Aberavon AM David Rees has welcomed the final installment of funding for Port Talbot’s multi-million-pound highway project.

This year will see the completion of Harbour Way, a three year £107 million peripheral distributor road (PDR), which aims to ease pressure on the M4.

Mr Rees said he welcomed a £7.97 million pound investment by the Welsh Government - the final installment of the cash funding.

The announcement was made by Edwina Hart AM, Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport.

The grant, from the Governments’s Transport Grant Scheme, has been awarded to conclude the scheme, which is due for completion in 2013 and will support the future development of the area in addition to ptoviding an alternative route around Port Talbot to the M4.

“It is wonderful news that the Welsh Government has identified additional funding to support the final stages of the new Harbour Way development,” said Mr Rees.

“This road will open up the old dockland area for regeneration and will take some of the heavy traffic away from our town’s streets.”

Harbour Way will provide a link, just under three miles long, to the motorway at Junction 38 into Port Talbot and the docks.

The funding has been made up from grants from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund (£56.2m) and £50.7m from the Welsh Government.

Work began on the development in January 2011 and is due to be completed in the autumn 2013.

During this period the project is expected to have provided work for up to 600 people.

Last September the Cefn Gwrgan Bridge was demolished, which had been the main entrance into the steelworks site in Port Talbot for over 60 years.

The old bridge had to be demolished to make way for a new 150 meter long road over rail bridge that forms an integral part of the Harbour Way dual carriageway.

Everybody’s Gateway Club provides a youth club for disabled youngsters where they can learn to cook. play sports as well as arts and crafts.

Costain has pledged to raise £7,500 between now and the opening of the £107m road in October this year, and have already got off to a flying start with members of the site team taking part in a cycling challenge.

Quantity Surveyor Martyn Clouter and Assistant Engineer Richard Greaves cycled 469 miles – the equivalent journey of riding from Port Talbot to Paris overnight from the comfort of the site office in North Bank Road.

Costain’s Project Manager, John Skentelbery said of the decision to help the club “We pride ourselves in the work we do to help local charities in the areas in which we work. After a fantastic year last year fundraising for SNAC, we are more determined than ever to outdo ourselves again in 2013, while still ensuring Harbour Way opens on time in the Autumn.”

Costain and sub contractors Tarmac have shown that they are always prepared after coming to the aid of the 11th Port Talbot (Little Warren) group to provide them with a new access path into their hut.

The group got in touch with the contractors behind the new £107m dual carriageway in the County Borough to see if they could lend a hand with a new path as their wheelchair bound Group Scout Leader, Bill Baker, was having difficulties getting in and out of the centre for meetings, especially in bad weather, as the most direct route into the building was over a small patch of grass.

Alyn Thomas from the group said “Thank you for your kindness and speed in doing this for us. Tonight was the first time since Bill lost his legs that he has been able to open the hall and get himself inside without somebody opening up, and putting down the ramp for him. You should have seen the smile on his face.”

Bill Baker added “Coming from Pyle every week, I can’t wait to start using the new road when it’s opened later on this year. Costain and Tarmac really have pulled out all the stops as Harbour Way is providing me a direct link from my house to the club!”

Ieuan Davies, Costain’s Community Relations Manager “When we heard about the problems Bill and the group were having getting into their own hall we knew we had to lend a hand! Helping the community and leaving a legacy is what Costain is about. For us it isn’t just about building a road, we like to invest our time and energy into the community we are working in.”

Eric Doherty, Andrew Taylor and Neil Rees are just three of the people Workways and Costain have helped back into full time employment.

Workways, a Neath Port Talbot Council led employment project, is supported by the European Social Fund whilst Harbour Way is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Government.

Since being employed by Costain, the trio have received further training to bolster their professional development including courses in health and safety, traffic marshalling and CSCS site safety. Eric has also begun studying for an NVQ level 3 in site management whilst Andrew is starting an NVQ level 2 in construction operations.

27 year old Eric Doherty from Lower Brynamman signed up to Workways in January 2012. Having been out of work for a couple of months, he felt he needed a chance to prove how competent an employee he could be. With the support of Workways, Eric got his opportunity through a temporary job at Costain. As a result of his attitude, he was offered permanent employment as a site labourer.

Eric said “Workways offered me help, guidance and support. Being back in work has given me my independence back. I’d like to thank my line manager at Costain, Mark Blackburn, for having faith in me and taking me under his wing.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Taylor from Melyn was concerned his literacy skills were holding him back in the employment market. Having completed a confidence building course with Workways and impressed during a temporary contract at Costain, Andrew was offered a permanent position over 2 years ago. He is still enjoying his work as a site labourer.

He said “Having a job has made a big difference. It means I’m not skint anymore so I can afford to take my kids out and treat them a bit.”

Lastly, 55 year old Neil Rees from Ystradgynlais had been out of work for 2 years before signing up to Workways. In a competitive job market his age and lack of qualifications were counting against him. Neil has now been employed by Costain for over a year.

He said “It’s fantastic to have a job again. I’d been putting job applications in everywhere with no luck and I was finding it soul destroying. Workways really came up trumps for me.”

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Ali Thomas said “It is fantastic to hear more good news of people finding sustainable jobs through the Workways project. Creating local job opportunities is a key priority for the council so it is vital that we maximise the benefits of large projects such as Harbour Way.”

Eric Doherty

A community day was held at Dyffryn Upper Comprehensive School on Friday to launch the Talbot Trees project, an initiative to improve air quality and health by planting 1,100 of the trees that are most effective at removing pollutants.

At the event Council Leader Ali Thomas and David Rees AM joined councillors and local residents in rolling up their sleeves and picking up spades to plant 170 young trees. It was the first of two such events, with the second to be held at Harbour Way later this month.

The idea sprouted from a community event held last March, where attendees made a range of suggestions for ways to improve air quality and planting trees was voted one of the most popular.

Organisers Neath Port Talbot Local Service Board are hoping the project will grow further by offering householders in Margam and Taibach a free tree for their own gardens. A variety of species are available, with residents able to choose from Hawthorn, Hazel, Mountain Ash, Wild Cherry, Holly and Crab Apple.

Trees and woodland improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and dust and releasing oxygen. A large broad-leaved tree can catch dust and pollutants on its leaves and provide enough oxygen for the daily needs of 10 people.

The Local Service Board set up the Air Quality Project in 2009 to deliver improvements to air quality. It is a partnership between several agencies including representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, Welsh Government, the Environment Agency Wales, Forestry Commission Wales, the Health Board and Public Health Wales.

The project team is also currently conducting a survey on trees and green spaces in the Margam and Taibach area. Residents can share their views by visiting www.npt.gov.uk/coedtalbottrees.

Mary Youell, Environment Agency Wales, said: “Air quality in Port Talbot has improved a lot but there is still more for us to do. Trees are great at scrubbing pollution from the air and so can have a positive impact on health.”

“By planting 1,100 trees in the Air Quality Management Area – Margam and Taibach – we can make further improvements to air quality and to people’s health.”

Council Leader Cllr Ali Thomas said: “Neath Port Talbot Local Service Board has been working hard over the last four years to make improvements to the air quality in Neath Port Talbot. Its efforts have included a focus on the Margam and Taibach areas. The council is proud to be part of the tree planting project and will always seek to work with the community to improve air quality.”

Talbot Trees is funded by the Welsh Government ‘Tranquil, Greener and Cleaner Spaces’ grant scheme and also by the Environment Agency’s ‘Making a Difference’ funding programme.

The next community tree planting day will take place at the new Harbour Way road on Thursday 21st March, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. The meeting point is the Costain Harbour Way site offices, North Bank rd, Port Talbot and a minibus will take people to and from the planting site. This means there is limited availability for the event and so anyone interested is encouraged to sign up to ensure a space.

Margam and Taibach residents interested in having a free tree to plant in their garden or share their views on trees and green spaces in the area; or anyone wanting to register for the planting event, should call 01639 686845, email greener@npt.gov.uk or visit www.npt.gov.uk/coedtalbottrees.

Costain chose SNAC at the beginning of the 2012 to be their Charity of the Year, setting an ambitious target of raising £10,000.

The team actually managed to surpass their expectations and raise £11,500 in the twelve months through a range of activities from a South to North Wales bike ride, a skydive, golf tournaments and running the Cardiff half marathon to less energetic quiz nights and car washes.

SNAC, who has been offering help and support to children and families with disabilities in the County Borough for the past ten years, have been given the money to help with the running costs of the club and to purchase new equipment for the children to use and enjoy.

Hayley Hall, SNAC’s Chairperson said of the donation “A big thank you to you and all the staff for everything that you have done for SNAC, without people and companies like you we wouldn’t be here for our Special children”

Costain’s Project Manager, John Skentelbery added “We chose to raise money for SNAC throughout 2012 because of the tireless work they do to help disabled children and their families in the town. The future of the club relies on the generosity of the public and through fundraising. Hopefully our donation will help secure the future of the club for another year.”

Following a mock interview session at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School in Neath, 15 year old student Tom Bevan showed an interest in engineering after speaking to Costain’s Community Relations Manager, Ieuan Davies, having never previously considered that career path before.

Tom undertook several work placements at the Harbour Way site, to get firsthand experience working on a busy site and has now enrolled in a civil engineering course at Neath Port Talbot College.

Speaking of his experience, Tom said “I was very grateful for the opportunity.  Everyone in Costain has been very helpful and took the time to explain things to me whenever I asked a question.

“It was a real eye opener to see what happens on site and the work that goes on there.  I really enjoyed the experience and now feel I have a better understanding of what type of work I would like to pursue for my future.”

Debbie Warlow, a Careers Adviser at Cefn Saeson for Careers Wales added “’Education Business Partnerships is essential in providing pupils with experience to prepare them for the world of work. The mock interview exposed Tom to careers that he had not previously considered.  After his interview with Ieuan from Costain, Tom became interested in civil engineering and came to see me to discuss further. Tom was excited about the opportunity of work experience at the Harbour Way project and we discussed career paths into civil engineering.

“Tom’s experience at Costain has helped confirm his career ideas and has given him an invaluable insight into careers in civil engineering.  On behalf of Careers Wales I would like to thank Costain for this invaluable opportunity and for all their ongoing support and services they provide us in helping to ensure positive outcomes.”

Costain’s Community Manager, Ieuan Davies, spoke of how much Tom has progressed since their first meeting at Cefn Saeson’s Mock Interview day “It’s great to see our involvement with schools in Neath Port Talbot bear fruit in such a way.  When I spoke to Tom it sparked an interest in civil engineering.  He followed that up by coming to site to speak to our engineers to find out more about their job roles before coming back for work experience.  That lead to him enrolling on a Civil Engineering course at college and he’s since been back to site for another weeks placement.

“Tom’s college tutor speaks highly of him and his enthusiasm and initiative has impressed everyone at Harbour Way.  I am sure Tom has a bright future ahead of him.”

The old bridge had to be demolished to make way for a new 150m long road-over-rail bridge that forms an integral part of Harbour Way, the final stage of the Port Talbot Peripheral Distributor Road currently being built by Costain on behalf of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. The £107m project is jointly funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Before demolition could begin, temporary reinforced earth ramps and walls had to be constructed to divert traffic over the partially completed new bridge and then onto a completed section of Harbour Way to Tata’s newly constructed main entrance, ensuring uninterrupted access to the steelworks.

The controlled demolition of the old bridge had to be meticulously planned due to its crossing of the Swansea to Paddington mainline railway and having a number of strategic services which feed the steelworks underslung from its deck.

Initially the parapets were removed using burning equipment and folded back by excavators with selector grabs. Once crash mats were laid out, the cantilevers and the main deck of the bridge was predominately removed using excavators with multi-tool attachments. Where more sensitive techniques were required, deck sections were cut out using wire-saws and then lifted out.
Costain engaged in a public consultation programme to keep local residents informed about the demolition work On the final weekend rest cuts were introduced into the remaining steel portals and lifted out sequentially using a pair of mobile cranes. Once the last of the bridge impact blocks were wire-sawed and removed, the track was handed back to Network Rail 4 hours early, utilising only 3 out of the 4 planned disruptive rail possessions.

schedule.

To date, 34 people local to the County Borough have been helped back into employment through the Harbour Way project from office staff to labourers.

The Workways team have worked closely with Costain to identify job opportunities before matching suitable people to each post. The partnership approach has been a success and this will be a major factor for the ongoing recruitment plans.  

Eric Doherty joined the Harbour Way team as an operative in March after being unemployed for 8 months.  He said “Workways helped me get work ready by offering help, guidance and support and even helped with job searches, which is how I secured the position at Harbour Way.  Being back in work has given me my independence back as I am earning my own money again.”

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas said, “Creating local job opportunities is a key priority for the council, and it is vital that we maximise the benefits that large projects such as Harbour Way present. I am very pleased to see that the collaboration between Workways and Costain is working so well to deliver these opportunities.”

Work on Harbour Way has reached another significant milestone with the completion of the new main entrance to Tata Steelworks.

A temporary access road has been constructed over Cefn Gwrgan Bridge, allowing vehicles entering the steelworks onto a section of the newly completed dual carriageway through land previously owned by Tata, meaning all employees and visitors will now use the new main entrance, which has been built as part of the scheme.

The construction of the new distributor road for Port Talbot is progressing well, with the project on course for completion in Autumn 2013.

The road will link the completed Harbourside Road phase at Afan Way to the A48 close to junction 38 of the M4. It is the largest transport project to be supported by the ERDF convergence fund in Wales.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr. Ali Thomas, welcomed the latest stage in the development, saying “Harbour Way is set to bring huge economic opportunities for all of Port Talbot, so it is fitting that one of the largest employers in the area can now start to benefit from this work.

“This is a major project which will benefit residents and businesses alike and I am delighted to see it taking shape alongside the new developments at Tata.

“The road will enable the redevelopment of many key sites at Harbourside, and strengthen the ongoing and future regeneration of the town centre and Aberavon Beachfront.

Tata Steel’s Project Manager for the integration of Harbour way and the Port Talbot site, Steve Jenkins commented, ‘ The new main entrance coupled with the new General Stores, Training Academy and Visitor Centre will show Tata Steel in a totally new way and demonstrate our commitment to our workforce and the local community. Access and egress to our site will dramatically improve with the construction of the new roadway and will support our Business for many years to come’.

Costain’s Project Manager for the scheme, John Skentelbery, said “Reaching another milestone in our three year project shows how efficient our workforce have been, especially through the recent bad weather conditions.

“Keeping access open to the steel works for employees and visitors has been of paramount importance to us so they have minimal disruption to their work life.

“Our next big milestone for the project will be the demolition of Cefn Gwrgan Bridge, which is due to commence during August.”