PARKING enforcement officers are back patrolling Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot Council has announced.

The officers will now be operating in the town centre and the council's cctv camera van will also be deployed around schools towards the end of June when they partially reopen for three weeks on a "check in, catch up and prepare" basis.

The council’s car parks continue to be free to help retail and business recovery.

All parking enforcement activity was suspended at short notice in April to comply with the Welsh Government's Covid-19 lockdown rulings.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Engineering, Cllr Ted Latham, said: “With the phased increase in commercial activity, it has become increasingly important for the freight sector to be able to deliver goods and services to our shops and businesses.

“We now need to ensure loading and unloading can take place safely and legally and that the highways and loading bays are not obstructed. This is especially true now as our town centres reopen for business.

“A carefully phased reintroduction of previously relaxed traffic/parking management and enforcement is therefore now necessary to help manage our safe and controlled recovery and to ensure priority for parking space for those who need it most and to ensure access for essential deliveries and services.”