Residents Face Uncertainty Over Flood-Damaged Homes in Ynys-y-bwl

Residents of a street in South Wales, facing significant flood risks, await confirmation on whether plans to purchase and demolish their homes will be approved.

Sixteen homes on Clydach Terrace in Ynys-y-bwl near Pontypridd suffered flooding during Storm Dennis in 2020 and Storm Bert in 2024.

Paige Didcote, a resident of Clydach Terrace, expressed deep concern and anxiety about flood warnings.

"My anxiety is very high and flood warnings scare me," she said.

Natural Resources Wales conducted an assessment last year of alternative options but concluded that these were not "close to being economically viable."

Officers from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council now recommend that the council purchase houses 1-16 (excluding 6a and 6b) for £2.57 million.

Rebecca Chadwick, who has lived on Clydach Terrace for over 25 years, is set to address Rhondda Cynon Taf Council cabinet members before a decision is made on the future of the homes.

"For years we've tried to cope with the situation. We've repaired damage, bought new items to replace what was destroyed, and tried to keep our children safe when we weren't even sure they were," she said.

"No one should have to live with the constant fear that their lives could be in danger the next time it rains heavily."

Ms Chadwick added, "We're not asking for special treatment; we want to be safe, have certainty, and the chance to rebuild our lives in homes that don't put us at risk. This is the only solution that fully resolves the situation and protects the wellbeing of everyone living on Clydach Terrace."

Paige, 27, who works for the ambulance service, said she is very worried about leaving her dogs at home during the day.

"If there is a flood warning and our dogs are at home, it scares us because we both travel an hour to work," she explained.

"Other people on the street have children or grandchildren, so it's much harder for them."

The recommendation states the council should buy the homes and cover compensation costs, relocation assistance for residents, and legal fees.

Houses 6a and 6b, located on higher ground with less flood risk, have been excluded from the offer.

Currently, a wall separates the homes from Nant Clydach, but Natural Resources Wales stated that building a higher wall would not be "economically viable."

The cabinet report noted that the pavement and road were underwater during Storm Dennis and Storm Bert, with significant damage to the properties.

It added that residents find it difficult to obtain insurance due to high costs and that there is a substantial risk to health and life in the area.

Paige hopes the council will purchase the properties.

"Unfortunately, that's the only option and the best one. It will take the worry away from every storm and every winter," she said.

She added that she feels very anxious even when it rains.

Paul Thomas, 66, who has lived on Clydach Terrace for 40 years, considers himself lucky to be alive.

He was caught in flooding during Storm Dennis in 2020.

"A wave came up the street and hit me off the step; I was carried across the road to the wall but managed to kick off the wall and come back," he recalled.

He explained that if he had been swept down the river and into the tunnel, he would not have survived.

Moving is a bitter day for Paul.

His daughter lives next door, and his grandson and daughter-in-law live on the other side of the street.

He said his grandson is very sad but despite the difficulty, they have accepted that they must move.

Paul does not know where his new home will be but does not expect to live close to the street.

The cabinet report states that if plans are approved, the properties will be demolished to remove the flood risk.

Paul said residents have no choice but to move and hopes the council will approve the plans.

"We watch the weather forecasts and our world is falling apart around us - it's affected our health to be honest - it's taken over our lives," he said.

"As soon as we can move, we have to go," he added.

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