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We have taken the next step in our campaign to save a vital public path to Morfa Beach near Margam on the South Wales coast. We have submitted our evidence to the forthcoming public inquiry into Neath Port Talbot’s Council’s plan to close the popular Longlands Lane, footpath 92, and to move a nearby path, footpath 93, from the edge of dunes to a disused railway. The site is alongside the Tata steelworks.
View from the end of Longlands Lane, photo: Jay Kynch
The society, with the Ramblers, Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Save Morfa Beach and many others, is strongly opposed to the plan.
Because the proposal was contested, the council had to send it to the Planning Inspectorate for determination, and there will be a public inquiry starting on Tuesday 5 November and lasting for up to four days, at the Orangery, Margam Country Park. There is a bus stop outside the park entrance and plenty of seating in the Orangery.
The society will be represented by our local member Dr Jay Kynch.
Says Jay: ‘Longlands Lane has existed for much longer than the steelworks, and is popular as the nearest way from Margam to the coast – for anglers, surfers, walkers, cyclists and others. It is strange indeed for the Wales Coastal Path to be routed away from this magnificent long and sandy beach — possibly the best beach in Wales.
Sand for miles from Margam to Porthcawl
It is clearly in the public interest to have more access for everyone and these plans achieve the opposite.
‘We shall press the public inquiry inspector to refuse to close footpath 92 and to keep footpath 93 where it is,’ Jay concludes.