Following recent storms, we’re continuing to closely monitor and maintain the disused coal tips we own and manage in Wales.
We also attended a coal tip safety meeting, chaired by Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford on Monday 24 February, with the Welsh Local Government Association and Natural Resources Wales.
After stating their governments would work together to assess the safety of tips and ensure they are being properly monitored, the First Minister and Secretary of State agreed that:
-
all relevant agencies will work together to share resources and technical expertise, establishing a common set of standards for risk assessment
-
information will be provided to people living in the south Wales valleys about the safety of local tips, co-ordinated by a single point of contact
Lisa Pinney, Chief Executive at the Coal Authority, said:
We attended the meeting yesterday and will work with partners to progress the agreed outcomes.
Our tip inspection teams are still busy ensuring that all drainage channels and trash screens are free from debris, so they perform as they should, and we haven’t seen any significant issues at our 26 Welsh sites.
We are, as always, working closely with our partners to help and support others as we can, whether we manage their tips or not.
Following these unprecedented weather conditions, our thoughts remain with everyone affected.
You can call us 24/7 to report a coal mining hazard or to get safety advice on 01623 646 333.
The Coal Authority owns and manages 40 disused colliery tip sites across the United Kingdom.
Follow this news feed: HM Government