More works due as lorry recovered from landslip site
PHASE two of works to stabilise a landslide in Cwmduad has started following recovery of a lorry from the river on Monday.
The road has been closed since October 13, when the landslip occurred during the ferocity of Storm Callum.
The storm caused a huge amount of flooding in West Wales.
The landslide led to the dead of 21-year-old Corey Sharpling, from Newcastle Emlyn.
Carmarthenshire Council is leading the operation to clear the site and reopen the A484 for traffic travelling between Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn, following the landslide in October.
Phase one, which commenced before Christmas, created a safe zone for the recovery of a lorry that was swept into the river during the storm. Phase two is to permanently stabilise the embankment, involving complex drainage and geotechnical works.
The highway structure will then be assessed before any indication can be given as to when the road will re-open.
Ruth Mullen, director of environment for Carmarthenshire Council, said: “We are now making progress in what has been a highly complex operation and legal process between the council, partner agencies and the landowner.
“We fully appreciate the impact this has had on the community, and we wish to reiterate that we have worked without delay to undertake site investigations in the immediate aftermath of the landslide, along with clearance and construction works to make the area safe.
“We are working as quickly as we can to reopen the road as soon as possible, and would like to thank those affected most sincerely for their patience.”
Until the road is reopened, traffic will continue to be diverted along the B4333 Carmarthen to Newcastle Emlyn route. Additional bus services remain in place.
MP Simon Hart said he will hold a public meeting tomorrow over the road closure. Despite the council giving regular updates to villagers and via the media, Mr Hart claims people are frustrated with the closure.
He said: “The ongoing closure and the 23-mile diversion has been raised with me by so many people that I decided to organise this meeting.
“I have been working closely with Carmarthenshire Council’s highways department and am being regularly updated about the project,” explained Mr Hart. “I appreciate people’s frustration at the situation and the meeting will give them a chance to have a say.”
Councillor Hazel Evans, executive board member for environment, said: “We’ve released as much information as we have been able to within the limits of the legal process that’s under way. Information has been released via the press, on the council’s website and social media feeds, and printed copies have been hand-delivered to the community. We have sought to keep people as up to date as possible by providing a realistic overview of the complexity of the operation.
“While it’s been difficult to predict how long the works will take, we have tried to give an estimated open date for the road and have sought to update that as soon as possible when it has become apparent there will be further delay.”
The meeting will take place at 7.30pm at the Cwmduad Community Centre tomorrow.
■ Anyone wishing to attend can email simon. hart.mp@parliament.uk