£2 million is being spent on Victoria Gardens in a town that has no newspaper, no radio station and no worthwhile facilities for youngsters

 A VICTORIAN gem in the heart of Neath town centre is to be restored to its original glory at a cost of more than £2 million.

Long-cherished plans to rejuvenate Victoria Gardens are finally going ahead after Neath Port Talbot Council was awarded a £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Despite that expenditure - there is no money being spent on a community radio service for Neath, also there are no significant facilities in Neath for the youth of the area, despite the fact that the former Empire Cinema/Bingo Hall is lying idle and is an ideal place for youth activities. 

From enquires we have made, we can reveal that the cost of buying the Empire freehold would be one fifth of the figure being spent on the Victoria Gardens.   That should make some people think!

Please Note  Since the above report was written we have published details of a local radio station aimed at the 11-25 year olds.