The Pontardawe community area includes the electoral divisions of Pontardawe, Rhos, Trebanos and Allt-wen

The town of Pontardawe, or ‘Ponty’ as it is affectionately known, sits alongside the river Tawe.

The town of Pontardawe is the third largest settlement in the County Borough and the largest settlement in its immediate area. The town centre provides a range of retail services, leisure facilities and educational establishments. Pontardawe Arts Centre, based in the centre of town has gained a reputation for being one of the finest cultural venues in South Wales and attracts artists from all over the world.

The Pontardawe community area is well served by open spaces and there is a good network of public foot and cycle paths. The Cwm Du Glen Woodlands and Glanrhyd Plantation are located immediately to the north west of Pontardawe, within walking distance of the town centre.

Social well-being was framed by respondents from Pontardawe in terms of social inclusion:

Social well-being for those in employment could mainly be enhanced by having more free time and a better work-life balance.

Survey respondents from Pontardawe were more likely than in some other areas of Neath Port Talbot to define economic well-being as:

The latest census information (2011) shows that there was 3.8% unemployment in the Pontardawe Region. Of those aged 16 and over, 23.2% have no qualifications, which is lower than the all Wales figure of 25.9%.

1,922 (39.2%) of the 4,904 homes in Pontardawe were not identified as being deprived using the following 4 dimensions of deprivation; employment, education, health / disability and household overcrowding (Census 2011).

Survey responses regarding environmental well-being were mainly focused on clean, safe open spaces. In Pontardawe community area there are six designated Sites of Special Scientific interest representing a variety of important habitats such as unimproved grassland, meadows and woodland.

The Swansea Canal is important for wildlife, has many historic features and provides a wonderful walking/cycling route from Clydach to Pontardawe.

Factors that contribute to well-being included:

Cycling was also considered an important activity, along with growing vegetables and family activities. Fly tipping; industrial pollution and occasional flooding were areas of concern to people. Also, inappropriate grazing regimes and off road scrambler bikes, especially on commons were considered key issues.

For people living in the community area, cultural well-being centred on access to theatres, cinemas, libraries and having a diversity of arts provision in the community. The events and activities at the Pontardawe Arts Centre was widely praised and provided a cultural hub for people from across the area.

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council manages one library in the area. There are 25 listed buildings within the community area.

In total there are currently nine parks/playgrounds in the area. Sports and leisure facilities are located at the Pontardawe Leisure Centre, which offers a range of facilities. Other leisure provision includes a swimming pool and a golf course.

With regards to the Welsh language, 25.8% (3,335) of residents in Pontardawe can speak Welsh.

Similar to other community areas, the number of people from black and minority ethnic groups in the Pontardawe community area is small, and is reflected in the position in the County Borough as a whole.

Information from the Census shows a decrease in the percentage of people who identified themselves as Christian, from 74% in 2001 to 61% in 2011.  During the same period, there was also a noticeable increase in people declaring that they had ‘no religion’, from 18% to 31%.