AMMAN Valley-based Gwenda Thomas has contacted Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council after listening to residents’ serious concerns over a potential devastating flood risk in the Swansea Valley.

“I have received several anxious phone calls and visits to my Pontardawe office from residents in Ynysmeudwy regarding large trees growing out of the retaining wall where the river passes underneath the Swansea Canal,” she said.

“They were seriously concerned about the damage being caused to the wall and the possible consequences if the wall were to collapse under the strain.”

Neath Port Talbot CBC have now inspected the canal wall, which was completed in the 18th century, and the trees are to be removed as soon as reasonably practicable with the stumps being treated to discourage future regrowth.

A spokesperson for the residents said they were “delighted” with the outcome.

“Some of the more elderly residents were becoming very distressed about the possibility of the wall collapsing and the water from the canal cascading onto the homes, with all the rubble and debris causing serious damage,” she said.

“Once this work has been completed they will be able to relax in their own homes once again."