**Neath Port Talbot Council to Seek Public Opinion on Keeping Parks Open Overnight**
Neath Port Talbot Council has announced plans to launch a public consultation regarding proposals to leave several local parks and gardens open throughout the night. The move forms part of a broader discussion within the council, where officials are weighing up potential savings, operational efficiency, and the welfare of staff.
The practice of securing parks at dusk and reopening them in the mornings has sparked debate, especially given mounting challenges faced by neighbourhood services staff. According to council reports, employees tasked with locking the parks have been subjected to verbal abuse and confrontational encounters during late-night visits. Officials believe that changing longstanding procedures could improve the working environment for these staff members.
This latest call for public feedback follows a trial period in 2024, during which a number of parks were left open overnight due to staff illness. Contrary to some expectations, the council noted that anti-social behaviour did not increase significantly, with only minimal issues reported—most notably at Skewen Park. This outcome has prompted decision makers to reconsider the necessity of strict closing routines.
One of the key elements influencing the council’s proposal is projected cost savings. Estimates suggest that by ending the daily opening and locking schedule, the council could save up to £5,000 annually. The neighbourhood services team, which previously managed the park gates, could be reassigned to playground management and maintenance, thus making better use of available resources.
Despite the potential for savings, council officers have emphasised that the primary motivation behind the consultation is the “recurrent failure of lock-in operations” and the persistent challenges associated with unauthorised overnight visitors. A recent four-month feedback exercise revealed that more than half of the responses were related to Victoria Gardens in Neath, which faces specific difficulties due to its location near the town centre. This park, given its unique context, might ultimately be excluded from any changes should concerns persist.
A total of 14 parks and gardens within the county borough are included in the consultation plans. Among them are prominent green spaces such as King George Memorial Park in Pontardawe, Jersey Park in Briton Ferry, Baglan Park in Baglan, and Talbot Memorial Park in Port Talbot. Each of these sites will be closely examined with respect to community safety, environmental impact, and social benefit.
The consultation, which was formally approved at a council meeting on 10 June 2025, is expected to run for a period of six to eight weeks. During this time, residents will be invited to share their opinions on the potential permanence of the change. Community feedback will be collected and subsequently presented to the council’s cabinet, who will then decide on the next steps.
Officials have stressed the importance of gaining a “broader understanding of the implications” of leaving parks open overnight. While some see the proposal as a commonsense approach to saving money and reducing staff risk, others remain concerned about public safety and potential increases in anti-social behaviour.
As the borough’s residents consider the proposals, council leaders say they are committed to listening to a wide range of views before any final decisions are made regarding the future management of local parks and gardens. The coming weeks will prove crucial in assessing both public sentiment and the practical outcomes of recent policy trials.
Anyone interested in participating in the consultation or learning more about the proposal is encouraged to monitor council communications channels for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.