The community of Pontardawe, comprising the electoral wards of Pontardawe, Rhyd y Fro and Trebanos, is served by an elected Town Council of 16 Members and forms part of the county borough of Neath Port Talbot.

Council meets once a month, on the second Monday at 6.45pm, except in the month of August when there is no meeting, and has responsibility for several Community Halls, Parks, Footpaths and part of the Cwmdu Nature Reserve. The Council also works in partnership with Community Groups, third sector organisations and the Unitary Authority to provide festivals and other benefits for the Community.

It had been felt for some time that Town and Community Councils lacked input from Young people in their local wards. The Welsh Assembly Government has attempted to rectify this position by allowing Town and Community Councils to appoint up to two ‘Community Youth Representatives’ who would be able to attend meetings, and while not able to vote would be able to provide a ‘Youth View’ on the issues affecting their local area.

Pontardawe Town Council fully supports this initiative and currently appoints two Youth Representatives to the Council each year.

Any prospective candidates would need to be over the age of 15 years but under the age of 26 years at the date of appointment and must have a connection to the Pontardawe Town Council area.

Youth Representative terms are for one year and we co-opt one representative in October and another the following April