Policy paper

Policy on Skewen Flooding Response Support – 16 March 2021

Updated 16 March 2021

On 21 January 2021, following Storm Christoph and prolonged wet weather across Wales a large volume of water flooded into Skewen from mine workings in Goshen Park.

The Coal Authority has investigated this thoroughly. The incident was as a result of a blockage in an old drainage adit (mine working). We are putting in place work to remediate this adit and the mineshaft involved. We will build a new mine water management system to capture the water coming down from the mines above Skewen to reduce the risk of such an event happening again. This will have flow monitoring and telemetry (alarm) systems so it can be monitored 24/7.

We recognise that the flooding has had a significant impact on many homes and we want to offer assistance to the local community with the clean-up. Flood recovery is a matter for insurance and residents should work through their insurers in the first instance but we have been told by many who are affected that some or all of their outside clean-up and reinstatement is not covered by insurance. We will therefore offer the following support:

1. Immediate help clearing external areas around the property of ochre, mud and debris. Crews will start onsite Monday 1 February in Sunnyland Crescent and then move to Jubilee Close, Highlands, Dynever Road, Cwrt-Y-Clafdy and surrounding areas before starting in Goshen Park on Monday 8 February when the new temporary access is available

2. Support to reinstate gardens and outside areas back to how they were before the flooding. This includes things like fence panels, grass, gravel and patching holes or cracks in driveways up to a total of £2000 of materials

The eligibility criteria for such support are as follows:

• A person eligible for support must be an owner or occupier of a home flooded in Skewen on 21 January 2021;

• The resident is responsible for contacting the Coal Authority through the residents helpline 0800 288 4268 to request assistance

• The resident will need to agree in writing with the Coal Authority or its contractors what garden reinstatement will be provided

• The cap for garden / outdoor reinstatement work (not including the initial clearance of ochre, gravel or small debris) is £2000 of materials per household

• The Coal Authority will provide other reasonable assistance such as labour at its sole discretion

It should be noted that the Coal Authority has no legal liability for coal mine water discharges. This policy has been adopted by the Coal Authority pursuant to its statutory functions. No part of this policy or any action taken prior to or following the flooding at Skewen on 21 January 2021 by or on behalf of the Coal Authority, its employees and officers, may be construed as in any way constituting an admission of liability for the flooding on 21 January 2021 or any of its consequences.