A total of £14.16 million is to be invested in former coal tip sites in Torfaen thanks to a new Welsh Government grant scheme.
The money will be invested over the next three years and includes £7.7 million towards the British Regeneration Project in Talywain.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced a total of £80 million was being provided to local authorities and Natural Resources Wales for projects ranging from minor maintenance to major capital schemes.
Making the announcement at the British former ironworks site, Mr Irranca-Davies said:
“This record investment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to coal tip safety.
“This investment does more than make our communities safer. It is huge investment in coalfield communities, growing the economy and creating jobs in many of the places that need them most.
“Wales once developed mining expertise that was exported throughout the world – now we have the opportunity to lead again, this time in dealing with our mining legacy during a climate emergency.”
Council Leader Anthony Hunt said:
“This investment is great news – it will help us to realise our ambitions to improve safety at this site, which is valued by the local community.
“The project will have wider benefits in terms of protecting important biodiversity and alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area. There is also the potential for future economic benefits, which will be explored in the council’s new Blueprint for Growth strategy.
“A lot of towns in Wales grew up around the coal mining industry and it’s right that these communities are protected for future generations. This is a welcome sign of all levels of Government working together to achieve that aim.”
There are 175 coal tips in the borough – 47 of which are owned and maintained by the council and include three category D, which is the highest risk category; 12 category C and 30 category B.
The British is the largest derelict industrial site in South-East Wales which is home to multiple collieries including Cwmbrygwn and Lower Navigation.
The grant will go towards the cost of a project to improve safety, and reduce flooding, at the area known as the “Black patch”, as well as developing a new masterplan for the site.
The council has also received grant funding for safety work at Blaenserchan, Tirpentwys, Cwmbran Colliery and Lower Varteg.
