Neath Port Talbot Council would like to clarify the position with regards to Afan Forest Park, to dispel rumours and misunderstandings around the Council’s intentions. The Council is concerned that the negative publicity surrounding this will potentially affect the local businesses there.
The trails and the actual Forest Park are owned, managed and operated by Natural Resources Wales.
The Visitor Centre and Café have operated at a deficit and have been subsidised by the Council for a number of years. In the current financial climate, this position cannot continue.
It is the Council’s intention to seek an operator for the Visitor Centre and the Café and current staff there are being offered alternative employment opportunities.
The Miners Museum, the private bike operator and the car parks are not affected.
These proposals to continue to operate the centre with a partner were published in the Council’s Forward Financial Plan last year and it is unfortunate that these have been misunderstood.
There is interest from a number of experienced operators and we are currently going through the necessary legal and procurement processes before an advertisement for the operation of the visitor centre and café will be published. Business at Afan Forest Park will continue throughout the summer as usual.
The Council has also been in discussions with Natural Resources Wales to ensure that the proposals fit with NRW’s management of the Park and trails to continue the success of the Park as a destination for mountain bikers, walkers and grow the number of visitors.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
