Panteg, Ystalyfera, landslip update – 14.08.2017

The safety of residents is our top priority and our immediate concern is for the safety of residents in the properties directly affected by two recent landslips.

Landslips in this part of the county borough are not new and they are very much linked to the local geology and our industrial legacy.

This council and indeed previous councils have monitored this area over many years.

As a matter of course, Neath Port Talbot Council continuously reviews potential risks to its communities and services to prevent events that could disrupt community life.

Following the monitoring and investigation of the landslips at the rear of 81 – 96 Cyfyng Road, we are of the opinion that there is a high risk of further landslips and a risk to the occupiers if they remain in these properties.

The decision to ask people to leave their homes at such short notice has not been taken lightly but this is the only course of action available to the council to keep people safe.

All of the residents have been offered advice and support and we are doing this on a case by case basis. Council officers are speaking to residents to identify individual requirements and we have set up a dedicated telephone number so those residents directly affected can continue to receive ongoing support whether that be in relation to alternative housing, education or other issues.

Whilst it is understandable that residents within the surrounding area are concerned, our attention at the moment is to concentrate on the terrace of ten properties and the residents within those properties.

Further assessment and monitoring of the wider area is taking place and the information which results from those investigations will be explained to the local community in due course.

Residents in the area can ring our dedicated telephone number (01639) 686288 during normal office hours.