Councillors were unanimous in their support for a park and ride pilot scheme that aims to address chronic parking issues at a popular beauty spot.
At a meeting today, Neath Port Talbot councillors voted to continue the Waterfall Country Park and Ride pilot scheme for another two years in a bid to quell congestion and inconsiderate parking at Pontneddfechan.
As the popularity of Pontneddfechan's scenic waterfall trails increased, so did the size of the crowds that descended on the village during the summer months.
Read more: You can find more news from Glynneath here.
At the Regeneration and Sustainable Development Scrutiny meeting, head of property and regeneration, Simon Brennan, said the pilot is "just one of the proposals to alleviate the problem we have got over there and make the lives of people living [in Pontneddfechan] a little bit easier".
Councillor for Sandsfield East, Sean Pursey, said he was in favour of continuing the pilot, adding that he "always avoids" Pontneddfechan in the summer due to how busy it can get there.
He also pointed to his own patch, Port Talbot, and how busy Aberavon beach can get during the summer months.
Cllr Pursey said: "I think [the pilot] does need a bit more time to run.
"I am very supportive of continuing the scheme and gathering the data."
The measure to implement the park and ride pilot was approved in May 2021 by the Waterfall Country Partnership - of which Neath Port Talbot Council is a part of along with two other local authorities.
The pilot, which ran from July 17, 2021 to September 5, 2021 shuttled passengers between Lancaster Close Car Park in Glynneath and Pontneddfechan.
The head of property and regenerations report highlighted that the park and ride service had a low level of usage and that it was not possible to determine if there had been a significant impact on the reduction of traffic levels heading into Pontneddfechan.
However, it also noted that there was positive feedback from residents in relation to the pilot and that there was a "marked reduction in complaints".
The low level of usage was partly put down to a reluctance to use public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research into the pilot scheme, carried out by Strategic Research and Insight, also found that one of the main reasons for using the service was its convenience to home, indicating that it was used by some local residents.
Mr Brennan said the key issue surrounding the schemes like the pilot park and ride service is "how we make these things more self sufficient".
The Welsh Government Hardship Fund funded £13,531.37 of the total cost of the park and ride scheme, with £300 coming from NPTCBC and other Waterfall Country partners.
If the council decides to support the continuation of the scheme for the same period of time as the original pilot, it is estimated that it would cost in the region of £5,500 to £7,000.
Councillor for Neath South, Jamie Evans, asked whether the service could be extended to Neath.
He said: "the amount of people from Neath who go up to Pontneddfechan is quite large.
"A lot of people would quite like to get up there without the faff of having to drive."
Mr Brennan reassured Cllr Evans that he would take that suggestion back to the Waterfall Country Partnership for consideration.
The decision of the council means that the Waterfall Park and Ride pilot scheme will continue to run from Lancaster Close Car Park on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays for the school summer holidays of 2022 and 2023.
The Waterfall Country Partnership, which also includes the Brecon Beacons National Park; Waterfall Country Cymru; Natural Resources Wales; Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Powys Council was formed to manage and promote the waterfalls that make up the 'Waterfall Country'.
The Waterfall Country is largely centred on Pontneddfechan, Glynneath and Penderyn.
What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea
