Evidence to the Covid Enquiry (Wales) 27th June 2025.From Alan Watkins KC on behalf of Neath Port Talbot District Council:

The council first noticed a strange spike in cases of Covid-19 infections on the Sandfields estate in July 2021. Strange in the sense that it was out of step with infections across the borough and, indeed, in the rest of Wales. At first this was attributed to the relatively cramped living conditions experienced by most residents of the area. This proved to be erroneous when further evidence was examined. The estate, though ageing, is well-planned for its type and was closely associated with the idea of ‘Eldorado’ – the nickname of the neighboring steel works when it first opened and brought hundreds of well-paid jobs to the area.

Extract of evidence from Linda Williams, sole surviving member of the Williams family, 47 Bevin Avenue, Sandfields, Port Talbot:

I miss my mam and dad, of course I do. But I miss my sister the most. She had a lovely wonky smile. Her disabilities did restrict her, but she never let them be the whole story if you know what I mean?

It was a terrible time to be honest. We had a little garden, fair enough. But those houses get so hot in summer and everyone cramped inside, well it was unbearable at times.

We all thought the restrictions were going to be over by July 8th. Everyone said they would be. So, word went round about the party. Money was collected for a huge BBQ. Some booze as well.

When it looked like it was going to be cancelled everyone was desperate. And I don’t know how but word got around that we were going to say f*** it. By then there were all sorts of rumours about parties in posh places. Boris Johnson’s laughing at us I heard my dad say.

Anyhow two streets got shut off, including ours and we had the biggest piss-up anyone could remember. Police never came or nothing. They’d have had a job as cars were blocking the streets either end.

Extract of evidence from Elaine Richards, formerly staff nurse at Morriston Hospital, Swansea:

We were feeling that the worst might have been over by July. The nightmare of the previous twelve months had left everyone exhausted, but perhaps, if I’m honest, a bit off guard. We’d fought the biggest battle we thought. But it was like a thin crust had formed on top of a problem that was about to burst through all over again. A strange spike they called it. That seemed a bit of a mild way to put it. Dozens of cases all in a rush. We couldn’t cope at all for a couple of weeks. Yes, there were quite a few from Sandfields in Port Talbot, but it wasn’t just there. It’s been exaggerated. Yes, there was a big party apparently, but who could really blame them what with all the things that were coming out. The papers couldn’t get enough of the ‘tragedy of the Williams family.’ And it was, of course, but the way they treated it was disgusting. I never wanted to live though anything like that again. I work in Sainsbury’s now. I’m hoping to retire soon thank God.