Work is underway to establish a new permissive route on a long-closed section of the Wales Coast Path, Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed, following a petition that gathered more than 1,200 signatures.
The 870-mile Wales Coast Path has seen sections around Baglan, Briton Ferry and Sandfields West remain closed for several years, with parts fenced off and left to deteriorate amid safety concerns and anti-social behaviour presenting a potential risk.
The closures have prompted frustration among residents, with concerns raised about access to a popular walking and cycling route, the impact on tourism and local businesses, and the lack of a clear timetable for reopening the affected sections.
Petition calls for action
In May 2026, a petition was launched by councillor Joshua Tuck calling for action to restore access to the route. It has since gathered 1,234 signatures.
In the petition, Cllr Tuck described the Wales Coast Path as "one of our nation's greatest assets" and said the situation had denied local people access to an important route.
He wrote: "The Wales Coastal Path is one of our nation's greatest assets — a world-renowned route that should be a source of pride for communities across Wales. Yet for several years, major sections around Baglan, Briton Ferry and Sandfields West have remained closed, fenced off and left to deteriorate.
"This unacceptable situation has denied local people access to an important walking and cycling route, damaged tourism and local businesses, and undermined community wellbeing."
Residents across Neath Port Talbot are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, the absence of a clear timetable for restoration, and the continued neglect of a nationally important coastal route.
Council confirms alternative route
Now, Neath Port Talbot Council has provided an update on the situation, confirming that the Wales Coast Path near Briton Ferry remains open via an alternative route through Baglan Energy Park.
The council said work was also underway to establish a potential new permissive route through the former BP site, which could provide public access towards the dunes while avoiding an unsafe section of the path.
A council spokesperson said: "The Wales Coast Path (WCP) near Briton Ferry continues to remain open using an alternative and safe route through Baglan Energy Park.
"Work is, however, underway to establish a potential new and alternative permissive route, following the closure of a section of the WCP route near Briton Ferry which is unsafe due to unstable ground.
"This suggested route, through the former BP site, would enable public access to the former WCP towards the dunes while avoiding the unstable section as well as providing access to the surrounding area. However, the existing diversion of the WCP through Baglan Energy Park will remain the official promoted WCP route."
Reopening at The Quays remains unviable
The council also addressed the possibility of reopening the section of the path adjacent to The Quays, explaining that discussions had been ongoing but that the cost of essential repairs had so far made reopening unviable.
The spokesperson added: "Discussions have long been ongoing to consider whether the section of the WCP route adjacent to The Quays could be reopened, but all parties have so far concluded it is not currently viable due to essential repair costs being too expensive. Future development of the area may provide an opportunity for funding, but this cannot be confirmed at this stage."
The council said it recognised the importance of access to the Wales Coast Path and welcomed the opportunity to work with the Welsh Government on the issue.
The spokesperson said: "Neath Port Talbot Council recognises the importance of accessing the Wales Coast Path and welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively with Welsh Government officials with the view to agreeing an appropriate way forward."
