Exciting news for the Rhondda Cynon Taf area! Big plans are in the works to ensure coal tips in this former mining heartland are kept safe and sound. The RCT Council is eagerly waiting on a bid of £11.33 million from the Welsh Government to bolster these efforts.
The council has been busy with a programme of work that includes both minor and major maintenance, studies, and investigations. This includes fixing drainage channels and reinforcing slopes to prevent landslides. One major project is the ongoing remediation at the Tylorstown tip following a significant landslip in 2020, with comprehensive safety measures now well underway.
Great progress is also happening at the Wattstown National tip, where moisture monitoring shows a significant reduction in soil moisture levels, ensuring the stability of the site. Over in Dinas, a temporary drainage system has proven effective, reducing the risk of movement. And there’s more work planned at the Graig Ddu tip to stabilise it further by 2026/27.
Remember Storm Bert from last year? It eroded parts of the Afon Cynon riverbank. Not to worry—plans are in the works to stabilise it. Further safety measures are being discussed, including improvements to manage fire risks on these sites.
And it’s not just safety that’s getting a boost! A pump track has been built in Ferndale, offering a new leisure hub for the community. Plus, ongoing biodiversity improvements are being made alongside these developments.
It’s clear that RCT is dedicated to not only preserving the safety of its historical sites but also enhancing them for the future. These efforts ensure that these old tips, once symbols of industry, are now safe and sustainable parts of the landscape.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you think the Valleys have changed over the last 50 years? Let’s chat in the comments!