Article
Project to Ease Visitor Pressures at Waterfall Country village to begin this summer
20 May 2025
A project to create new facilities to ease visitor pressures at Pontneddfechan, which forms part of the spectacular Waterfall Country, will begin with enabling works this June.
Here are the key highlights of the project:
- Providing a permanent parking solution: Better management of visitor impacts on the village of Pontneddfechan.
- Improved Public Toilets: New and upgraded facilities for all.
- A Farm/Community Shop: Supporting local business and the community.
- Low-Key Visitor Accommodation: Comfortable family friendly options for a pleasant stay.
- Road Safety & Landscaping: Enhancing the public realm for a safer and more pleasant environment.
- A Playpark: Creating a fun and safe space for children to play.
Waterfall Country is an area of more than a dozen waterfalls between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte in the southwestern part of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The area sees an influx of visitors each year which is having a negative impact on the local community in terms of illegal and unsuitable parking and lack of suitable facilities.
Pontneddfechan is close to the much-visited Sgwd Gwladys waterfall.
Cllr. Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism, and Well-being, said: “This project is designed to create a permanent parking solution for the area, which has been known to have serious issues with traffic during the busy summer months, and to provide facilities which can be used both by visitors and the local community.
“Although we will always aim to minimise any disruptions, parking spaces along Pontneathvaughan Road will be intermittently unavailable during the construction period. Businesses in the area are being informed to ensure smooth communication.”
Cllr. Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Climate Change, said:
“This project is an important move towards managing visitor pressures in a way that supports the local community and protects the environment. It reflects our commitment to sustainable infrastructure that works for everyone.”
For more information on this project, please visit: https://www.npt.gov.uk/business/regeneration/waterfall-country-pontneddfechan-visitor-infrastructure-investment/
This project is funded by the UK Government.