The recent landslide incident in Cwmtillery has left residents like Tina Honeyfield reminded of the tragic Aberfan disaster. Tina, along with her family, has been forced to relocate to a rental property for at least six months after their house was severely damaged due to the landslide. The devastation caused by the landslide brought back haunting memories of the Aberfan tragedy, where 116 children and 28 adults lost their lives as a colliery spoil tip collapsed engulfing a primary school and surrounding houses back in 1966.
Tina’s daughter, who was present during the landslide, described hearing sounds similar to a low flying jet, signaling the imminent disaster. This eerie similarity to the accounts of survivors from Aberfan has left Tina shaken and worried about the safety of her community every time there is bad weather in Cwmtillery. The community has been under immense stress, with fears escalating each time they hear the sound of approaching storms, prompting urgent action to address the situation.
Despite the council’s repair efforts and the Welsh government’s financial backing, the residents of Cwmtillery continue to live in uncertainty and fear. With ongoing discussions about setting up a Disused Coal Tips Authority, there is a sense of urgency in finding a permanent solution to prevent such disasters from reoccurring. The local council is pushing for immediate action to address the issue, as the safety and well-being of the community remain a top priority.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has reassured residents of Cwmtillery of swift action in considering long-term solutions for the area. The repair works have already made progress, with new drainage systems and protective matting being installed to mitigate risks to the homes below. As the focus shifts towards providing a secure environment for the community, collaboration between local authorities, government bodies, and residents is crucial to ensure the safety and livelihoods of those affected by the devastating landslide
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