawthornCourt #Mumbles #MyChoiceHealthcare #OceanLiving #Sketty #WalesCareAwards

Protest planned over Clyne Valley bridleway resurfacing

A protest is being organised this weekend against Swansea Council’s decision to resurface Old Carriage Drive in Clyne Valley Country Park as part of its Active Travel programme.

‘Overwhelming opposition’ from residents

Local resident Will Allen said hundreds of people responded to his online post raising concerns about the scheme, with the “overwhelming majority” opposed.

“We wrote to councillors, Active Travel officers, MPs and MSs and were told that our concerns were being considered. However today they got back to us to say they are ploughing ahead with the scheme,” he said.

Allen added:

“I feel angry and frustrated at this – someone drew a line on a map during a city‑wide consultation, after which we hear nothing until the work is irrevocably approved by the Council. The feedback we provide when we finally learn is politely listened to but basically ignored.”

“As polite emails have not got anywhere I have decided to organise a protest. It should be well‑attended, and will give people the chance to show their concerns and highlight the beauty and history of the location,” he said.

Council defends scheme as part of Active Travel duty

In a letter to campaigners, Stephen Williams, Swansea Council’s Active Travel Officer, said Old Carriage Drive was identified in the 2021 Active Travel Network Map consultation and is intended to provide a safe, direct off‑road link between Killay and Derwen Fawr.

“This route is important as it reduces the distance required to travel actively between Killay and Derwen Fawr, and enables those journeys to be made free from traffic,” he wrote.

Williams said the resurfacing would not change the bridleway’s designation or access points, but would improve drainage and accessibility.

“We believe that by improving the surface of this path, we can enable more journeys to be undertaken actively, without disadvantaging the needs of any existing user group,” he added.

He also pointed to wider benefits:

“If we are to improve outcomes such as health, environmental, economic, obesity rates, and travel independence for children, we will need to make changes to our physical environment. We accept that some members of the public will not welcome these changes, however we believe this scheme will enable more journeys to be undertaken actively.”

Concerns over housing development

Former council cabinet member Jen Raynor suggested the resurfacing could be linked to future housing development.

“One of the key drivers to making this route into a mini tarmac road is the likely chance of the fields adjacent to the route being granted planning permission for houses. If it can be said there is an Active Travel route then less space is needed for car parking so more houses can be squeezed onto the land,” she wrote.

Raynor added:

“I was a councillor when the first Active Travel routes were proposed and this carriageway was certainly not proposed for tarmacking. In fact I and other councillors were assured that the Country Park would retain a variety of routes and surfaces because of the different users.”

Calls for councillor involvement

Local resident Carol Edwards urged campaigners to keep pressing elected members, pointing to a previous case where community pressure stopped a cycle path plan in Uplands.

“It was because of a lot of complaints, and the involvement of local councillors, that the active travel plan to put a cycle path through Uplands from the railway station was stopped,” she said.

“Councillors’ involvement is really important, and getting many people to write a short email to the Council with reasons why it shouldn’t proceed regardless of what the Council have decided.”

Protest details

The protest is due to take place at 4pm on Saturday 25 October at the Clyne Valley Road entrance to the woods. Organisers say they expect a strong turnout from local residents opposed to the scheme.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway
Initial community reaction as campaigners opposed Swansea Council’s Active Travel resurfacing plans in Clyne Valley Country Park.

Future transport plans lead to rethink on city centre walking and cycling route
Swansea Council reviews its city centre active travel route in light of new transport strategy priorities.

Funds for controversial Sketty Road cycle route to be diverted to other schemes
Welsh Government reallocates funding away from the Sketty Road project following local opposition.

Raised boardwalk plan for new walking and cycling route along River Tawe
Proposals unveiled for a raised boardwalk to improve access and safety on the River Tawe corridor.

Gowerton’s long‑awaited cycle and walking link to station finally opens after delays
New active travel link connects Gowerton railway station after years of planning and setbacks.

#ActiveTravel #CllrJenniferRaynor #Clyne #ClyneValley #ClyneValleyCountryPark #ClyneValleyWoods #DerwenFawr #Killay #protest #Sketty #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #tarmac #woodland

Swansea man jailed for raping vulnerable victim in city pub toilet

A Swansea man has been handed an extended sentence after admitting to raping and sexually assaulting a vulnerable young man in a city pub toilet.

Johnathan Michael Jones, 41, of Clyne Court, Sketty, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration. He was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, October 8, to nine years in custody with a four‑year extended licence period — a total of 13 years.

Victim targeted near Swansea.com Stadium

The court heard Jones approached his victim near the Swansea.com Stadium on July 1 this year. The young man, who has developmental issues and a mental age of around 12 or 13, was known to Jones from previous encounters.

Prosecutor Jon Tarrant said Jones put his arms around the victim, kissed him and sexually assaulted him before the pair went into a nearby pub. CCTV later showed them entering a toilet cubicle together, where Jones raped him.

When the victim resisted, Jones offered him £100 to continue. The victim later reported the attack to police, and Jones was arrested the same evening.

Previous conviction and pattern of offending

The court was told Jones had a previous conviction from 2005 for sexually assaulting a 12‑year‑old boy in Peterborough. Judge Huw Rees said Jones’s offending “forms a pattern” and concluded he posed a “significant risk to members of the public of serious harm”.

Jones was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim.

Police praise victim’s bravery

Detective Constable Rabaiotti, of South Wales Police, said:

“Johnathan Jones took advantage of a vulnerable man in the most depraved way. This was not the first time Jones has committed a sexual offence. This was a pattern of behaviour following previous offences, but this case was aggravated by the fact Jones knew the victim was particularly vulnerable.

“I commend the victim on their bravery in coming forward. This was a difficult investigation, but the result is that a very dangerous man has been removed from the streets for a significant period of time.”

Support for survivors

South Wales Police said it recognised how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out, but urged victims to come forward, promising they would be “listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and supported throughout the judicial process”.

Further information and details of support services are available on the force’s website: South Wales Police – Rape and Sexual Assault Support.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carmarthen man jailed for ‘truly wicked’ rape and voyeurism offences
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Aberavon man jailed following rape and assault
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Llanelli rapist jailed for 12 years
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#rape #sexualAssault #Sketty #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea

Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway

The £250,000 project, funded through Welsh Government’s Active Travel programme, would see the historic bridleway linking Derwen Fawr and Olchfa Lane resurfaced later this autumn.

Swansea Council says the work will make the route more accessible for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families with pushchairs and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

“Already accessible as it is”

Local resident Will Allen sparked the debate after posting online that the project would “ruin the visual appeal of one of the most beautiful parts of Clyne Valley woods” and risk damaging the area’s industrial heritage, including brickwork remnants from the former brickworks.

Allen, a daily cycle commuter and supporter of active travel, questioned whether the scheme would deliver meaningful benefits, suggesting it was “an easy way to spend Welsh Government funding” rather than addressing more pressing gaps such as the long‑discussed Clyne Common link.

His post prompted dozens of responses, many of them emotional.

• Bethany Rowe said: “I’ve seen mobility scooters using this path already so it’s already accessible exactly as it is. My children ride their bikes on it, horse riders use it without issues, and everyone can enjoy the history embedded in the track.”
• Analyst101 added: “I instantly feel immersed in nature and love how it changes week by week. I don’t feel the same walking along the cycle path.”
• Others warned of damage to flora and wildlife, drainage issues, and the loss of a tranquil walking route.

Some residents described the path as “a beautiful walk, especially in autumn when it is truly spectacular,” while others feared the valley could become “a manicured park” rather than a wild woodland.

Horse riders raised particular concerns, saying more hard surfacing would further reduce safe spaces for cantering. One rider said: “We’re losing rights to access such exercise throughout the valley. If the surface was laid like hard dirt and tiny stones that would be ideal, but not hard solid tarmac.”

Campaign call

In a follow‑up post, Allen said the response showed “strong feeling locally that this project should not go ahead.” He claimed local councillors only learned of the scheme after it was approved and that an ecological assessment has not been shared publicly.

He urged residents to contact their MP and MS, sign petitions, and join a campaign to halt the works. “Time to campaign against this is very limited. Work will begin soon. If you can, please do something,” he wrote.

Council: “Improving accessibility for all”

In a statement, Swansea Council defended the scheme, saying the current footpath provides “limited accessibility” and that the upgrade will benefit a wide range of users.

The council said the route was identified during a city‑wide consultation in 2021 and that ecological surveys have been completed to ensure the works are carried out sensitively.

A spokesperson said:

“Our aim is to improve this section, creating a more accessible route for everyone to use, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, as well as families with pushchairs and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The works will not only feature an upgrade to the existing path, we will also strengthen culverts, install seating and provide information boards celebrating the historical nature of this route.”

The council pointed to previous improvements at Olchfa and Sketty, which it said had proved “hugely successful.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtUUS3BT3ls

Cycle‑through video of the upgraded Olchfa active travel route, showing the type of improvements Swansea Council has previously delivered in Clyne Valley.

Political reaction

The scheme has drawn criticism from local Liberal Democrat councillors Mary Jones and Jeff Jones, who represent the area.

In a joint statement they said:

“We were yet again disappointed with the lack of consultation from the Active Travel Team and the relative short notice given. We were under the impression that the detail of works given in 2020/21 were that there would be repair work to existing surfaces and it was understood that there were no plans to increase the number of paths that are tarmacked.”

Former cabinet member Jen Raynor has already criticised the project online, describing it as “an easy way to blow WG grant money in the absence of better alternatives.”

A path at the heart of the valley

The Old Carriage Drive is one of the most historic routes through Clyne Valley, with remnants of the area’s industrial past still visible underfoot. For many residents, that heritage is part of the attraction.

As one commenter put it: “It is not acceptable to destroy natural heritage and write about it on a display board instead.”

Others argued the steep incline means the path will never be suitable for those with severe mobility issues, even if resurfaced. “My dad has severe mobility issues and even when it is tarmacked there is no way I’d take him on that sort of incline,” said one resident.

What happens next

Work is expected to begin in late October or early November. Campaigners say they are considering petitions and protests, while the council insists the project will improve safety and accessibility in line with its Active Travel duties.

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• Swansea University’s bike hire scheme sees a near 300% increase in users
• Future transport plans lead to rethink on city centre walking and cycling route
• Raised boardwalk plan for new walking and cycling route along River Tawe
• Funds for controversial Sketty Road cycle route to be diverted to other schemes

#ActiveTravel #bridleway #CllrJenniferRaynor #Clyne #ClyneValley #ClyneValleyWoods #DerwenFawr #footpath #heritage #industrialHeritage #Killay #Olchfa #OlchfaLane #protest #resurfacing #Sketty #SwanseaCouncil #tarmac #woodland