The deputy first minister of Wales has stated the “blame game of the past” on coal ideas will not be “helpful”.
Huw Irranca-Davies was visiting residents in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, on Thursday after the partial collapse of a coal waste tip in November throughout Storm Bert compelled dozens to go away their houses.
A coal tip is made up of waste materials from coal mining, a lot of which have existed for a number of many years.
The deputy FM, who can also be the surroundings secretary, stated it was “essential” to talk with residents instantly.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:09
Evacuations after coal tip collapse
Mr Irranca-Davies stated he was “trying very hard here to avoid the blame game of the past” and accepted the Welsh authorities had some accountability.
“We have responsibility as Welsh government to do two things,” he stated.
“One is to make it possible for we have the quantum of funding to make coal ideas secure, not simply in Cwmtillery, however proper throughout Wales.
“But secondly to put in place the right statutory framework, so to bring forward the legislation which we’re doing now at pace.”
The Welsh authorities has outlined proposals for a Disused Suggestions Authority for Wales, which might tackle accountability for coal tip security sooner or later.
He additionally welcomed the £25m introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in final autumn’s finances to assist guarantee coal ideas are secure.
“We see that as a very welcome, but first, instalment, in a partnership of making good and safe these coal tips,” he stated.
“We need to keep this going across not just this Senedd, but for five, 10 years, decades ahead and keep on making these tips safe.”
A spokesperson for Blaenau Gwent Council stated it carried out “immediate work” to rectify the slip.
“We continue to monitor the site closely which includes twice daily visits during periods of heavy rainfall,” they added.
