Party of Wales Neath and Swansea East For Fairness. For Ambition. For You.

In March this year, at the start of lockdown, Blaengwrach ward had the devastating news that the bridge at Chain Road had been so severely damaged by Storm Dennis that it had to be closed with immediate effect.

The bridge is a vital pedestrian link between the two settlements of Blaengwrach and the Lamb. The Welsh Government, at the time of completing the A465, insisted that the ward had a pedestrian rather than a vehicular access.

A lot of discussion took place about this important issue between Plaid Cymru County Councillor for Blaengwrach, Carolyn Edwards, and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council during lockdown and after a lot of wrangling Neath Port Talbot Council agreed to put a temporary bridge in place, to be replaced in the near future with a brand new bridge.

“Although the underpass itself is not the best solution for access it became obvious once closed how vital that link is to the both communities and I am very grateful that despite the difficulties caused by COVID 19 the issue has been satisfactorily resolved.”  - Cllr Carolyn Edwards, Plaid Cymru County Borough Councillor for Bryngwrach.

Welfare Park Improvements

Carolyn Edwards says that her proudest achievement last year was the successful Park project at Blaengwrach Welfare Park.

“The project was achieved by the hard work of Blaengwrach Community Council, of which I am chair, the clerk and councillors. The project could not have been achieved without funding from the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm, the Selar Trust Fund and Neath Port Talbot. It is an amazing achievement we thank all concerned with the project and the Plaid Cymru led council is now looking at future developments at the park.”

Wild flower garden

As Chair of Blaengwrach Community Council, Cllr Carolyn Edwards helped  children of Blaengwrach school, members of Glynneath training centre and volunteers have created a wild flower garden at the entrance to the village.

Cllr Edwards said : “It is hoped that this garden will enhance the entrance to the village and encourage our youngsters to take an interest in gardening and encouraging wild flowers and insects etc to flourish.’