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Croeserw is a village of approximately 1,380 inhabitants in Neath Port Talbot County Borough.

Location
It stands on a hillside in the Afan Valley (also known as Avon) at between 196 and 299 metres above sea level.

Origins
It takes its name from the Croeserw Farm and 'woollen factory', possibly of the Elizabethan period, which was demolished for road widening of the A1407 in 1982. A stone monument now marks the position where the farm once stood. Croeserw, meaning in the Welsh language 'Crossing-acre' (Croes = Cross/crossing + Erw = acre) refers possibly to the road crossings where the lip of the Afan Valley meets the upper reaches of the Llynfi Valley.

Amenities
Old Croeserw consists of the older buildings and the large cemetery on the hill overlooking the A1407. New Croeserw, higher up the hill, consists mainly of post-war public housing, many of which are now private. A cluster of retail outlets including a post office, a former Co-op supermarket, now family run, and an older hotel-pub are also located in New Croeserw. There is also an industrial park, and a primary school.

Croeserw is surrounded on all sides by hills and mountains:

• Rhiw Llech Mountain: North of Croeserw, meaning 'Slate Slope Mountain', rises to 390 metres above sea level.
• Gelli Mountain: North-East of Croeserw. Gelli means Grove. The mountain takes its name from the nearby Gelli Farm. The mountain rises to 450m above sea level.
• Caerau Mountain: South-East of Croeserw. Caerau means 'walls'. The mountain takes its name from nearby Caerau. The mountain rises to 556m above sea level.
• Foel Fawr Mountain: West of Croeserw, meaning 'Great Peak', rises to 347m above sea level.

It is known locally as 'Little Switzerland', and many of the houses on the hill bear the distinctive Swiss-chalet-style wide gables and long sloping roofs.

History
A woollen farm has existed in Croeserw since pre-industrial times. In the 19th century, Old Croeserw was developed as part of the expansion of coal mining into the upper reaches of the Afan Valley. Local mines included Scatton, Avon and Dyffryn coal pits as well as numerous drift mines. In order to meet the energy demand New Croeserw was developed to house mining families to service the burgeoning coal mines. These houses were substantially refurbished by the local authority in the 1980s/90s.

In 1982 the old Croeserw Farmhouse was demolished. After the mine closures, Croeserw experienced an economic downturn.

Today, the main industries around Croeserw consist of light manufacturing, service sector, retail, forestry and farming. There is also a high level of unemployment and a large part of the population in retirement.

It is hoped that the development of tourism and leisure facilities will provide further employment opportunities. Croeserw is well-served by regular direct bus services to Maesteg and Bridgend, and scenic roads on all sides, including easy road links to Port Talbot, Neath, Swansea and the M4.

Recent developments include the Afan Forest Park (also known as Afan Argoed Country Park) Visitor Centre , the South Wales Mining Museumnear Cynonville, and the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre and Ponds.

Scenic drives

• A4063 Croeserw to Caerau: Panoramic views of the upper Llynfi valley.
• A4107 Croeserw to Cwmavon: Gentle drive with scenic mountain views.
• A4107 Croeserw to The Bwlch yr Afan (meaning Afan Mountain Pass): Panoramic views of the summits of the Glamorgan mountains. The Bristol Channel is clearly visible.
• A4061 The Bwlch to Treorchy: Panoramic views of the Rhondda Valley.
• A4061 The Bwlch to Nantymoel: Panoramic views of the Ogmore Valley.

Windfarm controversy
The Welsh Assemblyaims to achieve 10% of all energy from renewable energy sources by the year 2010. Under the TAN8 plan, 38% of all potential sites within Wales have been located within Neath Port Talbot.

NPowerRenewables recently completed 16x 300ft windfarm turbines on Ffynnon Oer. These turbines considerably interrupt the view of the mountains from Croeserw even though they are some distance away. Spanish-owned Gamesaplans to build 14x 603ft turbines, 4 on Blaencorrwg, and 10x on Gelli Mountain, which stands directly above Croeserw. Cardiff-based Eco2 plans to build 4x 410ft turbines on Corrwg Fechan overlooking Glyncorrwg.

There is widespread concern that these constructions will drive away the much-needed tourism in an area that is struggling to get back on its feet. The opposition to these plans is led by Glyncorrwg Action Group, which is also spearheading a drive with local MP Dr Hywel Francis to designate the Afan Valley as a much-deserved Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Sport
Croeserw United Football Club is a football (soccer) team based in Port Talbot. They are one of the four clubs based in the Upper Afan Valley competing in the Port Talbot Football League (along with Abercregan Refresh, Gwynfi United & Glyncorrwg Hall), currently playing in the Port Talbot Premier Football League. They play their home games in various grounds including, Brambles Football Field & Maesteg Swing Parks, both in Maesteg. They are based at Tudor Park where they will return in September 2008. Their Home Pub/Club where all the players gather is called the Croeserw Workingmens Club, Croeserw.