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Funded by the UK Government, the Pride in Place Programme will bring up to £20 million of investment over the next decade to support regeneration, strengthen communities and improve opportunities across the Upper Afan Valley.

The newly established Neighbourhood Board will play a central role in shaping the future of the area. Working alongside residents, community organisations, businesses and public sector partners, the Board will develop a shared long-term vision for the Upper Afan Valley, help shape investment priorities and oversee the delivery of local projects.

The appointments follow an extensive recruitment and engagement process. Expressions of interest were promoted through community events, local networks, social media and press activity, generating strong interest from across the valley.

The Board membership includes representatives from communities across Cymmer, Gwynfi, Glyncorrwg, Dyffryn Rhondda, Cynonville, Croeserw and Sunnyside/Heol y Glyn, alongside representatives from local businesses, voluntary organisations, anchor institutions and elected representatives. 

A place for a young person representative is expected to be confirmed following further engagement with young people across the valley.

The appointees include:
-    David Roberts (Cymmer)
-    Dr Brian Gibbons (Gwynfi)
-    Laurence Davies (Glyncorrwg)
-    Lisa Millichap (Dyffryn Rhondda)
-    Vicki Sloan (Cynonville)
-    Barbara Trahar (Croeserw)
-    Wayne Finnemore (Sunnyside/Heol y Glyn)
-    Ryan Thomas (Local business owner)
-    David Teague (Local business owner)
-    Darren Johnson (Voluntary sector)
-    Ceri Thomas (Voluntary sector)
-    Tiff Dew (Voluntary sector)
-    Jazzmine Roberts (Safeguarding)
-    Roxanne Collins (Tai Tarian)
-    Gemma Charnock (NPT Group/College)
-    Tony Potts (NPTCVS)

The Neighbourhood Board also includes Stephen Kinnock (MP for Aberafan and Maesteg), Cllr. Scott Jones (Gwynfi and Croeserw), Cllr. Jeff Jones (Cymmer and Glyncorrwg), Andrew Collins (Regeneration and Economic Development Manager at Neath Port Talbot Council), with Karen Jones MBE leading the way as Chairperson.
 

Karen Jones MBE, Independent Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, said:

“Today we are announcing the appointments to our Neighbourhood Board.

“I’d like to first of all thank everyone who expressed an interest in joining the Board. We had interest from a really good cross section of people from across the Upper Valley. The recruitment process has enabled us to create a Board that brings together people with wide-ranging experiences, skillsets and perspectives.   All Board members share a pride in the Upper Afan Valley and are committed to using this programme to create a positive legacy for people who will live and work in the valley in the years to come.

“I am really looking forward to working with everyone to make the most of this opportunity.  Our first task will be to engage widely with residents, businesses, voluntary organisations and other stakeholders to hear about the priorities they would like the programme to focus upon. Their views will inform the first four-year investment plan that we need to put in place by the end of November.

“As we had many more people come forward than we had Board places, we are offering those who are not Board members a role elsewhere in the Programme.  This will really help us build momentum and benefit from the skills and ideas that they also have to offer.  

“We will hold our first Board meeting on 31st July when we will agree the detailed programme of work for the coming months”.
 

Councillor Stephen Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“I’m proud to see the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board formally take shape for the Upper Afan Valley. Backed by up to £20 million of UK Government investment over the next decade, this is our chance to turn local ambition into lasting change. The Board brings together residents, community leaders, businesses and partners who know the Valley best, and I congratulate every appointee.

“My commitment is clear: this programme will be driven by local voices, delivered with transparency and measured by real outcomes. We will publish clear investment priorities, report progress openly, and make sure every pound works hard for communities from Cymmer and Gwynfi to Glyncorrwg, Dyffryn Rhondda, Cynonville, Croeserw and Sunnyside/Heol y Glyn. Early engagement will shape the first four-year plan, and the door is open for everyone—especially young people—to get involved.

“Together we will focus on what matters most: good jobs and skills, thriving centres, better connectivity, safer and warmer homes, and vibrant green spaces—building a fairer and more confident Upper Afan Valley for the long term.”


Stephen Kinnock, Member of Parliament for Aberafan Maesteg and Secretary of State for Wales said:

“This is an exciting moment for the Upper Afan Valley because the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme presents a unique opportunity to bring together local expertise and community ambition to deliver real change. The strength of Pride in Place lies in the people who know the Valley best, and I am delighted to see such a broad range of residents, businesses and organisations represented on the Neighbourhood Board.

“I would like to congratulate every member of the Board, and as a proud member of the Board myself I look forward to teaming up with my colleagues to develop a shared vision that builds on the Valley’s many strengths and assets and creates new opportunities for local people in the years ahead.”

“The Pride in Place Programme will now move into its next phase, with the Board working to develop a shared vision and investment plan that reflects the aspirations and priorities of local people.”

Further information on the Pride in Place Programme can be found here: Pride in Place Programme - NPT Council