Aberavon’ MP, Stephen Kinnock, has spoken at a prestigious event held in London’s Southbank to launch the New Blue Deal, a nation-wide initiative designed to help build stronger economies in the UK’s coastal communities and to restore the health of their marine environments. Mr Kinnock used the opportunity to highlight some of the important coastal developments in his Aberavon Constituency, including the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, the Port Talbot Docks, Aberavon’s Blue Flag beach, and the new leisure complex which will replace the Afan Lido.

Mr Kinnock said,

“There are some strong opportunities in Aberavon right now to really make the most of our position as a coastal economy. Our Blue Flag beach, which has received £4 million investment from NPTCBC in the past decade, and has attracted a further £231,000 investment through a Coastal Community project to deliver a series of events on the seafront, building on the recent success of the annual Aberavon Beach Festival and the European Lifesaving Championships.”

“The Briton Ferry Dock Society is working hard to develop the area as a marina and waterfront leisure facility, and the Afan Valley Angling Club have recently invested £10,000 in the river, resulting in the return of both otters and dippers.”

“The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon will obviously provide a welcome boost to the local economy in terms of employment and investment, but also has implications for tourism, sport and culture.”

“It is clear that Aberavon has a lot to offer. If we can work to maximise the opportunities available to us, we may well have some exciting times ahead.”