The MS for Islwyn has welcomed news of the introduction of the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill, which is hoped will address the safety of coalfield communities across South Wales.
Rhianon Passmore MS said: “This is legislation which directly addresses the safety of our coalfield communities in the South Wales Valleys.
“These are communities which have lived with the legacy of coal mining for generations. This bill is a long-overdue step forward in ensuring that the dangers posed by disused coal tips are finally managed with the seriousness they deserve.
“For my constituents in areas such as Ynysddu and Cwmfelinfach, this bill represents a path towards a safe and stable future, which protects local residents, communities, habitat and wildlife. “
“For those of my constituents living in the shadow of coal tips, weather events such as the recent Storm Bert bring not only the worry of flooding and power cuts, but of devastating land slips.”
“This bill tackles that risk head-on, establishing the Disused Tips Authority for Wales — an independent body that will assess, categorise, and monitor sites to ensure they do not pose a danger to human life.”