Aberavon Beach has once again been acclaimed as being one of the best beaches in the UK.
For the fourth year running, the beach has received the coveted European Blue flag award, acknowledging its excellent water quality and facilities for Neath Port Talbot residents and tourists to enjoy.
The beach is one of 41 across Wales to have been awarded this highly sought after international recognition.
The authority has invested almost £4m over the past decade to improve facilities at the beach as part of its commitment to regenerate the beachfront and promenade.
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Ali Thomas said: “This is a tremendous accolade for Aberavon Beach which will in turn further boost tourism in our county borough. This award is the result of a lot of hard work and investment and I am delighted to see the council’s plans for the future of the seafront coming to fruition.”
Councillor Thomas added: “This follows on from the massive attention the area received from Michael Sheen’s acclaimed Passion weekend and compliments our other world class tourism attractions such as Margam Country Park, Afan Forest and the industrial heritage of the Neath Valley area.
Up until the mid 1960’s Aberavon Beach was a vibrant destination for miners and their families. But, changing economic and social conditions led to its decline. However, in 1998 the authority adopted a strategy to improve the physical environment of the area, increase tourism and leisure facilities and ultimately, achieve Blue Flag status for the first time in 2008.
The authority has attracted a variety funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and European Funding to enhance the physical environment of the beach and provide new facilities.
More than £1.5m was spent on improving parking facilities near the beach, landscaping the surrounding area, installing new promenade railings and improving the signs, lightings and street furniture.
Almost £2m was invested in improving leisure facilities, including the development of a sandcastle play area and skateboard park for the children and £950,000 funded the new amphitheatre, piazza and toilets.
It is estimated that well over £30m of private sector investment has taken place on the seafront since the inception of the seafront strategy, which will be further enhanced with the replacement of the Afan Lido.
This investment has helped rejuvenate the area and boost the local economy for residents and visitors alike.
