Reader compares Neath with Port Talbot +

Reader, Terry Griffiths, compares Neath with Port Talbot and our money being spent at the steel town.   His letter has gained Star Letter status because it is factual and stands out from the rest.   His mention of Neath being a dormitory town certainly rings true.

Port Talbot, known as 'Smoky Town' to lorry drivers passing through the area, no doubt needs a facelift, but as the reader suggests, this appears to be done at the expense of Neath.

It seems to many that the penny has yet to drop with the planners as to the potential of Neath - the gateway to the beautiful Vale of Neath (you only have to see that with the website: http://www.valeofneath.tk ). There is no doubt about it, Neath can attract thousands of visitors from all over the UK - especially with its Celtic connections - http://www.celticneath.tk not forgetting its rich heritage - http://www.heritagescene.co.uk .

Of course it will all depends on how the town is developed and how it is presented to the tourist industry.   

Let's be honest, what has Port Talbot got to offer tourists?   The Afan Valley, maybe, and perhaps the beach in the summer time (when we get a decent summer) - there is little else except for the view of the Indian owned steelworks and the adjacent Margam Park.

The council should work to attract visitors to the Borough and it seems that Neath, IF and when developed, will be a far bigger attraction than Port Talbot will ever be.

Just wait for the penny to drop!   It seems it has a long way to travel.

+   Reader David Lewis gives his views on our Readers' Letters page.