Vape shop shut down after illegal stock and cannabis seized in Port Talbot

Mr. Vape, on Station Road, was hit with a closure order at Swansea Magistrates Court after repeated reports of suspicious and illegal activity — including claims the shop was selling illicit products to children.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards Team said the business had been linked to counterfeit and non‑tax‑paid tobacco, illegal cigarettes and oversized vapes. During a search in late 2025, officers seized illegal cigarettes, tobacco and a quantity of cannabis.

A District Judge approved the closure under Section 80 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The shop’s owner did not attend the hearing.

The crackdown follows the UK‑wide ban on single‑use disposable vapes, which became illegal to sell on 1 June 2025.

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

“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.

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.”

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First look inside Neath’s transformed Gnoll Country Park

Major changes unveiled

The transformation of Gnoll Country Park has touched almost every corner of the 240‑acre site. At its heart is a new two‑storey visitor centre, replacing the ageing building with a café, flexible event spaces and a balcony that looks out across the lake.

Families will find a dedicated soft play area inside, while outside children can explore Gnoll Towers — a woodland adventure playground of three climbing towers, the tallest rising nearly 30 feet.

Visitors looking to stay longer can now book Pond Cottage, a restored Victorian groundkeeper’s home turned dog‑friendly holiday accommodation. The cottage sleeps up to six and comes with its own gardens, a log burner fuelled by wood from the park, and views across the pond and surrounding wildlife.

Elsewhere, the ruins of Gnoll House have been consolidated, the park’s historic cascades restored to their former spectacle, and new walking routes opened up.

A bridge now links the grounds to Brynau Farm, a 57‑hectare Woodland Trust haven, extending the reach of the park into the wider Vale of Neath landscape.

Alongside the physical changes, the site has been given refreshed branding, a new website and updated interpretation materials to guide visitors through its history.

Council’s perspective

Neath Port Talbot Council says the new facilities are intended to enhance the visitor experience and increase footfall. Council leader Steve Hunt described the visitor centre as “stylish” and said Pond Cottage would provide “a unique and authentic base” for exploring the wider Vale of Neath Heritage Corridor.

Cabinet member Cen Phillips added that the project would ensure the park “continues to play a big part in Neath Port Talbot’s future.”

Historic backdrop

Gnoll Country Park has a long history dating back to Elizabethan times, when the estate was granted to the Earls of Pembroke. It later passed to the Evans family and, through marriage in 1686, to Sir Humphrey Mackworth.

Mackworth developed the estate into an industrial hub and expanded the house and gardens. His son, Herbert, continued the work, laying out the grounds as a landscaped garden and adding features such as cascades and a grotto — elements that have now been restored as part of the latest project.

Opening soon

The park is due to officially reopen next month, with the council hoping the investment will secure its place as one of Neath Port Talbot’s most popular attractions for both residents and visitors.

#brynauFarm #cllrCenPhillips #cllrSteveHunt #gnollCountryPark #gnollEstateCountryPark #gnollTowers #holidayAccommodation #neath #neathPortTalbotCouncil #pondCottage #sirHumphreyMackworth #valeOfNeath #woodlandTrust

Blue Plaques unveiled for Richard and Philip Burton in Neath Port Talbot

The unveiling ceremonies took place on 10 November, with Richard Burton’s plaque revealed by his daughter Kate and granddaughter Charlotte. Family members, admirers and the local community gathered to mark the centenary of one of Wales’s most celebrated performers.

Richard Burton, born in Pontrhydyfen, rose from humble beginnings to international stardom. Discovered by his teacher Philip Burton — who adopted him to improve his chances of studying at Oxford — Richard went on to become a Shakespearean leading man, a Hollywood star in films such as Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and the voice behind recordings including Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds.

Philip Burton, also recognised with a Blue Plaque, played a pivotal role in nurturing Richard’s talent. He later became a radio producer and theatre director, working across the UK and USA, and co‑founded the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“The Blue Plaques recognise and celebrate two men who are integral to our history in Neath Port Talbot. Both went on to achieve international acclaim, yet stayed true to their Welsh roots and represent the kind of grit, passion and community spirit we are immensely proud of here in the region.”

Charlotte Burton added:

“The Blue Plaques are an honour for my grandfather’s legacy. As a family, it is truly heartwarming to see how precious he continues to be to the local community who raised him.”

Centenary celebrations continue

The unveiling is part of a wider programme marking Richard Burton’s centenary year. Events include poetry and play readings in Port Talbot and London, a lecture at the Richard Burton Archives, and a guided walking tour of the Richard Burton Trails.

Highlights also include the sold‑out Richard Burton Centenary Gala at Margam Country Park on 14 November, featuring performances from Michael Sheen, Jeff Wayne, the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre and actor Nansi Adams. In December, the British Film Institute will host a retrospective season Richard Burton: Muse of Fire at BFI Southbank in London.

The celebrations conclude with award‑winning Welsh actor Matthew Rhys performing Playing Burton at Bethel Chapel Café — his first return to the Welsh stage in over 20 years.

For full details, visit richardburton100.org.

#BluePlaque #CllrCenPhillips #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PhilipBurton #Pontrhydyfen #PortTalbot #RichardBurton #RichardBurtonCentenary

Four Neath Port Talbot vape shops shut down in crackdown on illegal sales

A District Judge at Swansea Magistrates Court approved three‑month closure orders against:

• Vape Land, Commercial Road, Taibach
• Vape Zone, Queen Street, Neath
• Classic Vape, Station Road, Port Talbot
• Pontardawe Vape, James Street, Pontardawe

It is the second time in six months that Vape Land has been issued with a closure order.

Pattern of illegal sales

The court heard that test purchases and inspections over the past two years had repeatedly found counterfeit cigarettes, non‑tax‑paid tobacco and oversized or non‑compliant vapes on sale.

In September, joint inspections by South Wales Police, Neath Port Talbot Council Trading Standards and Waste Enforcement Officers led to seizures of vapes, leaf tobacco and cigarettes. Further complaints were also received about sales to under‑18s.

Despite being notified of the council’s intention to apply for closure orders, the owners of Vape Land, Vape Zone and Pontardawe Vape did not attend their hearings. Classic Vape’s new owner contested the application, but the judge accepted the council’s evidence that the business had changed hands repeatedly following inspections.

What Trading Standards do

Trading Standards teams work to protect consumers and communities by tackling illegal, unsafe or unfair trading practices. Their work includes:

• Carrying out test purchases to check if shops sell age‑restricted products like tobacco, alcohol or vapes to under‑18s
• Inspecting premises for counterfeit or non‑compliant goods
• Seizing unsafe or illegal products, including oversized or disposable vapes
• Taking enforcement action through the courts, including closure orders
• Advising businesses on compliance with consumer protection laws

Residents can report concerns about illegal sales to their local council’s Trading Standards team.

Wider crackdown

The closures come just days after Swansea Magistrates extended closure orders on vape shops in the city, underlining a wider regional clampdown on illegal sales.

Since June 2025, the sale of disposable single‑use vapes has been banned across the UK. The ban was introduced to tackle environmental concerns and to protect children and young people, with many illicit products found in child‑appealing packaging and flavours.

Council response

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Trading Standards work hard at protecting the public and the vulnerable from illegal tobacco and vape sales. Considerable work has gone into obtaining these closure orders, and the team will continue to use the resources at their disposal to combat this illegal trade.”

He urged residents to report any information about illegal tobacco or vape sales to the council.

More on Trading Standards

From vape shop closures to counterfeit goods crackdowns, our Trading Standards coverage follows the teams working to protect communities across South West Wales.

Browse all Trading Standards stories →

#ClassicVape #CllrCenPhillips #counterfeitCigarettes #illegalTobacco #illegalVapes #Neath #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweVape #PortTalbot #QueenStreet #Taibach #TradingStandards #VapeLand

Blockbusters come to Pontardawe as new cinema opens

First screenings announced

The redeveloped 74‑seat cinema launches with a trio of films:

• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG)
• Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U)
• TRON: Ares (12A)

Tickets are available now at pontardaweartscentre.com.

State‑of‑the‑art facilities

The venue now boasts cutting‑edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating, offering a high‑quality viewing experience in the heart of Pontardawe.

For the first time, audiences will be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases locally. The cinema will also host relaxed screenings designed to provide a calm and inclusive environment for people with a range of impairments.

Café bar and theatre upgrades

Visitors will also benefit from a new modern café bar, open to all, while the theatre itself has seen upgrades including new balcony seating, improved lighting and cosmetic enhancements.

The redevelopment builds on the centre’s varied programme of film, music, comedy and theatre, cementing its role as a cultural hub for the community.

Backed by major investment

The project was supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales lottery funding, Neath Port Talbot Council’s capital programme, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“This fantastic redevelopment means we can now screen the latest blockbuster films right here in Pontardawe. We’re incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government for their support in making this vision a reality.”

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

“High‑quality venues like this are vital for our town centres – they bring people in, support local businesses, and create a real sense of place.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said the £600,000 investment would “strengthen the cultural life of the community” and ensure the centre thrives as part of a vibrant arts landscape across Wales.

Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said more than £1.2m of Transforming Towns funding had been invested, “strengthening the social and cultural fabric that makes our towns vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.”

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#ArtsCouncilWales #bar #caféBar #caféBar #cafe #cinema #CllrCenPhillips #CllrSteveHunt #films #JayneBryantMS #movies #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Pontardawe #PontardaweArtsCentre #TransformingTowns #UKSharedProsperityFund #WelshGovernment

Crowds expected as Neath Food and Drink Festival returns this weekend

The two‑day event, organised by Neath Port Talbot Council, has become one of the area’s biggest draws since it began in 2009. Organisers say more than 20,000 people a day typically attend, with food and drink producers from across Wales joining the line‑up.

Local and Welsh producers on show

Among the exhibitors this year are:

• Toca Vida Gin, distilled in the Vale of Glamorgan.
• Mac Daddies, serving gourmet macaroni and cheese.
• Popty Cara, a Pembrokeshire bakery known for traditional Welsh cakes and gingerbread.
• Harry’s Hog Roast from Llanelli, alongside Cwm Deri Wines and Liqueurs.

Council highlights festival’s growth

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

“Since starting in 2009, the Neath Food and Drink Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of its kind in Wales, drawing crowds of more than 20,000 visitors each day. With food and drink from Neath Port Talbot, across Wales and further afield, there will be something for everyone.”

Practical details for visitors

• 📍 Location: Neath town centre
• 📅 Dates: Friday 3 & Saturday 4 October 2025
• 🕙 Times: 10am–5.30pm both days

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#CllrCenPhillips #CwmDeriWinesAndLiqueurs #foodDrink #foodAndDrinkProducers #foodFestival #HarrySHogRoast #MacDaddies #Neath #NeathFoodAndDrinkFestival #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NeathTownCentre #PoptyCara #TocaVidaGin

Port Talbot trader branded ‘epitome of a rogue trader’ after Trading Standards probe

Wayne John Phillips, 56, of Lingfield Avenue, Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to six offences under the Fraud Act 2006 after an investigation by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards team.

Between April 2021 and December 2023, Phillips, trading as WJP Electrical, was contracted by homeowners to carry out refurbishment and rewiring work worth around £14,000. He provided written quotations bearing the logo of NICEIC — the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors — despite not being registered with the body or holding any electrical qualifications.

Work began on three properties but was never completed. An expert later found the work to be extremely poor and potentially dangerous.

Judge: “Like someone with a Biology A‑Level claiming to be a doctor”

Phillips first appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court in July, where magistrates committed the case to Crown Court for sentencing.

At Swansea Crown Court on 25 September, Judge Paul Thomas KC told Phillips he was the “epitome of a rogue trader”, adding that his claims to be an electrician were “tantamount to someone with a Biology A‑Level claiming to be a doctor”.

Allowing a 30% credit for his early guilty plea, Judge Thomas sentenced Phillips to:

• 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
• 15 days of rehabilitation activity
• 200 hours of unpaid work
• A £156 victim surcharge

Trading Standards warning

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“Rogue traders such as Mr Phillips do not see the obligations they have to their customers, only seeing them as a means to financial gain.

Trading Standards take a hard line on investigating businesses that flout the law and target the vulnerable. The service is promoting a national trading standards run trader approval scheme called Buy With Confidence. Legitimate and responsible traders are encouraged to make enquiries with the department to join the scheme. Consumers should check the Buy With Confidence website for approved traders.”

Residents who suspect rogue trading are urged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh‑language advice).

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#builder #CllrCenPhillips #construction #electrician #NationalInspectionCouncilForElectricalInstallationContractors #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #plumbing #PortTalbot #rogueTrader #TradingStandards #WJPElectrical

Matthew Rhys to bring acclaimed Burton play to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot as part of Welsh stage return

The Cardiff‑born star, best known for his Emmy‑winning role in The Americans, will perform Playing Burton, a one‑man play about the life of Richard Burton, as part of the RB100 centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Port Talbot‑born actor’s birth.

The production, written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award‑winner Bartlett Sher, explores Burton’s rise from his South Wales roots to international stardom, his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and his struggles with alcoholism.

Swansea Grand Theatre dates

Rhys will take to the stage at Swansea Grand Theatre on 24 and 25 November, with both shows followed by a special Q&A alongside fellow Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who has spearheaded the creation of the new Welsh National Theatre.

Pontrhydyfen finale

The tour will culminate in a special performance at Bethel Chapel Café in Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, on 26 November — the village where Burton was born and raised. The event will close the centenary celebrations in the community that shaped him.

Local pride in Burton’s legacy

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the centenary was a chance to celebrate Burton’s enduring influence:

“Richard Burton’s career spanned decades and instilled a life‑long love of performing arts within millions. He remained proud of his Port Talbot roots throughout it all, and we hope these performances encourage and inspire more people to engage with the arts in Wales.

It feels as though Burton is passing the torch to the Welsh National Theatre to continue representing Wales on the international stage.”

Supporting Welsh National Theatre

All proceeds from the tour will go towards supporting the Welsh National Theatre, founded by Michael Sheen to create new opportunities for Welsh talent.

Rhys said returning to Wales to play Burton was deeply personal:

“The reason I wanted to act was because of Richard Burton. He blazed the trail for us all and showed us it was possible.”

Tickets

Tickets for Playing Burton are on sale now via the Welsh National Theatre website: welshnationaltheatre.com/playing-burton.

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#BethelChapelCafé #CllrCenPhillips #GrandTheatre #MatthewRhys #MichaelSheen #Pontrhydyfen #RichardBurton #RichardBurtonCentenary #theatre #WelshNationalTheatre

Neath Port Talbot backs voluntary ban on flying ring toys to protect seals and marine life

At a full council meeting on 17 September, members approved a notice of motion calling for the sale, purchase and use of flying rings to be discouraged on council‑owned beaches. The motion also endorsed a national campaign for a UK‑wide ban and instructed Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt to write to both the Welsh and UK Governments in support of legislation.

The lightweight plastic toys, often mistaken for frisbees, have been linked to serious injuries and deaths among seals. When lost or discarded at sea, the rings can become lodged around the animals’ necks, cutting into their skin as they grow. Rehabilitation, when possible, can cost up to £15,000 per animal.

Cllr Robert Wood, who proposed the motion, said:

“This voluntary ban reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of our coastal ecosystems. We hope residents and visitors will support this initiative and help us make our beaches safer for wildlife.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, who seconded the motion, added:

“Flying ring toys are often treated as disposable, and when they end up in the sea, they pose a real threat to seals and other marine life. We’re asking beachgoers to choose safer alternatives and help us protect these incredible animals.”

Growing campaign across South Wales

The decision follows similar action taken earlier this year by Swansea Council, which urged beach‑goers to back a voluntary ban after passing its own motion. Conservationists from the Gower Seal Group have been working with schools and businesses to highlight the dangers, warning that seals’ natural curiosity can quickly turn deadly when they encounter flying rings.

The issue has sparked widespread public concern, with more than 43,000 people signing a national petition and the UK Seal Alliance leading calls for a ban.

Neath Port Talbot Council said it will promote the initiative through its media channels to raise awareness among residents and visitors. While the ban is voluntary and carries no penalties, councillors hope it will encourage retailers to withdraw the toys and beach users to avoid them altogether.

Neath Port Talbot now joins Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan among councils in Wales taking action to protect seals and coastal wildlife.

For more information or to support the campaign, residents can contact the council’s Countryside & Wildlife Team at [email protected].

#CllrCenPhillips #CllrRobertWood #CllrSteveHunt #Environment #flyingRing #GowerSealGroup #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #ringFrisbee #Seal #UKSealAlliance

Illegal vapes, fake dolls and tobacco stash seized in Neath Port Talbot raids

Trading Standards officers, working alongside the council’s Waste Enforcement Team and South Wales Police, carried out a series of raids after receiving intelligence about the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.

Illicit tobacco was discovered hidden in business premises and vehicles parked nearby, with sniffer dogs used to detect the concealments. Officers also found disposable vapes openly on sale, along with counterfeit “Labubu” dolls which are believed to flout safety laws and could pose risks to children.

A follow‑up visit to another premises uncovered further illegal vapes and fake toys. Two vehicles were seized during the operation, which also led to the identification of a man who had failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for waste offences. He has since paid the outstanding fine.

The raids form part of a wider crackdown by Trading Standards in recent months, which has already seen closure orders and prosecutions. One case is due for sentencing at Swansea Crown Court in October.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the results showed the value of agencies working together:

“This operation demonstrates the benefits of inter‑agency information sharing and cooperation.

These businesses are wilfully undermining efforts to protect the health and safety of the public at large by selling dangerous and illegal products. By hiding their wares they are fully aware of the illegality of their actions.”

Investigations into the seized goods are continuing.

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit tobacco or illegal vapes is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

#CllrCenPhillips #fakeLabubu #fakeToys #illegalCigarettes #illegalVapes #IllicitTobacco #Labubu #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #TradingStandards #WasteEnforcement