Although volunteering on the canal is suspended for the time being, due to the COVID pandemic, nothing stops the workers from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. Following on from their tremendous work north of Trebanos Locks, here they are resurfacing the towpath south of the locks right through to the Neath/Swansea boundary. First the path is levelled, next a layer of hardcore is compacted and finally a topping of tarmac applied. The tarmac looks quite stark at the moment but it will soon mellow.
There is no doubt that the new surface running from the piped section in Trebanos all the way to the county boundary will improve vastly the access to the canal and will be appreciated by everyone, particularly walkers pushing prams and buggies and those with limited mobility. No more muddy puddles to negotiate! When lockdown ends our volunteers will further improve this lovely section of resurfaced tow path by installing our three new “Happy to Chat/ Hapus i Siarad” benches. It is now, indeed, a lovely place to sit and talk.
The Society is indebted to NPTCBC for funding this project and Paul Rapsey for providing the photographs.
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2 comments
Williams says:
Feb 19, 2021
This is an environmental disaster, these were originally made for horses to pull coal barges along the canal the surfaces were fine as they were compacted , now you have turned them into a race track for every lunatic to use their racing bike skills on!, it’s not safe to walk on any of the resurfaced paths in the area due to the the”i,m acycilist get out of my way “ attitude of many” sporting/hobby “ cycilists, also the harm from the oils that leach from tarmacadam into the canal is uneccasary pollution. I am horrified the council are doing this destroying a lovely walk, it is not safe to walk these cycle ways , cycilists and pedestrians do not mix!!!!, you are destroying a natural area enviorment to grab grants meant to ease vehicle use in built up and town areas, shame on you , as a person who lives in the area and use the foot paths daily I am disgusted,
Soames says:
Mar 4, 2021
Whilst I largely agree with your sentiments am even more concerned about the lack of consideration regarding the local swan population. The putting up of huge metal fences is hindering their natural movements. The two local mature swans have been unable to visit their regular stretch of water, their territory and eventual breeding grounds! One of the youngsters has been separated from his new flock and is locked out , being in the “wrong” place with no way back !
I hope the people in charge of this operation will be made aware of the situation and take urgent steps to rectify this problem as the breeding season will soon be upon us and nest building takes considerable time and access is therefore imperative!