Work begins to clear site of huge landslide
WORK to remove 60,000 tonnes of spoil from a landslip site in the Rhondda will begin this week.
The landslip was triggered by Storm Dennis on February 16 when Rhondda Cynon Taf was hit by three storms in a matter of weeks.
Storm Dennis saw Maerdy record the highest volume of rainfall anywhere in Wales.
The landslip, between Tylorstown and Ferndale, broke a foul sewer, covered a strategic water main with several metres of debris and covered an existing footpath and cycle path.
But now works are beginning to clear the site.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed a contractor has been appointed to carry out phases two and three of the Tylorstown landslip remediation, which was due to start yesterday.
The council has appointed Walters as the contractor responsible for carrying out the next two phases of work as part of a wider four-phase remediation plan.
Walters undertook phase one, which included emergency drainage and vegetation work earlier this year following the landslip, and is an experienced local contractor who have been involved in tip schemes in the past.
Initial activity on site from yesterday will include site setup, investigations and vegetation clearance work ready for the significant removal of materials to two local receptor sites north of the landslip, and embankment repairs.
The combined phases of work are due to be completed by the end of October this year, adhering to restrictions about working within the river.
The four-phase remediation plan includes a commitment to create a shared ‘active travel community route’ from Maerdy to Pontygwaith, which ‘passes through’ a new riverside park at the Tylorstown landslip site.
Council leader Andrew Morgan said: “In terms of the works activity over the coming weeks and months, there should be very little disruption to road users, benefiting from the mountainside location.
“The existing path will remain closed to maintain safety.
“The council will work very closely with the appointed contractor to ensure good progress is made, while updates for local residents will be communicated periodically.”