MPs call on UK and Welsh Governments to tackle coal tips and contaminated land in Wales
MPs on the Welsh Affairs Committee have called on the UK and Welsh Governments to work together on coal tip safety, contaminated land, and metal mine pollution across Wales.
In a letter sent today to the Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, the Committee welcomed UK Government funding for coal tip safety but said it remained concerned about the lack of progress on managing contaminated land.
Wales has more than 2,500 coal tips, over 1,300 abandoned metal mines, and thousands of contaminated land sites, according to evidence gathered during the Committee’s ongoing inquiry.
The letter notes that decades after coal, steel, chemical, and metal mining operations ceased, communities across Wales continue to live with the environmental impacts of that era.
MPs also called for a long-term skills and apprenticeship pipeline designed specifically for former industrial communities, to ensure local people can access jobs created by new industries and build the technical expertise needed to manage former industrial sites.
The letter is an interim update to the inquiry, which has taken evidence from environmental organisations, Welsh local authorities, community regeneration experts, and both governments.
The Committee has asked the UK Government to respond by 20 June.
Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said: “Our former industrial communities played a pivotal role shaping the country we have today.”
“However, many of the communities that were once powered by heavy industries, are left to shoulder the environmental and economic legacy of that era.”
“Although welcome progress has been made to address coal tips safety, the evidence presented to us makes clear that, without sustained and coordinated action from both Governments, former industrial communities will continue to face long-term problems.”
“There’s also more that needs to be done to support and equip former industrial communities with the technical skills and opportunities they need to thrive individually and to manage their local environment.”
“We are calling for both Governments to work together to have a plan to ensure long-term success.”
“This must address the challenges with metal mine pollution and contaminated land, as well as support communities to access the skills, jobs and opportunities they need.”
“We will keep a watchful eye on progress and continue to work on these issues throughout this Parliament.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
