The Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, has returned to Cwmtillery, one year since a significant landslip at a disused coal tip during Storm Bert in November 2024.
Accompanied by representatives from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and the Mining Remediation Authority, he saw first-hand the progress made on crucial infrastructure improvements.
This includes the installation of new drainage works and slope reprofiling – to help stabilise and reduce the risk of future landslides and erosion – thanks to £610,000 of Welsh Government support through the Coal Tip Safety Grant Scheme.
The Deputy First Minister, who has responsibility for Climate Change, said:
“The scenes from Cwmtillery last year will always stay with me, and I know the impact is still felt by the community today.
“I’ll forever remain grateful to the emergency services and our local partners for their swift response which made sure residents were taken to safety during what was undoubtedly a terrifying experience.
“Returning to Cwmtillery twelve months on, I’m pleased to see the substantial progress made to support this community and make the site safer.
“We remain absolutely dedicated to protecting people and ensuring communities living in the shadow of former tips are safe, both now and in the future.”
Combined Welsh and UK Government investment in coal tip safety totals more than £220m to date.
This record investment is delivering safety improvements for communities as the Welsh Government continues to work closely with public partners to deliver an effective inspection and maintenance regime across Wales.
Councillor Tommy Smith, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environment at Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“Our thoughts remain with all residents affected by the landslide in Cwmtillery. Working closely with partners, including the Welsh Government, we have carried out extensive investigations and remedial works at the disused tip site. This includes improved drainage systems to divert water away and ongoing investigations into any further measures required such as reprofiling.
“We are fully committed to this work, supporting the local community, and keeping residents informed every step of the way. Alongside the Mining Remediation Authority, we continue to conduct regular inspections and closely monitor the area during adverse weather conditions.”
Landmark legislation has also been delivered to address the safety issues caused by Wales’s mining past.
The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act will establish the Disused Tips Authority for Wales in Merthyr Tydfil in April 2027, delivering around 60 new jobs.
This new public body will be responsible for the assessment, categorisation, registration and inspection of all disused tips across Wales to ensure they are managed effectively over the long term and further reduce threats to public safety.
