Christmas in NPT, New Council Chief Executive, Employment & Skills Fund

Christmas in Neath Port Talbot is just getting started! 🎄

If you are looking to celebrate the festive season in your community, we have a growing list of Christmas events happening all over the county!

You can also add your own events to the listings 🎅🏻

There’s something for everyone looking to celebrate: npt.gov.uk/Christmas

Frances O’Brien has started her role as the new Chief Executive Officer of NPT Council

The new Chief Executive, formerly Monmouthshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Communities and Place, was formally appointed earlier this year.

Speaking on her first day, Monday, November 18th, 2024, she said: “Taking up the post of Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council is truly an honour and the greatest opportunity of my working life.

“It’s also a homecoming for me and my family. Growing up in the area, my love and passion for the people and places in this diverse county borough fills me with pride. My pride also encompasses our history, heritage, and achievements as well as our potential and ambitions for the future.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Karen Jones for the contribution and difference she has made for residents and staff over the past four years. Karen led the authority through incredibly challenging times.

“Our aim is to make this area the best it can be to bring up healthy happy families, ensure prosperity, opportunity, and respect for all. A place that we’re all proud to say we live in and we’re from.

Great News!

Work on our ambitious £12m project to modernise visitor facilities and restore historic features at the much-loved Gnoll Country Park are firmly on track!

With the demolition of the old ageing visitor centre complete, the steel structure for a new fully accessible two storey visitor centre is currently being erected this week.

As a reminder, this will encompass a modern café, stunning south facing balcony views across the lake, event, meeting and conference facilities and a dedicated children’s soft play space.

Elsewhere, the roof at Pond cottage has been replaced and the construction team continue work inside to bring it back into use. This will provide visitor accommodation which will have capacity for up to six people staying overnight in three tastefully decorated double bedrooms enjoying stunning views over the park.

There’s also significant restoration work underway on the park’s spectacular and historic Cascades. Remember, while all this work continues, our temporary catering facilities and temporary toilets remain open to visitors.

1 in 7 properties in Wales is at risk of flooding

Sign up to NRW’s free Flood Warning Information Services to get warnings when there’s a risk of flooding in your area, helping you to prepare. It's simple and free: www.naturalresources.wales/register

Floodline 0345 988 1188

Are you or anyone you know affected by changes at Tata Steel UK?

If you’ve been made redundant, either directly from Tata or from a company in the supply chain, support and funding is available to help you back into employment.

Visit our online info hub or call in to local support centres to find out more about the Employment & Skills Fund. If eligible, the fund can help you cover costs such as:

💷 training costs and exam fees
📜 work related certificates and licences
🛠️ tools and equipment

This isn’t a full list and other support costs will be considered. The fund is available to eligible people living anywhere in Wales.

If you live in Neath Port Talbot, contact NPT Employability or visit them at:

• The Workstation, Water Street, Port Talbot, SA12 6LF
• The Opportunity Hub, Aberafan Shopping Centre
• Community Union Support Centre, Aberafan Shopping Centre

Please share this with anyone who may be eligible for the fund.

Have your say on NPT’s future

Following approval by a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on Nov 27th, 2024, residents can give their views on the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) Preferred Strategy (2023-2038) from midday, Dec 12th, 2024, to midday, Feb 6th, 2025.

When live the consultation will be on our RLDP webpages.

Consultation documents will also be available to view in person at the following locations: Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre and The Quays, Briton Ferry. 

We’re also holding the following engagement / drop-in sessions: 

•   Virtual / online engagement - Tues 21st Jan 2025 – presentation from 10am to 12pm (midday); 
•   Pontardawe Library - Wed 22nd Jan 2025 between 10am – 1pm.
•   Neath Civic Centre – Wed 22nd Jan 2025 between 3pm and 6pm.
•   Port Talbot Library – Thurs 23rd Jan 2025 between 9.30am to 12.30pm; and 
•   Glynneath Library – Thurs 23rd Jan 2025 between 2.30pm to 5.30pm. 

Read the full story here

Neath Port Talbot Council shortlisted for UK-wide Council of the Year Award

Join us and create a career you love.

To view our latest vacancies and for more information, visit www.npt.gov.uk/jobs