The UK’s largest steel works in Port Talbot, South Wales, which Indian owners Tata are looking to sell. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA
The news Tata Steel is planning to sell its British operations has reverberated through the worlds of politics and business.
But for the people of Port Talbot, it hits much closer to home. Generations of families in the South Wales town have worked at the steelworks, once the largest single employer in Wales. Since it was built in the 50s, the town has grown up around the plant and has become synonymous with steel.
Port Talbot councillor Tony Taylor told the BBC he believed closure would have a huge impact on the community, with job losses felt by not only those directly employed by Tata, but also contractors and those in the supply chain.
He said: “15,000 jobs could be lost in a community like Neath Port Talbot.”
We’d like to hear from people who are living, or have lived, in and around Port Talbot. How does this news affect you? How do you think it will affect the town? What are your hopes for the future?
If you are not from Port Talbot, but are affected by the steelwork crisis, feel free to contact us as well.
Share your stories via the form below and we may feature them in our ongoing coverage.
