FLY-TIPPING Action Wales has unveiled a powerful new community mural in Neath Port Talbot, inspired by the creativity and ideas of local pupils from Ysgol Melin.
The mural, designed by Year 5 pupils and brought to life with the help of acclaimed Welsh portrait artist Nathan Wyburn, transforms a once-ordinary wall near the school into a striking reminder of how fly-tipping affects communities across Wales.
In a hands-on workshop, the young artists joined Nathan and representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council to discuss the causes and consequences of fly-tipping, sharing their own ideas for keeping their neighbourhoods clean and welcoming. Their sketches and messages were woven into the final artwork — a bold, thought-provoking piece that stands as a visual call to action for residents to take pride in their local environment and places they call home.
The mural launch comes as Neath Port Talbot Council celebrates significant progress in the fight against fly-tipping. Official Welsh Government statistics show that the Council achieved a 26% reduction in fly-tipping incidents between April 2023 and March 2024 — one of the largest decreases across all Welsh local authorities.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, Cllr Scott Jones, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in Neath Port Talbot.
“This project has given local young people a platform to express how much their community matters to them.
“It’s more than just a mural, it’s a call to action for the rest of Wales to follow our lead and show that, when communities come together, we can create clean, safe and beautiful neighbourhoods for the next generation to enjoy.”
Benjamin Meredith-Davies, Fly-tipping Action Wales Officer, said: “This mural is a perfect example of how creativity and collaboration can inspire real change.
“By giving young people a voice, we’re helping to shape a future where everyone understands their role in protecting Wales’ natural beauty, wildlife and communities.
“The message is simple — take pride in where you live and always use a registered waste carrier.”
To find out how you can take part in tackling fly-tipping across Wales, visit the Natural Resources Wales website.
