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The local authority secured the funding via the Welsh Government’s new coal tip safety multiyear grant scheme. The funding will be utilised to undertake inspection and maintenance works on more than 620 former coal tip sites in Neath Port Talbot. A total of £80m of funding is available across Wales. 

In the application, Neath Port Talbot Council highlighted the unpredictable nature of coal tip conditions, which are exacerbated by extreme weather events.

£1.2m of the funding is dedicated to creating a Tip Management Team that will undertake inspections of tips along with the design, programming and planning of any future mitigation works required, continuing our close working relationship with the Mining Remediation Authority and to ensure that the Council is proactive in dealing with any emerging risks.

£2.4m has been obtained to undertake mitigation works already identified as being required to keep local communities safe from the potential hazards posed by coal tip sites.

Mitigation works will be prioritised based on risk levels and funds will be allocated accordingly should further mitigation work be required.

Neath Port Talbot is among 10 local authorities to be successful through the grant scheme, which lasts until the end of the 2028-29 financial year.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Steve Hunt said: 

“Safeguarding communities from unsafe coal tips is vital. This funding shows Neath Port Talbot Council is taking a proactive approach to address the problem.

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