Assembly minister Gwenda Thomas has expressed concerns about plans to develop a waste recycling plant at the former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro.

She fears it will lead to increased numbers of heavy goods vehicles thundering through Pontardawe and Rhydyfro, causing a hazard for pedestrians and motorists alike.

And she has also expressed concerns that nearby residents will have to put up with bad odours and increased numbers of vermin.

Ms Thomas said the plans propose the composting of up to 100,000 tons of commercial waste each year.

Waste will include food products and will be converted into fuel pellets for burning in an incinerator.

“My real concerns are for the residents of the surrounding area,” she said.

“I am worried that there will be serious problems associated with the operation of this plant.

“One problem will be increased traffic by heavy goods vehicles to and from the site.

This will, of course, affect the residents of Pontardawe and Rhydyfro as the lorries will pass through these places.”

Ms Thomas also says there is a possibility of bad smells arising from the site and affecting surrounding areas, the presence of increased numbers of rats, cockroaches, flies, and the possible polluting of nearby watercourses by foul water.

“As the residents of this area already suffer from the presence of the landfill site at Pwllfa Watkin, this waste recycling plant should not be a further imposition on the local population,” she added.