Chairman’s Annual Report 2025–2026
This year has been a transformative one for the Community Council as we focused on a significant project involving substantial costs. Our primary goal was to update the defunct Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) into a state-of-the-art 3G pitch. We were fortunate to receive expert assistance from Mr. Paul Hinder of Neath Port Talbot Council, who took charge of the funding application process.
We were initially granted support from the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund, allowing us to move forward with a feasibility study to determine whether the project was viable. However, during this process, we were informed by Pen Y Cymoedd that they could no longer serve as the main funding partner for this initiative. Despite our efforts to secure alternative funding, we unfortunately received no responses, leading us to reluctantly shelve the project.
In line with our commitment to the environment and sustainability, as outlined in the Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, we have continued to prioritize the natural environment in all our activities. Both Abergarwed and Resolven parks underwent inspections by ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to ensure the safety and viability of all equipment.
We were thrilled to attend the local carnival in July, where we donated to support the event’s continued success. Our contribution to the community remains a key focus of the Council’s work.
The bowling green remains a point of pride. We have continued to update and maintain a high-quality green with the invaluable support of the local bowlers, who not only assist with maintenance but have also invested in an aerator machine to ensure the green remains in excellent condition. Additionally, hand blowers have been installed in the newly refurbished toilets to further enhance the facility.
The Council was delighted to donate to and attend the successful Bowls Tournament in August, which saw teams from across the region compete. We continue to support the community’s sporting activities, and the tournament was a great success, thanks to the hard work of all involved.
As always, we remain committed to honouring the community through the Remembrance Service in November, where we gather to pay our respects. This year, we also participated in the National Day of Reflection by laying a wreath at the COVID-19 Memorial in commemoration of those lost during the pandemic.
During the festive season, the Christmas lights and trees were installed, accompanied by a new banner which we plan to purchase in full at a later date.
We also saw the resignation of three councillors this year, and we are proud to have welcomed three new members to the Council, whose fresh perspectives and contributions are already proving invaluable.
Sustainability continues to be a key priority. We have focused on maintaining wildflower areas and reducing grass cutting in various council-managed grounds. We also met with the local football teams who regularly use our recreation field at no cost. With their support, we were able to renovate the field and ensure its continued upkeep for future use.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Clerk for all her hard work and dedication throughout the term. Her support has been invaluable to the Council’s activities.
As my term comes to an end, I extend my best wishes to my successor for the year ahead and trust that they will continue the important work of the Council in 2026/27.
