Phase one improvement works at a former coal tip in Cwmtillery have been completed, almost two years after a landslide during Storm Bert.
Blaenau Gwent Council carried out the works with Welsh Government and partners, using funding through the Coal Tip Safety Grant Scheme. The council secured £1.3 million from Welsh Government for phase one and £3 million for phase two over the next two years.
Phase one focused on managing water more effectively, including installing larger drainage pipes and new drainage systems and reshaping parts of the site so water does not pond and can flow away more easily. The council said the improvements will help reduce the risk of flooding, prevent water from building up and protect the site from erosion.
Phase two is due to begin early next year and will focus on reprofiling the tip slopes. That will involve reshaping steep areas, adding more drainage and landscaping work, including grass seeding and tree planting.
The council said it has kept residents engaged and informed through regular meetings, listened and acted upon their concerns, and given the community the chance to see the work for themselves.
Councillor Tommy Smith, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Environment Services, said: “We know the impact this incident had on local residents, and we understand that concerns about former coal tips remain very real for communities across Wales. Since the landslide, we have worked closely with local people to rebuild trust, keep residents informed and ensure their voices have been heard through regular engagement and updates.
“We welcome the Welsh Government’s continued investment in coal tip safety and fully support its commitment to protecting communities living near these sites. By working together, we are making this site safer, stronger and more resilient for the future.
“We will continue working with residents, the Welsh Government and our partners as we deliver the next phase of improvements, keeping the community informed every step of the way and ensuring the site remains resilient for generations to come.”
On 24 November, 40 homes were evacuated in the early hours after material slipped from the tip. An extensive clean-up and investigative works followed. The council then put together a detailed programme of work and secured funding to improve the site’s safety and resilience.
