The safety of people living near coal tips in Wales is being prioritized with a significant investment of over £34 million. This funding will be used to enhance safety measures at 130 sites in 10 local authority areas, with a focus on areas like Rhondda Cynon Taf which have the highest number of coal tips classified as posing a high risk. The need for this initiative was reinforced by incidents like the one in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, during Storm Bert in November 2024, which resulted in damages to homes and evacuation of residents.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed their concerns and frustrations about the delays in addressing the safety risks posed by old coal tips. One resident, Russell Martin, highlighted the prolonged deterioration of properties and the constant fear of landslips, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Another resident, Diane Morgan, shared her disappointment at feeling neglected by authorities despite sending evidence of the dangers present in their surroundings.
The Welsh government’s funding, described as “unprecedented” by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, aims to mitigate the risks associated with disused coal tips scattered across the south Wales valleys. Following the landslip in Tylorstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in 2020, a Coal Tip Safety Taskforce was established by the Welsh and UK governments to address the issues. The review conducted revealed shortcomings in existing laws related to tip safety, necessitating a more effective management framework.
Local authorities, along with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), will oversee the implementation of safety measures at the identified coal tip sites. The funding allocation reflects the severity of the risks posed by coal tips in different areas, with Rhondda Cynon Taf receiving the highest amount. The hope is that ongoing legislative efforts, such as the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill, will further strengthen safety protocols and provide reassurance to communities living near these sites
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