GCSE success

Today is the culmination of two years of hard work by Neath pupils and we are very proud of them all. Once again they have proved that there is a wealth of talent in the area. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of teachers and parents, and the positive policies of the Local Education Authority.

I wish them all the best in the future and I’m sure that they will continue to be successful.

Leo Abse 1917 - 2008

I am deeply saddened to hear of Leo Abse’s passing. Leo represented my husband Moc, then a member of the General and Municipal Workers Union, following an industrial accident that caused him to lose the sight in his eye. It was a difficult period and we are personally grateful for the support that he gave us.

He was accessible to ordinary people and able to really connect with them. The thoughts of Moc and I are with Leo’s family at this sad time. He will be missed by all.

- Gwenda

Congratulations for your A levels

Gwenda Thomas AM has congratulated all A and AS level students in Neath for their hard work and success. In particular, results in Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and Neath Port Talbot College continue to show improvement.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“I’m pleased that all Neath students are getting such good results. It really reflects the hard work that they and their teachers have put in. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Commenting further:

“The high level of education and teaching in the area, in partnership with the ambitions of the students themselves are showing the best of what Neath can offer. “

Hillside Secure Centre

Assembly Member Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the highly positive report from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate in Wales for the Council–run Hillside Secure Unit in Neath. The centre is designed to deal with the emotional, behavioural and mental health needs of troubled young people.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“I would like to congratulate all the staff who have worked tirelessly to deal with often, very difficult cases. Their professionalism and passion are clear in this report. This is an important service that aids the rehabilitation of young offenders and other vulnerable young people. “

Commenting further:

“Local residents can have confidence that this service is being run effectively and looking after the needs of these young people. “

Post Office Closure Plan

“I am very disappointed that Post office Ltd. intends to close the Aberdulais, Maesyffynnon, Cwmgors and Neath Abbey Post Offices in the Neath Constituency. I am however pleased that the Post Office has listened to the strong case put forward for the retention of the Leonard St. Post office and that this will be saved.”

“My real concerns are for the residents of the communities served by the Post Offices scheduled for closure. This plan will affect those residents who are most vulnerable and who can least afford transport costs to the alternative Post Office premises proposed. These are the elderly, disabled, young mothers, unemployed and other similar groups. This closure plan is socially divisive and will effectively isolate these communities from financial and postal services.”

“I would ask the Post Office to look again at providing outreach services for Postal Services for communities where these closures are going to take place.”