Flood alleviation work will start at Mill Street in Pontypridd this week, to install green features such as tree pits and rain gardens to tackle surface water in a sustainable way – while also improving the area’s aesthetics and biodiversity.
The scheme, which is being wholly funded by Welsh Government, aims to tackle the localised issue of surface water during periods of heavy rainfall. Tree pits and rain gardens provide an adaptive form of flood alleviation that are resilient for the future and take into account the effects of climate change.
The work started this week and follows initial ground investigations which took place during September 2020.
The Council has appointed Horan Construction as the contractor with responsibility for delivering this scheme, which will last up to four weeks. All walkways and accesses in this area of the town centre will be unaffected.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “This work in Pontypridd Town Centre will deliver an innovative method of flood alleviation, to tackle the issue of surface water collecting at Mill Street in heavy rainfall. An added bonus of the scheme is the opportunity to visually improve the street scene through the introduction of greenery, and visitors to the town centre will begin to see these improvements over the coming weeks.
“The Council remains committed to carrying out targeted flood alleviation work in communities. In 2021, work has got underway at a number of locations including Pleasant Street in Pentre, Granville Terrace in Mountain Ash, on the A4059 from Trecynon to Hirwaun, and two phases of work in Cwmbach. Culvert strengthening was also completed in Rhydyfelin in recent weeks, while major schemes remain ongoing at Park Lane in Trecynon and at Pentre Road.
“The upcoming work at Mill Street has benefited from whole funding by Welsh Government, which has been welcomed by the Council. The works activity will last around a month in total and isn’t expected to cause disruption – as no footway or road closures are required by our appointed contractor.”
