Flood Risk and Proposed Buyout on Clydach Terrace

Residents of Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, face uncertainty as they await a decision on plans to purchase and demolish their homes due to severe flood risk. The street is uniquely vulnerable to significant flooding from the nearby Nant Clydach stream, which caused extensive damage during Storm Dennis and Storm Bert.

Paige Didcote, a resident of the street, expressed high levels of anxiety related to the flood risk and warnings.

"My anxiety was through the roof and flood warnings terrified me," said Paige.

Natural Resources Wales previously stated that constructing a flood defence wall was "not economically viable." Following this, Rhondda Cynon Taf council officials recommended purchasing sixteen homes on the street at a total estimated cost of £2.57 million.

Residents' Experiences and Concerns

Paige, 27, who works for the ambulance service, described her anxiety, especially when leaving her dogs alone during the day.

"My anxiety levels are definitely through the roof when I leave my dogs at home in the day. If there is a flood warning and our dogs are in the house it terrifies us because we both travel over an hour to and from work," she said.

She also noted that other residents with children and grandchildren face even greater challenges.

"Other people in the street, they have kids, grandkids, so it's a lot more difficult for them," Paige added.

The council's recommendation includes acquiring numbers 1 to 16 on Clydach Terrace, covering incidental costs, relocation assistance, and legal fees. Numbers 6a and 6b, which are elevated and less prone to flooding, are excluded from the proposal.

Flood Defence and Damage History

A wall currently separates the Nant Clydach tributary from the street. However, Natural Resources Wales maintains that building a raised flood defence wall is not economically viable.

The council's cabinet report detailed that during Storm Dennis and Storm Bert, much of the pavement and highway was submerged, causing extensive property damage. It also highlighted difficulties residents face in obtaining insurance due to high costs and emphasized the significant health risks and danger to life in the area.

Residents Hope for Buyout

Paige expressed hope that the council's buyout plan would proceed.

"I'm hoping that they will buy us out, it's the only option unfortunately and the best option. It will just take the anxiousness away from every storm, every winter - even when it rains the anxiety levels are through the roof," she said.

Long-Term Resident's Experience

Paul Thomas, 66, who has lived on Clydach Terrace for 40 years, recounted his experience during the 2020 Storm Dennis flooding.

"A wave came up the street and knocked me off the step, I was carried across the road, over to the wall, but I was able to kick off and get back. I would have gone into the river and down the tunnel and that would have been the end of me. I was pulling pipes off the houses to stop myself being dragged out - the wave was powerful enough to break doors and windows," Paul said.

Despite the danger, Paul described the prospect of moving as bittersweet because of family ties.

"My daughter lives next door and my grandson and daughter-in-law live the other side. My grandson is devastated, but we've resigned ourselves to the fact that we've got to go," he said.

Paul is uncertain about relocation options but doubts they will be able to remain in neighbouring homes.

"We know that's all going to change," he added.

Council Plans and Residents' Reactions

The council report states that if the purchase is approved, the properties would be demolished and flood risks eliminated.

Paul expressed that residents feel compelled to leave and hope for council approval.

"We watch a weather report and our whole world crumbles around us - it's taken a toll on our health if I'm perfectly honest with you - it's taken over our lives. As soon as we're able too, we've got to go," he said.

Both Paul and Paige indicated uncertainty regarding compensation amounts.

"A lot of people are speculating we're going to get a tremendous amount of money - it doesn't work like that," Paul said.

"No plan at the moment, no figures at the moment - I do love the area, it's just a shame that the river is across the road," Paige added.