In Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, residents are expressing deep concern and a desire to leave their homes following a significant landslide caused by a coal tip. This incident, which unfolded during the torrential rains brought on by Storm Bert, left many residents shaken, fearing for their safety as a river of slurry and debris surged down the streets. Among those affected is Dianne Morgan, who lives directly beneath the coal tip. Morgan and her neighbors are now advocating for compulsory purchase by the council, signaling a collective desire to relocate due to ongoing concerns about the stability of their homes and the high risks associated with their proximity to the tip.
The landslide incident has highlighted a substantial oversight regarding coal tips in Wales, many of which were historically utilized during the country’s extensive coal mining period. Following the chaotic aftermath of the recent disaster, immediate evacuation measures were put into place for residents at risk. The Welsh government responded to the situation by announcing pending legislation, scheduled to be revealed on the following Monday, aimed at forming a new authority responsible for managing disused coal tips and ensuring the safety of local populations.
For residents in Cwmtillery, the urgency for action is palpable. Morgan articulated a sentiment shared by many in the area: “People here don’t feel safe, and I don’t think we’ll be able to sell this home either at the moment.” In her view, merely making the tip safe is insufficient, declaring that a full removal of the coal tip would be the most effective solution. As the government prepares to implement regulatory changes, there is a pressing desire from the community for actions that prioritize their safety and peace of mind.
The history surrounding coal tips in Wales has been marred by several disasters, prompting stricter regulations and calls for improved safety measures. The need for new legislation stems from an assessment by the Law Commission, which concluded that existing laws, enacted after the Aberfan disaster in 1966, no longer meet today’s safety requirements. The recent incidents, including a landslide in Tylorstown caused by Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis in 2020, have further intensified scrutiny of coal tips, leading authorities to reassess their management strategies.
With around 2,500 coal tips across the entirety of Wales, a comprehensive plan for their oversight is becoming increasingly vital. The proposed Disused Tips Authority for Wales aims to oversee the registration, monitoring, and management of these sites, ensuring public safety and environmental protection. As discussions progress, residents are hopeful that meaningful changes will soon be implemented, yet there is an ongoing challenge regarding funding and resources to carry out necessary remediation work.
Financial commitments have been made, with the UK government pledging £25 million for coal tip safety work in Wales. However, many argue that this sum falls significantly short of what is required to adequately address the risks and remediate the nearly 350 identified at-risk coal tips. Local authorities continue to navigate the complexities of maintaining coal tips, with responsibilities varying based on public or private land ownership.
As the push for improved coal tip safety continues, figures like Phil Thomas, a vocal advocate for clearing hazardous sites, emphasize the importance of collective responsibility in funding maintenance. Meanwhile, Robert Sullivan from the Mines Remediation Authority noted that ongoing evaluations must take climate change factors into account, particularly concerning heavy rainfall management and other environmental concerns.
Moreover, as authorities grapple with these pressing issues, the memory of past landslides continues to loom large over communities living in the shadow of coal tips. The emotional impact on residents is profound, as many still carry the weight of anxiety stemming from the uncertainty of their living conditions. As legislative reforms take shape, it remains to be seen whether the collective outcry of those like Dianne Morgan and her neighbors will drive meaningful changes that prioritize safety and secure the future of their homes.
