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The dedicated web pages, available at www.npt.gov.uk/coal-tips , bring together up-to-date information on all known coal tips in Neath Port Talbot, alongside links to detailed technical reports and guidance.

The launch follows ongoing work at a national level to strengthen oversight of disused tips. Welsh Government has established a National Coal Tip Register, supported by a programme of inspections carried out by the Mining Remediation Authority (previously called the Coal Authority) on its behalf. Local authorities and partner agencies also carry out additional inspections as required.

From April 2027, a newly established Disused Tips Authority for Wales will take on responsibility for inspecting disused tips across the country.

The new council webpages include information about both coal and quarry tips. Residents can access technical reports, find out more about how tips are monitored, and understand the work being undertaken to manage any risks.

The new online resource also contains a specific link to the technical reports about the tips above the former Godre’rgraig school building.

Councillor Wyndham Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, said: “The reports set out the risks of movement on the hillside next to the former Godre’rgraig school building had it remained open for children or other users.

“Following the agreed recommendations of the Council, consulting engineers, and the Mining Remediation Authority, the Welsh Government will revise the tip boundary shown on its national register in its next update in autumn 2026.”

In line with previous updates, Neath Port Talbot Council continues to work closely with Welsh Government and the Mining Remediation Authority to ensure that information is accurate, transparent and regularly updated. Technical reports will be added as new monitoring information becomes available.

The council is also providing a direct contact point for residents who have questions or wish to report concerns. Enquiries can be sent to coaltips@npt.gov.uk.

This work builds on investment secured earlier this year to enhance coal tip safety across the county borough.

Neath Port Talbot Council successfully obtained £3.6 million from Welsh Government’s Coal Tip Safety Grant Scheme to support inspection, maintenance and mitigation work at more than 620 former coal tip sites. The funding forms part of a wider £80 million programme across Wales.

The funding will support:
•    The establishment of a dedicated Tip Management Team to carry out inspections and plan future work
•    Ongoing collaboration with the Mining Remediation Authority
•    Targeted mitigation works at sites identified as requiring intervention based on risk

Councillor Wyndham Griffiths, added: “Safeguarding communities from unsafe coal tips is vital. This new online resource is part of our commitment to keeping residents informed about the work being undertaken.

“Combined with the funding we have secured, it demonstrates our proactive approach to managing coal tip safety and addressing the challenges posed by the sites.

“We hope this provides reassurance to residents that their safety remains a priority.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the new webpages to learn more about coal tip safety, access technical information, and stay up to date with ongoing work across Neath Port Talbot.