Velindre Bus Service

Residents of Velindre, Port Talbot, are back on the bus map and from September 1st residents will find it easier to access the bus network.

South Wales Transport (Neath) Ltd have reached agreement with Neath Port Talbot Council to divert most of the journeys on partially subsidized service 66 via Abbey Road, Tan Y Groes Street, Dan Y Bryn Road, Ynys Street and the rear of the Civic Centre in Heilbron Way.

The company will make time available to do this by withdrawing the little used diversion via Elba Crescent, which is served by First.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, said he was pleased that a solution had been found to the Velindre problem, following the withdrawal of the previous Ridgways service 7 almost a year ago.

"This is another example of two hard working councillors achieving the right results for the people they represent.

"I am particularly pleased that this service will make a difference to their lives," he said.

Local councillors Ian James and Dennis Keogh added, "We are delighted that, following a period of lobbying of the company, a solution has been reached for the residents."

Bev Fowles from the company said he looked forward to welcoming the many concessionary bus pass holders who live along the revised route on to the new low floor easy-access buses used on service 66.

John Flower, added the revised service will also be handy for pupils travelling to St Joseph's schools in Aberavon as they would be able to get on and off at nearby Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

The new timetable for service 66 will be available in due course from traveline cymru by logging on to www.travelinecymru.info or by telephoning 0871 200 22 33

Photograph: Council Leader Ali Thomas joins Velindre residents on the new bus service. Also pictured are Cabinet Member for the Environment Sandra Miller, local councillor Ian James and Bev Fowles from South Wales Transport.