PART of a culvert diverting water from an industrial wasteland has collapsed – with a local resident saying he has raised concerns for months.
The supporting wall of the culvert at The British in Talywaun near Abersychan is believed to have collapsed last week.
A footpath and bridleway runs directly above the culvert allowing walkers and riders access to the area that has previously been described as the largest remaining site of industrial dereliction in South Wales.
Private coal mining took place on the site, near Pontypool, until the 1980s and ironworks date back to the 19th century while the path above the culvert is immediately beside a coal tip.
Roger Rudge, whose home at Elizabeth Row, is below the culvert said he reported the collapse to Torfaen Borough Council, which bought The British in 2016, on Thursday, February 13.
“No one has been out to visit it and I reported it last Thursday,” said Mr Rudge: “It must have collapsed in the build up to that day.
“There are 18 coal tips on The British and they are spilling out water all the time and it is coal dust that has blocked the culvert.”
Mr Rudge said he had raised concerns with council workmen in the autumn the culvert lacked capacity for the amount of water, and is concerned further heavy rainfall will only make it worse.
He said: “The culvert is not big enough to take the water and as a result it has diverted over the top and washed it away, the whole thing has collapsed.”
The 78-year-old said he believes had the council acted sooner it would have avoided further costs: “It would have cost them x amount if they’d done it earlier they’ve now got a big job on.”
Michele Mitchell, Torfaen council’s leader for highways and transport, said: “We have received a report regarding the culvert and will respond to the complainant within the required timescale.
“We are aware of the damage to the culvert’s wingwall but an inspection in November showed the culvert itself is not damaged. We will reinspect the site and plan what remedial action is needed.”
Coal tips at The British are in category D, those considered as having the most potential impact on public safety, and appear to have last been inspected in September, 2024. Category D tips are required to be inspected every three months.