Peredur Owen Griffiths has raised the issue of coal tip safety during questions to the Government and Plaid Cymru-led debate in the Senedd.

The Member of the Senedd for South Wales East – where there are 175 Category C and D coal tips located - spoke twice on the subject in one day of plenary this week.

During questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, Peredur said: “Coal tip safety is a massive issue in my region due to the heavy industrial heritage. It’s regrettable that the Westminster Government, both under Tory and Labour control, never made these areas safe for our communities when they had the chance.

“There is a proposal to extract coal from some of the tips at the former Bedwas colliery and to remediate them in the process.

“However, the category D tip that is closest to people’s homes—literally just outside the back garden of a long row of homes—is not being touched. This tip is apparently in private ownership.”

He added: “Cabinet Secretary, do you agree with me that land ownership should not be the primary concern when it comes to guaranteeing the safety of the people we represent?

“How is the Government working to overcome legal barriers for the sake of our former coal mining communities, and how is the Government assuring itself that any remedial work carried out in our communities is driven by safety and not profit?”

Later in proceedings, Peredur questioned the potential environmental cost of the proposed scheme for the former Bedwas colliery and urged authorities to scrutinise the plans carefully for the sake of local communities.

He said: “Justice for communities in Wales demands robust scrutiny and detailed questioning to ensure the remediation and repurposing of disused coal tips and other post-industrial sites is done in the safest way possible.

“We must remain vigilant against any attempts to revive the coal mining industry by stealth.

“As representatives, we need to prioritise the long-term well-being of the people we represent, the safety of our communities and the sustainability of our environment.

“We need to ensure that we listen to the voices of the affected communities and make sure their interests safeguarded.

“Only by doing our jobs properly and scrutinising these projects properly can be truly honour our commitment to the well-being of present and future generations in Wales."

If you want to support Plaid Cymru and Peredur, please click this link.