Residents across Wales are set to receive much-needed safety improvements as over £34 million is allocated to enhance measures at coal tip sites, a response to alarming incidents such as the landslides that occurred during Storm Bert in 2024. This significant funding, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in Blaenau Gwent, marks a pivotal step in addressing longstanding safety concerns related to the region's mining legacy.
In November 2024, homes in the village of Cwmtillery were damaged during a severe storm, prompting evacuations. Local residents, many of whom voiced feelings of neglect in the aftermath, expressed their frustration, noting that the necessary action had been delayed too long. Russell Martin, a Cwmtillery resident, reflected on the situation, stating, "It's all too late. It should have been done a long time ago." At the age of 72, he and his wife feel anchored to their home, even amidst ongoing dangers.
Diane Morgan, another local, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional and financial investments they've made in their homes. "We've put a lot of money into this [house], we still are, and we've worked really hard. It's upsetting. Why should we live under this threat?" Her cautious welcome of the funding announcement underscores a deeper urgency, as she shared horrific images from the aftermath of Storm Bert.
The Welsh government has committed £34 million for safety enhancements across 130 sites in ten local authority areas, with a sharp focus on Rhondda Cynon Taf, which has the highest concentration of coal tips categorized at significant risk. From the total, £11.5 million is earmarked for Rhondda Cynon Taf alone, while Neath Port Talbot will receive £6.34 million, and further distributions include £4.2 million for Merthyr Tydfil and £2.78 million for Caerphilly. Other areas, such as Bridgend and Wrexham, will also benefit.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies remarked that the funding represents an unprecedented response to a growing crisis, highlighting continued government concerns about safety in the wake of severe weather events intensified by climate change. He pointed out that in 2020, a substantial landslip in Tylorstown resulted in approximately 60,000 tonnes of debris cascading into a river, catalyzing the formation of a Coal Tip Safety Taskforce between the Welsh and UK governments.
This task force identified a staggering 2,573 disused coal tips across Wales, with 360 classified as posing public safety risks and requiring ongoing inspection. Previous legislation addressing coal tip safety, established after the tragic Aberfan disaster in 1966, is now considered outdated compared to current mining liabilities. The updated approach seeks to produce a stronger framework for managing these hazardous sites to prevent future catastrophes.
Notably, the safety improvements involve collaboration among local authorities and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which is set to receive funding for safety operations at these coal tips. Apart from the government’s financial contributions, the UK government pledged £25 million last October to support this initiative.
The broader implications of these coal tip safety improvements venture beyond immediate community welfare; they represent a commitment to environmental stewardship and future-proofing communities long impacted by industrial practices. Steve Hunt, leader of Neath Port Talbot council, articulated the dual challenge faced, noting, "These tips are a visible symbol of how coal mining shaped the valleys but many years later, the tips are still causing issues around safety and pollution that have to be addressed urgently."
In addition to immediate safety funding, Mr. Irranca-Davies announced plans for a Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill, expected to further secure local communities against the threats posed by unstable tips. He hopes this new legislation, if passed, will lead to the establishment of a dedicated public authority tasked with the comprehensive management of these sites.
If implemented, the authority would oversee assessment, registration, monitoring, and management, offering peace of mind to residents who have long feared the consequences of the dormant coal tips surrounding their homes. As Cwmtillery residents await critical upgrades, their plight stands as a poignant reminder of the legacy of coal mining in Wales and the urgent need to safeguard public safety.
