National Grid invites local people to help shape £1.06 million fund for Port Talbot communities
- Pop-up events set for 6 and 7 November in Port Talbot town centre for local people to learn more and share their views.
- Online survey open until 26 November
Residents, community groups and local organisations are being invited to help shape how a £1.06 million community fund could benefit communities around Port Talbot.
The fund forms part of National Grid’s Margam Connection project, and is intended to support initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for local people.
The consultation is open until 26 November, with opportunities for local people to meet the project team and share their views at events in Port Talbot this weekend.
Pop-up events are taking place in November at the following venues and times:
- Afan Lido FC Marston’s Stadium, Friday 6 November, 6.30–8.00pm
- Aberafan Shopping Centre, Saturday 7 November, 10.00am–12pm
Developed in line with government guidance on community funds for electricity transmission infrastructure, the consultation follows conversations with local representatives to better understand community needs.
A short survey invites residents, businesses, charities, community groups and elected representatives to identify the issues and opportunities that matter most locally, and where investment could make the biggest long term difference.
Potential funding themes include skills and training, green spaces, community facilities, youth services, tackling fuel poverty and supporting local enterprise. Participants are also encouraged to suggest additional priorities, helping ensure the fund reflects local needs and ambitions.
Carys Taylor, Head of External Affairs for Wales at National Grid, said:
“We’re delighted to be delivering this community fund worth more than £1 million, and we want local people in Port Talbot to help shape how it’s used. By sharing their views, residents and community organisations can help ensure the fund reflects local priorities and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the area.”
Elyn Stephens, Senedd Member for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, said:
“Major infrastructure investment like this project by National Grid should leave a lasting benefit for the communities that host it. This fund gives local people a genuine opportunity to influence how over £1 million is invested to support local priorities and opportunities in Port Talbot.”
National Grid’s Margam Connection project involves extending the existing substation at Margam and connecting it to a new substation on Tata Steel land via an underground cable.
The proposals form part of National Grid’s wider £3.2 billion investment in the electricity transmission network across Wales over the next five years to strengthen resilience, meet growing demand and support economic growth.
Further information about the Margam Connection project and details on how to participate in the survey are available on the project website.