Play area pledge from Labour

LABOUR have promised investments in road improvements and new children’s play areas for Neath Port Talbot should they win in the local government elections.

The party, which has been in control of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council since its foundation in 1996, will have a fight on its hands when people go to the polls this year, with 33 independent and 34 Plaid Cymru candidates.

Neath Port Talbot Labour, who have 49 candidates, have issued a number of pledges they hope to carry out should they take control of the council after May 5.

Here are some of the stand out assurances from their manifesto:

If returned to power, Labour said they will invest £4 million in a road maintenance programme. Neath Port Talbot Labour’s pledge on road improvements adds they will also aim to repair potholes within 48 hours.

They have pledged to deliver the in-sourcing of leisure services and invest £3.5 million in “new and improved” children’s play areas. The council decided to bring leisure services back in house in February with Celtic Leisure’s operating contract set to expire.

Other pledges made by the party include: Connecting towns and valleys by supporting green community and public transport projects and increasing focus on active travel; revitalising towns and valleys by creating workspaces for small businesses, “tackling empty shops” and “exploring free wifi”; continuing to invest in 21st century schools and support additional youth service provision; keeping council tax increases as low as possible; working with local businesses and training providers to train local people with green skills for employment; supporting older people to live in their own home, ensuring a better deal for carers and expanding the Local Area Coordinator provision. ■■See the candidates running in your ward on the council’s website.