Volunteers lead the way
Five young volunteers turned out on Saturday 4 October to take part in the launch, joining forces to tidy up the town centre. The group spent the morning collecting litter around The New Plaza, filling seven bags in total.
The event marked the official opening of the site as a Litter Picking Hub, part of a Wales‑wide network run by Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government. The hubs provide free access to equipment such as pickers, hi‑vis vests, rubbish bags and hoops, making it easier for residents to organise their own clean‑ups.
Partnership with Keep Wales Tidy
The New Plaza hub is one of 14 now operating across Neath Port Talbot. Organisers say the aim is to support local communities, encourage pride in shared spaces and boost wellbeing through outdoor volunteering.
Sam Hunt, YMCA Port Talbot Hostel Manager, said the launch showed the difference young people can make: “It was brilliant to see so many young people turn out for the launch and take action to improve our shared spaces. Together, we can inspire long‑lasting change.”
Pride in the local environment
Kathryn Britton, Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer for Neath Port Talbot, added: “Port Talbot is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and it was fantastic to see The New Plaza celebrate their Litter Picking Hub launch with such a great effort from young people.”
She encouraged residents to continue using the hub, describing it as a simple and effective way to keep communities clean and cared for.
Open to all
The New Plaza hub is free to use and open seven days a week. Anyone can borrow equipment to carry out their own litter picks. More details are available at keepwalestidy.cymru/litter-picking-hubs.
