Residents in the affected area are calling for the Craig yr Hesg quarry to be shut down following a blast that led to flooding and forced evacuations from their homes. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has also raised concerns about potential river pollution.
Local council teams are focused on the safety and well-being of the residents impacted by the flooding. "Council teams will continue to support affected residents and carry out the necessary clean-up, investigation and repair work as quickly and safely as possible," stated Chris Weaver, the leader of the council. Following the incident, the council advised the public to avoid contact with the watercourse of the local rivers and to prevent pets from swimming in the water until investigations are complete, due to the possibility of river pollution.
Alex Davies-Jones, the Labour MP for Pontypridd, has written to the Welsh government, expressing that constituents have experienced "considerable anxiety" due to the blast and subsequent flooding. She highlighted that the incident has "brought existing concerns about blasting, groundwater, drainage, land stability and the wider impact of quarrying activity sharply back into focus." Davies-Jones emphasized that her constituents' concerns should be addressed with urgency, rather than waiting for a serious incident to occur.
Siân Gwenllian, the Welsh government cabinet member for local government, housing and planning, acknowledged the "concerning incident" and stated that her thoughts are with those affected. She confirmed that the government is monitoring the situation and supporting partners in a multi-agency response that is now transitioning to recovery. Gwenllian added that relevant authorities are investigating the incident to understand its cause, and further comment would be inappropriate at this stage.
Kiera Marshall, Member of the Senedd for Caerdydd Penarth, expressed disbelief at the "level of destruction caused" to homes and pledged to be in the area with her team to offer practical support and advice.
Mud and rocks covered the road leading into a housing estate on Heol Berry in Gwaelod y Garth on Friday morning, following the quarry incident.
A football pitch situated behind houses on Heol Berry was also seen covered in wet mud and stone.
Two vans were parked on either side of the road on Heol Berry, with mud visible on both sides of the residential street.
