Pontardawe can be found nestling in the Swansea Valley, within the County of Neath Port Talbot in South West Wales. It is 8 miles north of Swansea, and just 5 miles from junction 45 of the M4, on the A4067 Swansea to Brecon road.
The town's name is Welsh for 'Bridge on the river Tawe' and Pontardawe first came into being as a cross-roads of two drovers tracks; one from Swansea to Brecon, and the other from Neath to Llandeilo. It is now one of the focal points of the Swansea Valley, and is a fast-changing community.
Plans for a new retail estate show the economic potential that Pontardawe has. A lot of effort and money has been spent by the council to make the town more attractive.
The shopping centre has recently been given a face lift and footpaths have been restored. The town has a rich musical tradition and comes to life each summer with a first class music festival which draws acts and spectators from far afield.
The Arts Centre is also widely acclaimed and offers a huge range of entertainment, from Japanese cinema to concerts by international stars.
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