This week saw the official launch of the River Afan Walk sculpture trail in Sandfields East.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s renewal area team joined forces with Groundwork BNPT and Keep Wales Tidy to develop a project to improve the environment alongside the river walk.
The walk forms part of the National Sustrans Cycle Network which supports the use of artwork along the route depicting the local character of the area.
Five sculptures have been installed along the path leading to the seafront to create a gallery of work for visitors and local people to stop and enjoy.
Ecologist Judith Oakley and artist Nigel Talbot worked with pupils from Tywyn Primary School who made an invaluable contribution to the design of the sculptures. Each one houses a cast iron plaque depicting an item of interest and bearing a pupil’s name.
Inspiration for the project was found from the local landscape when the pupils were taken on a field visit along the river at low tide where they discovered remnants of the area’s industrial past. They learned about the local environment and the wildlife found there.
Funded by the Renewal Area and Sustainable Aggregates Levy Funding, the materials used reflected the local steel industry and timber from local docks.
On the day, the council’s climate change team teamed up with Keep Tidy Wales to do a litter pick along the riverbank with pupils from Tywyn school.
“The community arts project illustrates the natural history and industrial heritage of this unique area,” says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.
“The renewal area regeneration scheme is now in its seventh year and, thanks to excellent partnership working, has proved to be hugely successful in making the area look much more attractive.
“This will encourage both visitors and local people to take up cycling or walking and enjoy a safe and pleasant route along the river bank.
“I would like to thank pupils and teachers from Tywyn Primary for their magnificent contribution.”
Executive Director of Groundwork, Mark Evans, added,”This year is a significant year for Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot as it celebrates its 21st Anniversary.
“Founded in 1989 in Bridgend, it began its operations in Neath Port Talbot in 2002. In the past 8 years it has delivered a wide range of environmental, energy and environmental arts projects throughout the borough.
“The Afan River Walk project is a prime example of the type of partnership working that is central to Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot throughout its activities; engaging with local communities in environmental regeneration projects to improve the quality and increase awareness of their local environment.”
