Residents in Cwmtillery, Wales, are worried. A landslide narrowly missed their homes during Storm Bert in November. Now, they’re demanding action from the local council. Dianne Morgan, a resident, wants assurances that the council will maintain the coal tip behind her home.
Meanwhile, the Welsh government is introducing new legislation. This law will establish a new authority to manage coal tips. This law will establish a new authority to manage coal tips. The authority will assess, register, and monitor coal tips. This move comes after a landslide in Tylorstown in 2020, which highlighted the need for better coal tip management.
There are approximately 2,500 coal tips in Wales. Most are located in the south. The UK government has pledged £25 million for coal tip safety work in Wales. However, critics argue that this amount is insufficient.
Furthermore, local authorities are responsible for maintaining coal tips on public land. Private landowners are responsible for tips on their property. The proposed legislation aims to clarify these responsibilities.
In addition, the Welsh government is conducting a review of climate change adaptation for coal tips. This review includes installing remote smart monitoring systems, which will help predict and prevent landslides.
Coal tip safety concerns in Wales are pressing. The proposed legislation and new authority are steps in the right direction. However, more should be done to address the scale of the problem. Ultimately, ensuring coal tip safety concerns remains a top priority.
The future of coal tip safety in Wales hangs in the balance. As the Welsh government moves forward with new legislation and a dedicated authority, residents like Dianne Morgan are anxious about the results.
