MP Raises Concerns Over Coal Tips with UK Government Minister

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick has raised concerns over the safety of coal tips across Wales in parliament this evening. 

The intervention follows a landslip in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent caused by a collapsing coal tip in this weekend's weather. 

David Chadwick highlighted that although the Government has committed £25 million for the remediation of coal tips in Wales, the estimated total cost is estimated to be £600 million. He also called for clarity on what the Government is doing to support the live monitoring of any movement in disused tips and early warning systems, highlighting the importance of such systems should a collapse be imminent. 

Commenting after the statement, David Chadwick MP said:

"While the £25 million announced in the Government's budget is welcome, it falls very short of the £600 million needed to make all sites safe. 

"Many in former mining communities, including in my constituency will be extremely frightened by the events in Cwmtillery. 

"We were extremely lucky no one was hurt, we need to see real action to make all tips safe as quickly as possible, residents cannot continue to live in fear every time we have heavy rainfall."

ENDS