Those were the days......

Neath's Victorian Railway Station - Neath General

Click for the history of a once proud town

Those were the days......

• When there was no litter or chewing gum droppings in sight.
• When buses were based on the stations forecourt (Western Welsh).
• When the Post Office was adjacent for the mail train and the Royal Mail had two deliveries each day.
• When the station had a parcel office that could get a parcel to London the same day.
• ​When fresh fish woud arrive within hours of being despatched.
• When porters helped with your luggage.
• When the Guard took care of your pram or bicycle in the guards van.
• When you could go to Aberavon Seaside or Porthcawl by train.
• When the station had a coal fire in the waiting room and a refreshment bar.
• When staff were helpful to passengers - and people mattered.

The days when Neath Market was crowded with shoppers - and the time when Neath had plenty of public toilets which were open at all hours. The days when traders took a pride in their shop front and swept the pavement in front.  The days when a tram powered by town gas ran from Villiers Street  Briton Ferry to the White Gates in Skewen - yes, those were the days when Neath was a proud town.

Readers write:
"Litter problems are mainly due to the fast food outets which you never had in years gone by."

"You don't see litter problems abroad - and there are plenty of toilets in sparkling condition - something Neath has not got."

"Why can't Traffic Wardens also be Litter Wardens?
With the new litter laws recently introduced, the on the spot fine has been raised from £80 to £100.   It would certainly help the local authority to gain more income."