Survey shows landslip dangers

EXTENSIVE work has revealed that landslides are likely to occur frequently in future in the Swansea Valley.

Geological experts working for Neath Port Talbot council have produced the most comprehensive assessment so far of the risk to people and properties in the Pantteg landslide area in Ystalyfera, which has experienced ground instability since at least 1897.

A specialised aerial drone survey was carried out at the site using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a method using a laser to measure distances to the surface.

The measurements have been used to develop map of Pantteg to produce a draft plan showing the risk to life and property.

Experts say the central Pantteg area is the zone with the highest hazard and risk of landslides, and the Pantteg landslide has been identified as “very active”.

As a result, further instability is expected to occur on a frequent basis in the future.

Since a fresh landslip in February last year, the cost to the council has been £440,000 with expenditure expected to reach more than £850,000 by March this year.

Tomorrow, Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera School will open its doors for a public meeting where residents will see a 3D fly-through model showing the landslip area and other detailed information, including an updated hazard and risk map of the area.

Council officials and members will be available to answer residents’ questions.

Leader of the council, Rob Jones said: “Earth Science Partnership is now providing residents in the Pantteg area with the most detailed information they possibly can about the risks posed by landslides which have plagued this area going back at least to the 1890s.

“We are making the information available on our website so people can digest the information ready for the public meeting in Ystalyfera on Monday evening when senior council officers and members will be on hand to answer questions and inevitable concerns.

“We have used huge resources and a large amount of public money and have engaged trusted geological experts – whose detailed work will be peer reviewed – to give residents in the Pantteg area a greater understanding of the land that surrounds them and which they live on.”