ABERGWYNFI: Man admits weapons stash after major incident saw homes evacuated

Maximin Carter, 51, from Neath Port Talbot, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to a string of offences following the dramatic scenes in Abergwynfi last month.

Police were called to a property on Commercial Street on February 14 amid concerns he was attempting to make an explosive.

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, the incident led to homes being evacuated and a major emergency response in the village, with residents told to leave for their safety.

Officers later discovered what they described as a “significant” cache of weapons at the address.

Carter has now admitted possessing an air rifle, a samurai sword, a knuckle duster and four telescopic truncheons.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a banned weapon under the Firearms Act 1968, along with six counts of possessing offensive weapons.

The 51-year-old has been remanded in custody and is currently being held at Swansea Prison.

He is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on April 7.

The case follows the major incident that unfolded in Abergwynfi, which Swansea Bay News covered live as police cordons were put in place and residents were evacuated.

We also reported how a man later appeared in court charged in connection with the discovery of weapons at the property.

The latest development confirms the scale of the weapons haul that triggered the emergency response and disruption for the local community.

#Abergwynfi #AfanValley #court #Crime #emergencyIncident #FirearmsAct #NeathPortTalbot #Police #southWales #SwanseaCrownCourt #weapons

BLAENGWYNFI: Brother’s heartbreaking tribute as fundraiser grows for Chloe Ware, 31

Angela Ackery, a mental health nurse, launched the appeal to help cover funeral costs for Chloe Ware, 31, from Blaengwynfi — with more than £2,400 already raised by supporters.

Chloe’s family say her passing has left them devastated, describing it as an “unexpected tragic situation” that has shaken the entire community.

In a deeply personal message shared online, her brother Dylan Ware said: “My beautiful, talented most wonderful sister sadly passed away… we are absolutely heart broken.

“No parent should bury their baby girl and it has left such a heavy hole in our hearts.

“We would love to give Chloe the send off she absolutely deserves… any donations would be greatly appreciated no matter how small.

“I miss you so much my darling sister, I love you forever and always.”

Chloe, described as a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie and friend, had battled mental health difficulties since her teenage years.

She had been receiving care at Neath Port Talbot Hospital since January. Her family say she died while under their care and have raised concerns about the support she received.

Despite her struggles, Chloe was known for her creativity and warmth.

A promising footballer in her youth, she was spotted at just 12 by a Swansea City School of Excellence coach before a serious leg injury ended hopes of a professional career. She later continued playing for local teams she loved.

She was also a gifted self-taught musician, playing guitar and drums, and shared her work online. Her artistic talents were equally cherished, with her artwork filling her family home.

Chloe’s loved ones say she was devoted to her nephew and had been looking forward to seeing him in the days before her death.

In a message on the fundraising page, her family said her loss has left “a huge hole that can never be filled”.

They added: “We would like to give Chloe the respectful and peaceful farewell she deserves, but the financial burden is very heavy.”

Supporters are being encouraged to donate or share the fundraiser to help give Chloe a peaceful final farewell, with funeral details expected to be announced soon.

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#Blaengwinfi #fundraiser #fundraising #GoFundMe #mentalHealth #NeathPortTalbot

Car plunges into Neath canal as rescuers wade in to save trapped pair

Emergency crews raced to Riverside Drive at 10.48am, where they found a silver vehicle partially submerged in the water with two casualties still inside.

Photos from the scene show the car nose‑down in the canal, doors flung open, as police, firefighters and paramedics lined the roadside.

Firefighters, police and paramedics respond after a vehicle plunged into a water-filled ditch in Neath.
(Mid and Wet Wales Fire and Rescue Service)Emergency crews at the scene after a car left the road and ended up partially submerged in water near Neath.
(Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters from Swansea Central, Neath and Pontardawe scrambled into the water, deploying a specialist wading team to reach the trapped occupants. Both casualties were pulled from the vehicle and handed to ambulance crews for assessment.

The incident drew a large emergency response, with multiple fire engines, police units and paramedics attending.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews left the scene at 11.18am, around half an hour after the first 999 call.

The condition of the two people rescued has not yet been released.

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More Fire & Rescue news
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#canalRescue #emergencyServices #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #RiversideDrive #SouthWalesPolice #WelshAmbulanceService

From Resolven to RuPaul: Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis makes a splash in Drag Race makeover

Daniel Jervis, who grew up in Resolven near Neath, took on one of the show’s most famous challenges – being transformed head-to-toe into a drag queen.

The Team GB swimmer was paired with US drag performer Mariah Balenciaga for the makeover episode, which saw a group of elite athletes step into the world of drag before walking the runway in front of judges and a global TV audience.

When Jervis stepped onto the main stage in full makeup, costume and towering heels, he adopted the drag name Amirah Balenciaga.

And the transformation proved to be a winning combination.

Judges praised the pair’s performance on the runway – with guest judge and singer Anastacia even admitting she struggled to tell which one of them was the Olympian.

Mariah Balenciaga and Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis walk the runway after their drag transformation during the makeover challenge.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

From Resolven to the Olympic Games

Jervis is one of Britain’s leading long-distance freestyle swimmers.

He represented Team GB at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, competing in the gruelling 1500-metre freestyle, one of swimming’s toughest endurance events.

The Welsh athlete has also enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games, where he won medals for Wales and established himself as one of the UK’s top distance swimmers.

But despite his success in the pool, the Neath Valley swimmer told viewers his personal journey hasn’t always been straightforward.

Jervis publicly came out as gay in 2022, revealing on the show that he had delayed sharing his sexuality until he was 26.

“You can sometimes feel like you’re being told you can’t be Christian and be gay,” he said during the episode.

However, he said he was fortunate to receive support when he did come out.

“My church didn’t change towards me. For me, that’s acceptance,” he explained.

“I understand how privileged I was to have that.”

Jervis added that he had also seen how difficult the experience could be for others.

“I’ve seen someone very close to me come out in a church setting and it’s gone really bad for them.”

Despite the challenges, he said coming out ultimately changed his life for the better.

“My life did turn upside down – but it turned the right way around. Honestly it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Stepping into the world of drag

Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis is transformed into drag as Mariah Balenciaga prepares him for the makeover challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

The swimmer said he wanted to appear on the show partly because he knew it would reach a huge audience – including people who might still be struggling to come out themselves.

He hoped sharing his story could offer reassurance to viewers facing similar challenges.

Before agreeing to take part, Jervis said he sought advice from his father.

“My dad said only do it if you’re going to give it 100%,” he explained.

And once the cameras started rolling, he threw himself fully into the experience.

“It was fun but hard work because I wanted to make Mariah proud and the drag community proud.”

Jervis said he was struck by how welcoming the performers were.

“I’ve never felt so included and comfortable around a group of people in my life. They were from all around the world and so welcoming to us.”

The makeover challenge is one of the most popular parts of the Drag Race format, with contestants judged on how well their guest partner embodies drag performance and how closely the pair resemble members of the same “drag family”.

For Jervis, the transformation was a completely new experience – but one he embraced fully.

Asked by host RuPaul what his favourite part of the makeover was, the Welsh swimmer had a simple answer.

“The heels,” he joked.

“I wanted to go method.”

Jervis said he approached the challenge with the same respect he would expect if drag performers were stepping into his world.

“I have so much respect for these queens,” he said.

“If they were coming into my world, I’d want them to give it 100% and respect what I do.

“It’s the other way around – I’m going into their world and I want to give 100% and respect what they do.”

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#BBC #DanielJervis #DragQueen #dragRace #LGBTQ #MariahBalenciaga #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #OlympicSwimming #Olympics #realityTv #Resolven #RuPaulDragRaceUK #RuPaul #RuPaulSDragRaceUKVsTheWorld #swimming #TeamGB #television #tv #WelshAthletes #WelshSport

Neath Port Talbot library service crowned best in Wales

The service was chosen as Wales’ regional winner in The British Book Awards’ Library of the Year category — a title judged on how well libraries inspire readers, reach new audiences and deliver programmes that genuinely change lives.

A festival that reached families who needed it most

Judges praised Neath Port Talbot for creating NPT Children’s BookFest: Write, Draw, Create — a festival designed to bring high‑quality events to children aged 5–16 in areas where opportunities like this are usually out of reach.

Working with local parks, theatres and community partners, the festival mixed author events, creative workshops and a writing competition to pull in families who don’t normally engage with library services. Judges said it showed “ambition, imagination and real community impact”.

Up against the best in the UK and Ireland

Eight regional and national winners have been announced across the UK and Ireland, selected from 42 finalists. The overall Library of the Year will be revealed at a ceremony at Grosvenor House on 11 May 2026.

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judging panel, said the winners proved how powerful libraries can be when they innovate.

“Libraries are at the heart of our reading culture,” he said. “These winners show how a love of books can be sparked across whole communities — from writing projects to book bingo to programmes supporting refugees.”

Government cash boost for libraries

The announcement comes as the UK Government confirmed a funding package of up to £150,000 for public libraries as part of the National Year of Reading. The money will support projects in areas with high deprivation, low engagement and limited access to cultural services.

‘Vital community anchors’

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said this year’s entries showed the scale of innovation happening in libraries across the UK.

“The regional and country winners truly distinguished themselves through the depth of their impact,” she said. “They show how libraries are shaping resilient, inclusive communities across 2026 and beyond.”

#books #BritishBookAwards #ChildrenSServices #community #culture #education #libraries #literacy #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NPTCouncil #reading #WalesNews

SKEWEN: Family ‘devastated’ after digger drives over teenage son’s grave

Tracey O’Brien’s son Liam, who passed away aged 16, is buried at Coedffranc Cemetery in Skewen.

But the family say they have been left heartbroken by the treatment of his final resting place, which is next to his grandfather.

Photos shared on social media show deep, muddy tracks running across the grass and directly over the plot.

Liam’s aunt, Lynne Richards, said her sister had been left distraught by the incident and a perceived lack of action to repair the damage.

Tyre tracks from a digger can be seen running past the graves of Liam Jordan Thomas and his grandfather Desmond Thomas at Coedffranc Cemetery.
(Image: Tracey O’Brien)

“My sister was left absolutely devastated when she took flowers to her Son Liams Grave,” Ms Richards said.

She added that the family had also faced a second distressing incident at the cemetery.

“Following the passing of Liam and my dad, who are next to each other, we purchased an additional plot for me, so eventually we can all be together,” she explained.

“Coedffranc Cemetry dug up my plot and almost buried a complete stranger in there.”

Ms Richards described the incidents as “shocking behaviour and services for the public”.

Coedffranc Town Council, which runs the cemetery, has expressed its “sincere sympathy to the family involved” and acknowledged the distress the incident had caused.

In a statement, the council explained that grounds teams had to move an excavator across the grave to access another plot that needed to be reopened.

It said a boundary wall left only one narrow access point, and that two weeks of heavy rainfall had left the ground “extremely soft”, leading to the “unintentional damage”.

The council said continued rainfall meant the ground could not be rectified immediately.

It added that after being formally contacted, Councillor Annette Wingrave visited the site and agreed the ground should have been restored sooner.

The council said it has remained in contact with the family and has now scheduled work to lay new turf on the grave as requested.

To prevent future incidents, the council said it has requested a section of the boundary wall be lowered to create a new access point for cemetery vehicles.

The council also addressed the family’s claim that they were “snubbed” by Cllr Wingrave on a local Facebook group.

It said Cllr Wingrave was not an administrator of the page and that posts were removed by page admins “when comments began to include insults and threats”.

The council’s statement did not address the family’s allegation that a stranger was almost buried in a plot they had purchased.

#cemeteries #Coedffranc #CoedffrancTownCouncil #featured #NeathPortTalbot #Skewen

Max Boyce and local heroes celebrated at St David Awards

Welsh legend Max Boyce MBE and Wales’ most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE were celebrated at the 2026 St David Awards, sharing the spotlight with a remarkable group of winners from communities across South West Wales.

Now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all of this year’s winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”

Here are the winners from the Swansea Bay region and beyond:

Young Person Award: Cian Evans

Cian Evans
Winner of the young person award

Cian Evans from Pontardawe received the Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts in the face of unimaginable tragedy. After surviving a devastating car crash that killed his mother and unborn sister, Cian has raised thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance, which helped save his life. His resilience and determination have been described as an inspiration.

Bravery Award: The Teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, Darrel Campbell
Winners of the Bravery award

Liz Hopkin, Fiona Elias, and Darrel Campbell were jointly awarded the Bravery award for their heroic actions during the terrifying knife attack at the Carmarthenshire school in April 2024. The three staff members put themselves in harm’s way to protect pupils, with Liz Hopkin sustaining multiple stab wounds while continuing to act decisively.

Community Champion Award: Faith in Families

Faith in Families
Winners of the Community Champion award

Swansea-based charity Faith in Families won the Community Champion award. The judges recognised their incredible work supporting some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods through their Community Cwtches and the launch of Cwtch Mawr, Wales’ first Multibank, which has distributed over a million essential items to families in need.

Innovation, Science and Technology Award: Professor Joanne Davies

Professor Joanne Davies
Winner of the Innovation, science and technology award

Professor Joanne Davies, Head of Simulation at Swansea University, won the Innovation, Science and Technology award. Her work in transforming medical training in Wales through cutting-edge simulation was praised for improving patient safety and preparing clinicians for real-world pressures.

Public Service Award: Dr Tipswalo Day

Dr Tipswalo Day
Winner of the Public services award

Dr Tipswalo Day, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, was awarded the Public Service award for her pioneering work to reduce stillbirths and birth-related brain injuries. She also founded Race Matters in Maternity, Wales’ first conference tackling inequalities in maternal care.

Other Winners

• Culture Award: Max Boyce MBE
• Sport Award: Jess Fishlock MBE
• Business Award: de Novo Solutions
• Environment Champion Award: Deorfa Cynrig Hatchery
• Volunteering Award: Brian Jones
• First Minister’s Special Award: Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE

#Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #CianEvans #DarrelCampbell #DrTipswaloDay #ElunedMorganMS #FaithInFamilies #FionaElias #GlangwiliHospital #JessFishlock #LizHopkin #MaxBoyce #NeathPortTalbot #Pontardawe #ProfessorJoanneDavies #StDavidAward #StDavidAwards #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #YsgolDyffrynAman

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: Neath Port Talbot to get new surveillance blitz in major fly‑tipping crackdown

According to Welsh Government figures, 42,171 fly‑tipping incidents were reported across Wales in the last year alone, with household waste making up 71% of the total. Ministers say the £23.1m investment aims to strengthen enforcement and clean up communities. The Welsh Government also says it has provided £1.6m directly to the Fly‑tipping Action Wales programme since 2022, supporting surveillance, enforcement and education.

The national crackdown is being led by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies, who said there is “never any excuse for fly‑tipping” and warned that offenders will face tougher action.

Hotspots in the Crosshairs

Neath Port Talbot Council is one of a select group of local authorities to receive a dedicated grant for camera‑based enforcement projects, according to the Welsh Government. Officials say Denbighshire, Flintshire and Pembrokeshire have also been awarded funding, with lessons from the rollout to be shared nationally.

Fly‑tipping Action Wales is providing 150 new high‑tech trail cameras to target known hotspots across Wales, including sites in Neath Port Talbot.

The organisation says the cameras are designed to catch offenders in the act, providing the high‑quality evidence needed to secure prosecutions and issue fixed penalty notices.

Cllr Scott Jones, Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said:

“Fly‑tipping is an environmental crime that blights our communities. By strengthening our enforcement capabilities, we are sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Neath Port Talbot.”

The mural behind the group — titled Don’t Waste Our Future — was created last month by pupils from Ysgol Melin alongside celebrity artist Nathan Wyburn as part of a Fly‑tipping Action Wales education project.

The artwork, which features a striking pair of watchful eyes, was designed to confront illegal dumping head‑on and has since become one of Neath Port Talbot’s most recognisable anti‑fly‑tipping landmarks.

A Ysgol Melin pupil helps paint the mural during a hands‑on workshop led by Welsh portrait artist Nathan Wyburn.

Higher Fines Considered

The Welsh Government has confirmed it is reviewing fixed penalty levels for fly‑tipping, with the potential for fines to be increased to act as a stronger deterrent.

According to ministers, the current maximum fixed penalty for fly‑tipping in Wales is £400, while household waste duty‑of‑care offences carry a £300 limit. Both are now under review.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

“Illegal dumping is a blight on our communities. These new cameras and the review of fines send a clear message: if you fly‑tip in Wales, you will be caught and you will face the consequences.”

Officials are also warning residents to check that anyone they pay to remove waste is a registered carrier. The Welsh Government says that if waste is handed to an unlicensed collector and later found fly‑tipped, the householder could face a fine or prosecution.

A National Problem, A Local Solution

The wider crackdown forms part of the Welsh Government’s drive to protect the landscape and standardise enforcement across Wales. Ministers say lessons from the Neath Port Talbot rollout will be shared with other councils.

Residents are being urged by Fly‑tipping Action Wales to use only registered waste carriers when disposing of large items, as unlicensed “man with a van” services are frequently linked to illegal dumping that costs councils thousands of pounds to clear.

The push comes as new Welsh Government waste figures show Wales’ recycling rate has risen from 66.6% to 68.4% — but fly‑tipping remains a persistent and costly problem for local authorities.

Is fly‑tipping a problem on your street? Let us know below.

#CCTV #CllrScottJones #flyTipping #FlyTippingActionWales #flytipping #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #surveillance #WelshGovernment

CHARGED: Man in court after ‘major incident’ saw weapons found and homes evacuated in Abergwynfi

Maximin Carter, from Blaengwynfi, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a private place and possessing a prohibited weapon—specifically a self-contained gas cartridge air weapon.

The charges follow a dramatic police operation on Commercial Street, Abergwynfi, earlier this week, which saw residents forced from their homes as officers uncovered a cache of weapons at a local property.

Police Blast ‘Incorrect’ Social Media Rumours

In a stern warning to the public, South Wales Police have moved to debunk “incorrect” rumours circulating on social media regarding the suspect’s previous police contact.

A police spokesperson said:

“We are aware of social media posts suggesting Carter was released following a prior arrest over the weekend. This is incorrect. Please be mindful when sharing information from unverified sources.”

Remanded in Custody

Carter has been remanded in custody and is set to appear before magistrates this morning, Wednesday, February 18.

The incident caused significant disruption in the small community, with a large police presence remaining at the scene for several hours as the weapons were safely removed. The discovery of the prohibited gas cartridge air weapon—a device that can be converted to fire live ammunition—is seen as a particularly serious element of the investigation.

Were you affected by the Abergwynfi evacuation? Get in touch: [email protected]

#Abergwynfi #Blaengwinfi #Blaengwynfi #gasCartridgeAirWeapon #NeathPortTalbot #SouthWalesPolice #weapons #weaponsCache

FORGOTTEN AGAIN: South West Wales snubbed as Starmer unveils seven new rail stations — but NOT ONE is for Swansea or the West

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan are set to unveil a major rail commitment today [Wednesday], promising to “transform Welsh rail” and support 12,000 jobs. However, the multi-million pound investment—billed as a decade of national renewal—appears to stop abruptly at the borders of South East and North Wales.

Seven New Stations—But None for Us

While the UK Government has committed almost half a billion pounds in this Spending Review to build seven brand-new stations, the list reveals a familiar geographical bias. Every single new stop is located in the Cardiff/Newport area or North Wales:

• Magor and Undy
• Llanwern
• Cardiff East
• Newport West
• Somerton
• Cardiff Parkway
• Deeside Industrial Park

For commuters in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire, the announcement offers plenty of rhetoric about “national renewal” but zero new tracks or platforms on the ground.

The snub comes despite the region having a clear vision for its own future. The Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro project aims to create a modern, integrated transport network for the region, while the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan was recently approved by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC). Yet, while the plans are ready, the UK Government’s “generational” funding appears to have hit a buffer before reaching the West.

‘Historic Dither and Delay’—Or Just a Different Kind?

The Prime Minister claims the plan turns the page on years of “chronic chop-and-changing and underinvestment” by previous governments.

Keir Starmer said:

“This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future. This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term – and change communities will feel.”

However, for residents in the West, the “change” may be hard to feel when the nearest new station is over 40 miles away in Cardiff.

A ‘Huge Win’ for the East, a Snub for the West

The investment builds on the Welsh Government’s existing £1.1bn electrification of the Core Valley Lines and £800m in new fleet. While the government touts this as proof of what can be achieved when the UK and Welsh Governments work together, critics are likely to ask why that cooperation hasn’t extended to the West of the country.

The news comes just as Swansea records the weakest employment performance in Wales, further fueling concerns that the city is being left behind in the race for national infrastructure.

What Happens Next?

The Prime Minister is set to formally endorse the Transport for Wales vision today, which will set the framework for a pipeline of future projects. Whether that pipeline eventually reaches the West remains to be seen, but for now, South West Wales is once again watching from the sidelines as the East gets back on track.

#Carmarthenshire #NeathPortTalbot #newStations #Swansea #trains #TransportForWales #UKGovernment