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Residents of Heol Berry are beginning to unite in opposition to the blasting activities associated with a nearby quarry, according to Paul Kipling. Although no formal group has been established yet, Kipling emphasized the community’s shared desire to halt the blasting. He expressed concern over the fairness of allowing operations to continue unchecked, stating, “If they can have their licence taken away pending an investigation, it’s not fair to the neighbours.”
Longtime local Mandy Symonds, whose family has owned her home for several generations, feels strongly that the quarry should be closed. She lamented the damage caused to her property, saying, “I would like somebody from Breedons to come in and see the damage to my house and my garden, which is professionally landscaped and cost me a lot of money.” Despite the ongoing issues, she is skeptical that blasting will cease anytime soon, adding, “Explain to me why that was allowed to happen, but I can’t see them doing any blasts in the immediate future.” Similarly, Gareth Morgan and Debi Bode have witnessed their newly rendered house develop cracks on a weekly basis. Gareth described the experience of the blasts: “Normally, you feel it just bang, like a shake. It feels like there’s a mini earthquake. But yesterday, it felt like it were three of them.”
The flooding that followed these events has severely damaged both roads and nearby properties, prompting the implementation of road closures and traffic management. Main Road in Gwaelod-y-Garth and Heol Goch between Gwaelod-y-Garth and Pentyrch remain shut as cleanup efforts and investigations proceed. Authorities have urged residents and drivers to obey all signage and diversion instructions for their safety. Cardiff Council has deployed highways and cleaning teams to clear accessible roadways from mud, silt, debris, and other hazards. Nevertheless, extensive damage to the infrastructure and surrounding embankments persists, maintaining ongoing safety concerns. The council has arranged emergency accommodation for one family and provided support to another, while other affected families have secured alternative private arrangements.
In response to potential river pollution, the council has advised the public to avoid entering the watercourses or allowing pets to swim until further analysis is complete. Chris Weaver, leader of the council, underscored that the welfare of residents remains the top priority. “Council teams will continue to support affected residents and carry out the necessary clean-up, investigation and repair work as quickly and safely as possible,” he assured. Additionally, Pontypridd’s Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones has appealed to the Welsh government, highlighting that local people have experienced “considerable anxiety” from the blast and subsequent flooding. She noted that the event has heightened pre-existing worries about blasting, groundwater, drainage, land stability, and the broader consequences of quarrying activities. In her words, “My residents should not have to wait for a serious incident at Craig yr Hesg before their concerns are treated with the urgency they deserve.” Welsh government cabinet member Siân Gwenllian expressed sympathy for those affected and confirmed ongoing monitoring and support through a multi-agency response, now transitioning to recovery. She stated that an investigation to determine the cause was underway and that it was premature to comment further. Meanwhile, Kiera Marshall, Member of Senedd for Caerdydd Penarth, expressed disbelief at the extent of the damage to homes and promised to offer practical assistance and guidance alongside her team in the affected area
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