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Members of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board spent the summer gathering lots of information to help them understand what people think the strengths of the Upper Afan Valley are, what people believe the challenges to be and their ideas of how those could be addressed.  

Over the coming weeks, every household will receive a survey giving a further opportunity for people to contribute to the development of the investment plan for the first four years of the programme as well as the overall difference the programme would aim to make over the next 10 years. This complements the face-to-face events happening in every village, a call for project ideas and other community work aimed at making sure everyone has an opportunity to have their voice heard.
 

Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, Karen Jones said:

“We have set up several ways to gather information from residents and people working in the Upper Valley about the priorities they would like the Board to focus on. The household survey provides another opportunity for people to have their say.   

“We’d like everyone to fill out the form and return it.  If people need support to complete the form please contact the Board member for your village, Carys Miles at NPT Community Voluntary Services, or call in at one of our events and we can fill it out with you.  

“The Board is determined that its priorities will reflect what is important to local people – please make sure to have your say.”

Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Economic Growth at Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“The Pride in Place Programme offers an opportunity for people living in the Upper Afan Valley to help shape the future of their local area. These communities know their area's needs better than anyone, which is why the Neighbourhood Board wants to make sure future investment is focused on the issues that matter most to local people and delivers benefits that will be felt for years to come.

"This programme is about working together to build on the area's strengths, tackle local challenges and create new opportunities. Every voice matters, so I would urge residents to have their say and help shape a positive vision for the Upper Afan Valley over the next decade."

MP for Aberafan Maesteg, Stephen Kinnock said:

“Pride in Place is a UK Government funded programme which is all about putting local people at the heart of decisions about the future of the Upper Afan Valley. The work the Neighbourhood Board has been doing over the summer has given us a really valuable picture of what people love about our communities, the challenges they want to see tackled and the opportunities they want to build on. 

“Now, as the household survey lands on doorsteps across the Valley, I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete it. Whether you have lived here all your life or are new to the area, your views matter. This is about listening to local people and making sure the investment over the next ten years delivers real, lasting change that reflects the priorities of the communities themselves.”

The household survey will be open until 31st October 2026.  Details of other engagement events happening in the Upper Valley over September and October can be found on the Facebook Group UpperAfanValleyPiP and in local community centres.  Look out for the Pride in Place posters.