Relief for town traders as transport hub proposal is shelved

TRADERS in Neath have said they are pleased with the decision to pause and reassess plans to develop a new transport hub in the town. The multi-million-pound scheme aimed to create a new transport hub at the front of Neath railway station, bringing together bus, taxi and rail services to improve connectivity for the town.

- 

It also proposed redeveloping the area around Station Square as well as relocating the existing bus station from Victoria Gardens. But the plans faced significant opposition at a recent consultation, with opinions reported as being “overwhelmingly negative" and very little public support for the scheme.

Some residents and councillors raised concerns during the process, which included fears around the cost and scale of the development, particularly when the town already had a bus and train station that many would prefer to see upgraded.

Others also feared the impact on businesses close to the station which could have been demolished under the plans, with additional concerns over potential traffic congestion in Neath town centre.

This led to a decision by the council's cabinet in October to reassess the scope and design of the transport hub in order to address the issues raised by residents, transport users and local businesses.