“I was just existing, not living” — Port Talbot’s Ayla beats the odds to graduate as mental health nurse

The Sandfields student collected her BSc Nursing (Mental Health) from Swansea University this week, a moment she once thought impossible.

“I was experiencing paranoia and mania — I was really unwell, and it affected my schooling very badly. I had to be home schooled, and I left education without any kind of qualification,” Ayla recalled.

By 18 she felt isolated and hopeless.

“I had no friends and no social life. I was just existing, not living. The drugs slurred my speech, and I was sleeping during the day. I knew I wanted to take control of my life, I had to break free from the fear.”

Determined to become a nurse, she enrolled at Afan College to gain access qualifications. With support from lecturers and family, she began to rebuild her confidence.

A turning point came when she met campaigner Jonny Benjamin, founder of the charity Beyond. He invited her onto a youth board and asked her to contribute to The Book of Hope: 101 Voices on Overcoming Adversity — alongside Joe Wicks, Dame Kelly Holmes and Zoe Sugg.

“That gave me a huge confidence boost and led to me applying to Swansea to study nursing,” Ayla said.

At Swansea University she was paired with specialist mentor Pamela Johnson through the wellbeing service.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without her,” Ayla said. “I would never have been able to cope. I am so grateful.”

Pamela praised her resilience:

“Ayla has worked incredibly hard throughout her course to manage her mental health while consistently working to the best of her ability.”

Now qualified, Ayla wants to use her experience to change the way schools support young people.

“I hope to raise awareness and make changes within schools to help children and young people struggling with mental ill health in a supportive and inclusive way, all the while sharing hope that we can still achieve our dreams.”

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#AfanCollege #DameKellyHolmes #JoeWicks #mania #mentalHealth #MentalHealthNurse #nursing #paranoia #PortTalbot #Sandfields #SchoolOfHealthAndSocialCare #SwanseaUniversity #ZoeSugg

Petition launched as locals boycott The Brunswick Arms over far‑right event

The petition, started by long‑time customer Jenny Hall, calls on the pub to commit publicly to refusing future bookings from groups linked to far‑right politics. Jenny said she was “shocked” to learn of the meeting, which friends stumbled across while visiting the pub one evening.

“The Brunswick was one of my favourite pubs in Swansea, and I’ve been attending their quiz ever since I moved here years ago as a student,” she said.

“So I was horrified to discover they had hosted this group. Everyone I know is appalled at the rise of racism and anti‑migrant sentiment in the UK, and it’s gutting to see a well‑loved local institution contributing to this climate of hostility and fear. I won’t be going back without a public commitment from the Brunswick’s management not to host groups like this again.”

Far‑right party launch

Advance UK was set up in June 2025 by Ben Habib, former deputy leader of Reform UK, who said he wanted to establish a party “to the right of Reform.” The group has been linked with convicted fascist Tommy Robinson and has promoted far‑right narratives online. It was involved in a demonstration in London on 13 September and has supported protests outside hotels housing refugees.

Events organised by Advance UK in Cardiff and Newcastle have already been cancelled after venues refused to host them.

Pub ownership

A spokesperson for Star Pubs, which owns the Brunswick Arms building, said:

“We had no knowledge of this meeting and wouldn’t expect to as although Star Pubs owns the building, The Brunswick Arms is leased to an independent operator to run as his own business. He is responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the pub. We will however bring the situation to his attention.”

The landlord of The Brunswick Arms has been approached for comment.

Local context

The Brunswick Arms is located on Duke Street in the Uplands area of Swansea, close to St Helen’s Road — one of the city’s most multicultural streets, home to international restaurants and food stores. Swansea became one of the UK’s first Cities of Sanctuary in 2010, committing to create a culture of welcome and hospitality for newcomers.

Many petition signatories, including long‑standing customers, have left comments expressing their dismay at the pub’s decision to host the event. The petition remains open for additional signatures and can be viewed online here.

#advanceUk #dukeStreet #featured #petition #politics #pub #sandfields #starPubs #theBrunswickArms

Two men in hospital and three arrested after disturbance on St Helen’s Road

South Wales Police said they were called to St Helen’s Road, Sandfields, at around 10.15pm (24 September).

Arrests

A 25‑year‑old man from Sandfields, a 23‑year‑old man from Waun Wen, and a 19‑year‑old man from Barry have all been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and affray. They remain in custody.

Victims

Two men were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Police say both are in a stable condition.

Scene and disruption

A police cordon remained in place on Thursday morning, with officers warning of traffic disruption. The closure affects the first section of Richardson Street, where it meets St Helen’s Road, and extends around the pavement outside Madbuns Milkshakes and Mocktails.

Police statement

A South Wales Police spokesperson said:

“An investigation into this incident is currently ongoing. A scene is being held in the area alongside an increased police presence which may cause traffic disruption. Please avoid the area if you can.”

Appeal

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact police quoting reference 2500307012.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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#Affray #assault #knifeCrime #RichardsonStreet #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #WaunWen

Port Talbot men banned from handling waste after repeated fly‑tipping offences

Swansea Magistrates’ Court imposed Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) on Michael Joseph Quilligan, 22, of Western Avenue, Sandfields, and Steven Gilheaney, 26, of Radnor House, Sandfields, when they appeared in court on Thursday, 18 September.

Both men were handed 16‑week jail terms, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,465 in prosecution costs each, along with a £154 victim surcharge. They must also complete a 15‑day rehabilitation programme under the Probation Service.

Pattern of dumping

The court heard the pair had been linked to several incidents of illegal dumping, including large amounts of household, construction and garden waste abandoned at sites in Sandfields, Margam and Aberavon between 2023 and early 2025.

Investigations by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Waste Enforcement Team found the men had been paid to remove waste from businesses and private addresses, but instead of disposing of it legally, they dumped it on disused land.

Court order

The two‑year CBO prevents Quilligan and Gilheaney from collecting or transporting waste anywhere in Neath Port Talbot, unless employed by a licensed scrap metal business. Breaching the order could result in further prosecution and prison sentences.

Council response

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

“I want to congratulate our Waste Enforcement Team for yet again bringing before the courts those who seriously damage our environment by dumping waste. It’s clear the courts are taking these offences seriously with the sentences, fines and Criminal Behaviour Order imposed in this case.”

Related stories on fly‑tipping

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Man fined over £1,200 after being caught removing waste without a licence
A Swansea man was prosecuted following a test‑purchase sting targeting unlicensed waste carriers.

Driver has to pay £1,717 after bathroom waste is fly‑tipped near picnic site
A van driver was held responsible for dumped bathroom fittings found near a Neath beauty spot.

#Aberavon #CllrScottJones #CriminalBehaviourOrders #flytipping #illegalDumping #Margam #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Recycling #Sandfields #wasteDisposal #WasteEnforcement

Rain gardens installed to tackle flooding in Swansea’s Sandfields

The largest scheme is outside St Helen’s Primary School, where trees and shrubs are being planted in a purpose‑built garden to help soak up surface water after heavy rain. Improved paving and dropped kerbs have also been added to make it easier for pupils, parents and other residents to get around on foot, by bike or scooter.

The council said the work is part of a wider programme to enhance active travel routes across Swansea, backed by Welsh Government’s Active Travel fund and other public and charitable grants. Around £160,000 has been invested in several Sandfields locations, focusing on closing gaps in pedestrian and cycle connections where streets end in cul‑de‑sacs.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The funding we have secured for walking and cycling, in the main, is used to create new routes that connect communities, enabling people to travel in a more sustainable way.

“Some of this year’s settlement has also been directed towards the introduction of sustainable and innovative measures that not only make it easier for people to walk and cycle but also introduce green infrastructure within local communities. This is a great way of enhancing local communities, encouraging civic pride in where they live, as well as developing better sustainable transport links for those living there.”

A further rain garden has been created at the end of Burrows Road, next to Oystermouth Road. Rain gardens capture run‑off from roads and pavements, reducing the risk of flooding, filtering out pollutants before they reach waterways, and providing habitat for pollinators year‑round.

Cllr Stevens added: “Rain gardens are a great way of tackling minor flooding issues that can occur in streets. They help to capture excess surface water and boost biodiversity in urban areas when shrubs and plants are included in the design.”

#ActiveTravel #CllrAndrewStevens #floodPrevention #flooding #rainGarden #Sandfields #StHelenSPrimary #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Planning approval granted for new school in Sandfields, Port Talbot

The project will deliver a modern, environmentally sustainable learning environment for up to 511 pupils, including nursery and childcare provision, an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Unit, and part-day places for a Welsh Immersion Unit (WIU).

The development will feature a part single-storey and part two-storey school building, complete with a sports pitch, multi-use games area (MUGA), play areas, highway and access improvements, extensive landscaping, and associated works. The new school will offer high-quality teaching and learning spaces, alongside modern sports and play facilities.

The Tir Morfa training centre, which provides adult education services, will also be incorporated into the new development.

This ambitious project is part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge Programme, which supports the creation of schools that are environmentally sustainable and involve local communities, including pupils, in the design, delivery and management of the school. The development is one of only three projects selected across Wales to serve as a blueprint for future school design and delivery.

It also forms a key part of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Strategic Schools Improvement Programme (SSIP), which aims to ensure all pupils have access to high-quality education in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

Cllr Nia Jenkins, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education & Early Years, said: 

“This marks a major milestone in the Council’s Strategic Schools Improvement Programme, which is focused on ensuring all pupils have access to high-quality education in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

“The development will also incorporate adult education provision and has been designed with sustainability at its core — creating a learning environment that supports both current and future generations.

“Importantly, this new school also supports our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, which sets out how we will support and further develop Welsh-medium education across the county borough. The inclusion of a Welsh Immersion Unit is a key part of this — giving latecomers to the Welsh language a chance to develop their language skills and access Welsh-medium education.”

Construction is set to begin in late 2025.

[Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council]

#PortTalbot #Sandfields #schools

Council leader welcomes planning approval for Ospreys’ St Helen’s stadium redevelopment

Following the announcement of planning approval for the Ospreys’ proposed redevelopment of St Helen’s Sports Ground, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has welcomed the decision and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the club’s long-term future in the city.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “It’s vitally important for sport and the local economy that the Ospreys continue to be based in Swansea and we’re working together to make that happen.

“We’re doing everything we can to support the Ospreys. We’ve agreed a lease for them to make St Helen’s their new home and to widen its community use.

“And I’m pleased the council’s planning committee has today granted planning permission for the exciting redevelopment of St Helen’s.”

The council’s endorsement follows confirmation that construction work is expected to begin this autumn, with the club aiming to relocate permanently to St Helen’s in December 2025.

The approved plans include a full-size World Rugby compliant 4G pitch, three new stands, a covered terrace, upgraded floodlights, fan zones, and improved access and parking. A second phase of development would add a training barn, gym and changing rooms.

Cllr Stewart added: “By having a lease agreed and planning permission in place the Ospreys can start moving ahead with their plans to remain in Swansea and transform the historic St Helen’s ground into a modern sports facility.”

The council’s investment and the Ospreys’ lease remain conditional, with ongoing uncertainty over the future of Wales’ four rugby regions due to a WRU consultation.

Cllr Stewart said: “We know the uncertainty over the future of the regions has raised concerns about the timing of the planned redevelopment of St Helen’s.

“That’s why we’re working closely with the Ospreys and have an agreement with them to ensure the works at St Helen’s progress in line with any WRU decisions on the future structure of the regions.

“We have done all we can to support the Ospreys to get them to this point. We now hope the WRU will end the uncertainty hanging over the regions and support the Ospreys in continuing top flight rugby in Swansea.”

The redevelopment is designed to honour the site’s sporting legacy while modernising infrastructure to support elite and community rugby. Swansea RFC and Swansea University will continue to play at the ground, with Swansea RFC temporarily relocating to Dunvant RFC’s Broadacre ground during construction.

Swansea Cricket Club, a tenant at St Helen’s since 1875, will vacate the site after the 2025 season. The council is working with the club to support its move to an upgraded facility at Sketty Lane.

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#4GPitch #Brynmill #CllrRobStewart #Ospreys #Rugby #Sandfields #StHelensStadium #stadium #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaCricketClub #SwanseaRFC #SwanseaUniversity #WRU

New community garden opens in Port Talbot’s Sandfields

The garden, developed on unused green space behind Sandfields Library, was officially unveiled this week by Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Alan Roberts, local resident and Chair of the Friends of Sandfields Community group.

Led by Local Area Coordinator Aled Davies and supported by a wide range of local residents, volunteers and partner organisations, the garden is the result of more than two years of community-led development in Sandfields. It follows the success of working alongside the weekly coffee mornings, multi-agency drop-in sessions, the area’s first ‘Library of Things’ (a scheme where you can loan out everyday items), and more recently, a new food pantry and repair café.

Organisers say the garden will now provide a welcoming space for people to meet, grow fresh produce, and support biodiversity – with all produce made available for local residents to enjoy.

This project was funded by the Keep Wales Tidy Local Spaces for Nature (supersize package) who provided the resources and knowledge of Roger Key who helped the volunteers build the garden.

Councillor Jo Hale said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people are empowered and supported to take the lead in their communities. The garden is more than just a green space – it represents connection, purpose and pride. I was honoured to be invited to open the garden and to see first-hand how much it means to those involved.”

The project has been supported by a wide range of organisations including Keep Wales Tidy, Tai Tarian, The Woodland Trust, Morrisons, local councillors, Coastal, CJ Construction, Tempo Time Credits, NPT Community Food Partnership, The National Lottery, and pupils and staff from Awel-y-Mor.

Roger Key, Roving Officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside such passionate volunteers to bring this space to life. Thanks to the Supersize Package from our Local Places for Nature scheme, we were able to transform an underused area into a vibrant garden that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come. We were thrilled to attend the opening and can’t wait to see the garden thrive.”

In addition to supporting people in need in the community, Local Area Coordinators say they also help people to start up local community groups that benefit local residents and help them to grow.

#CommunityGarden #Gardening #KeepWalesTidy #LocalAreaCoordination #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #Sandfields

Work starts on state-of-the-art dialysis unit in former Port Talbot factory

Stationary House in Acacia Avenue, Sandfields, will be partly demolished ready for the new unit to be built.

It’s part of a £70 million investment in South Wales renal services and will help relieve some of the pressure on Morriston Hospital.

Patients will also be able to dialyse closer to home when the new unit opens, which is expected to be in the spring of next year.

It will feature 27 stations with a maximum capacity of 108 patients. It will also have a training area for nurses who teach people to dialyse at home.

Renal services are provided by Swansea Bay University Health Board for people in its own area as well as those in Hywel Dda and Cwm Taf Morgannwg health boards.

Existing services include two haemodialysis units at Morriston Hospital – which receive patients from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend – and one each in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

With funding from the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, several major improvements have already been carried out, such as upgrading the five existing haemodialysis units in South West Wales.

Two of these are at Morriston Hospital, with one each in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. Patients there are already benefiting from new dialysis machines and other facilities and equipment.

However, the health board also recognised a need for additional dialysis units, covering the Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend areas.

The Bridgend unit opened earlier this year. It is run on behalf of Swansea Bay by Fresenius Medical Care, which also runs the three West Wales units.

It will run the Acacia Avenue centre too. Fresenius will recruit the staff, comprising 18 clinical staff such as nurses, dialysis assistants and healthcare assistants, a clinic manager, and administrative and housekeeping staff.

The medical care will continue to be provided by the NHS consultants and pharmacists who currently look after the patients in Morriston, ensuring good continuity of care.

Renal directorate manager Sarah Siddell said: “The start of work on the new dialysis centre in Port Talbot marks a significant step forward for renal care across South West Wales.

“This development is the result of years of careful planning and collaboration, and it reflects our commitment to delivering patient-centred, accessible care.

“By providing a state-of-the-art facility closer to where many of our patients live, we are reducing travel strain and enhancing quality of life for individuals who require regular dialysis.

“We’re particularly proud that the centre will also serve as a hub for training in home dialysis, supporting greater independence for patients.

“This investment demonstrates a long-term vision for renal services, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to patients, families, and staff alike when it opens next year.”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

#Sandfields #StationHouse #SwanseaUniversityHealthBoard

Port Talbot man jailed after drink and drug fuelled arson at his own housing association flat

42-year-old Nicholas Ronan, from Sandfields in Port Talbot, confessed to having started the fire at his flat on Parry Road at the scene on 9 December 2024. He later attacked police officers attending the scene.

A sentencing hearing at Swansea Crown Court heard how Ronan threw a dumbbell through the glass of a second-floor window.

A resident was seen running out of the block of flats shouting “He’s lit a fire!”, before a passerby spotted Ronan through the broken window watching TV, drinking cider and snorting what appeared to be cocaine.

Ronan then refused to leave the burning flat saying “the ghosts are going to get me”.

Once outside the building, Ronan then threatened a firefighter and a police officer with a dumbbell, before admitting setting the fire with his curtains as he was cold.

Damage to the Tai Tarian flat caused by Ronan was estimated at £60,000.

After a psychiatric report deemed Ronan fit for court, he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Grant Phillips from South Wales Police said: “Nicholas Ronan’s reckless actions could have resulted in a fire spreading to neighbouring properties and other people being injured or worse. He clearly posed a significant risk to the public.

“His neighbours, some of whom live with their children, were rightfully highly concerned about their safety whilst living near to Ronan.

“Prison is the best place for him.”

#Arson #PortTalbot #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice

Man jailed after cannabis plants starting growing through wall of house into next door

26-year-old Tu Ba Dien has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to producing Class B drugs.

Police were alerted to the Sandfields property after cannabis plants were found to have started growing through a wall into a neighbouring address.

Officers found that all three bedrooms, as well as the attic, were being used to grow cannabis.

Tu Ba Dien was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Sergeant Carys Pudner from South Wales Police said: “Tu Ba Dien was the only person found at the address during the drugs warrant, but as is always the case, he is just one of many people involved in the network enacting this illegal trade.

“It hasn’t paid off for him – he will lose the next year to a prison term.”

#Cannabis #CannabisFarm #PortTalbot #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice

UK’s longest-serving bus driver gets royal recognition

77-year-old Kenny, who works for bus firm First Cymru has been in the bus industry for nearly 60 years. He joined his wife Linda for the memorable day at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his dedication to buses.

As well as enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the palace gardens, they also tucked into a royal tea and caught glimpses of the King and Queen, as well as other members of the Royal Family.

The Swansea-born grandfather started his bus career at the age of 18, after leaving Llamsamlet Secondary Modern School, when he became a bus conductor after just two days training for what was then called South Wales Transport. Fast forward three years, to November 1969, when he was legally allowed to drive a bus at the age of 21.

The former printer and tyre fitter fondly remembers his early years as a driver when he started at the Brunswick Street depot in Swansea before moving to the city’s Ravenhill depot, saying: “It was great being a driver in 1969. We had so many routes and carried so many passengers, including lots from all the factories, the collieries and British Steel at Port Talbot, but, of course, all that declined in the 1980s.   

“I also remember we had double deckers back then, but passengers were only allowed to smoke on the top deck. Upstairs was like a mist. All the factory girls and everybody else was up there smoking, it was unbelievable.”

While Kenny, who is married with four children and eight grandchildren, has worked for five different companies over his transport career, mainly because of takeovers and management buy-outs, he says he is proud to have continued working in the same place and in the same role.

Now in semi-retirement, Kenny’s two days a week driving is a far cry from when he started in the 1960s, working six days a week on the equivalent of £38 per month. And he puts his long career in the bus industry down to his supportive wife, Linda, whom he says “played an important part in me being able to work on the buses for so long, as she was often left to look after our four children alone for long periods of time.”

#BuckinghamPalace #busDriver #FirstCymru #HMKingCharlesIII #Sandfields #Swansea

Plans revealed for Port Talbot eco-school

Planning consultants Asbri Planning have released the details as part of a pre-planning consultation with the local community, ahead of the council submitting a formal planning application.

The proposals call for the demolition of the existing primary school and Tir Morfa Centre, and construction of a new school incorporating community facilities, a sports pitch and play areas, as well as highway and access improvements to the site.

The school will be packed with energy efficient technology including a ground source heat pump system and photovoltaic panels.

Plans say the use of carbon intensive materials will be discouraged where practicable in favour of natural and renewable materials and the use of recycled materials, where appropriate, will be encouraged.

It’s proposed that the new school will include a Welsh Language Immersion Unit and Community Hub delivering a range of educational and community services provided by Neath Port Talbot Council, partner organisations and voluntary groups.

The school design is part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Sustainable Schools Challenge’ and have been designed with help from school pupils.

Neath Port Talbot Council declined to comment on the proposal until a decision on planning approval has been made.

The consultation on the plans for new school is open on Asbri Planning’s website until 16 April 2025.

(Lead image: Asbri Planning)

#construction #education #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #PortTalbot #Sandfields #YsgolGynraddGymraegRhosafan

John Kear, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, was handed a seven-year and two-month jail term in March this year, after he was found with more than four kilos of cocaine stashed at his self-storage unit in Baglan.

During the sentencing hearing, the court was told businessman Kear was “pressured” in to storing the drugs for other criminals, and was paid for doing so.

But financial investigators from South Wales Police told a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing this week that the 57-year-old had benefitted from his criminal actions by more than £621,000 and had available assets totalling £82,528.

The judge at this week’s hearing at Swansea Crown Court issued a confiscation order for the £82,528.

The financial investigator in the case welcomed the outcome.

The investigators, from the Force Intelligence Economic and Cybercrime Unit, said: “Organised crime and large-scale drug supply causes misery within our communities, with some of society’s most vulnerable often being exploited by ruthless criminals who are only concerned with making large quantities of cash and funding lavish lifestyles.

“I hope this outcome sends a stark warning to others who are engaged in such criminality; not only will our officers work tirelessly to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts to remove them from our streets, we will then also use all means available to us to ensure assets gained as the result of criminality are removed from their possession.”

Under the requirements of the order, John Kear will have three months to repay the sum outlined by the courts. Failure to do so could result in an additional one-year jail term.

Proceeds from assets seized under the POCA are divided between the HM Treasury, court service, South Wales Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service.

(Lead image South Wales Police)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/30/convicted-port-talbot-drug-dealer-ordered-to-pay-back-more-than-80k-of-ill-gotten-gains/

#drugs #PortTalbot #Sandfields #SouthWalesPolice

The Burrows Road raingarden has been installed by Swansea Council in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

It was funded by a Welsh Government Local Places for Nature grant.

Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “It’s great to see this innovative and attractive addition to the Sandfields street scene.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the raingarden. It enhances the street’s appearance and will play a crucial role in improving drainage, supporting wildlife and providing a year-round haven for pollinators.

“This project is a great example of how we work with our partners to create practical solutions that benefit residents and the environment.”

Fran Rolfe, senior environment officer, Natural Resources Wales, said: “It’s fantastic to see the raingarden being planted near the seafront.

“Positioned right next to the beach, it will help reduce the risk of pollution as well as prevent local flooding. It will also provide a home for wildlife, looks great and I hope will be enjoyed by the community and visitors.” 

The raingarden is designed to be a sustainable solution to upgrade the Burrows Road drainage system, building resilience to climate change and contributing to nature recovery. 

It captures water runoff from the road and pavements; its trees, shrubs and flowers help reduce the risk of flooding. It helps decrease pollution getting into waterways and harming ecosystems.  

It offers food and shelter to pollinators all year round and provides a splash of colour through the seasons. 

The council has declared a climate and nature emergency. Working with NRW, it’s trialling solutions – including the raingarden – to help reverse biodiversity loss and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

The raingarden fitted neatly into one end of Burrows Road, meaning no loss of parking spaces. An existing tree was retained.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/08/20/city-streets-new-green-feature-aims-to-help-combat-climate-challenge/

#climateChange #Environment #Garden #NaturalResourcesWales #Sandfields #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil