Two Plaid Cymru MSs have highlighted the dangers of toxic sites in their region with a visit to a former tar plant proposed for house building.

Peredur Owen Griffiths and Delyth Jewell – who both represent the South Wales East region – went to the former Thomas Ness tar plant near Caerffili train station to highlight the ongoing problems with polluted land.

The land has been earmarked for housing by the Labour-controlled local authority, much to the anger of local residents and environmental groups. The site is suspected of containing highly dangerous chemicals which could be disturbed if the land is disturbed by development.

During the visit, Peredur said: “This is not the only contaminated site in our region. The Ty Llwyd quarry in Ynysddu immediately springs to mind.

“Whilst Plaid Cymru would much prefer brownfield sites to be built on rather than the greenfield sites like the one near Cefn Fforest built on, there are exceptions to this policy when the land is this contaminated.”

Delyth said: “These sites are used for industrial purposes and or contaminated tipping of industrial waste. What’s now happening is the impact on communities, neighbours and our environment.

“Chemicals leaching or contaminated run off from the site. Water courses receiving anything that escapes the site with progression to our rivers.”

Peredur added: “Protracted or complex remediation leaving communities and natural habitats affected or threatened for decades. The costs for clear up and who pays rage on. All the while, it is nature and communities who bear the brunt.

“Things cannot go on like this.”

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