Residents Face Ongoing Flood Anxiety
Homes on Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, are at high risk of flooding from the nearby Nant Clydach stream. The street was submerged during Storms Dennis and Bert, leaving residents with significant property damage.
Paige Didcote, 27, who works for the ambulance service, described her anxiety as “through the roof.” She said flood warnings leave her terrified, especially when she and her partner are away at work and their dogs are home alone.
Council Approves Home Buyout
After assessing the risks, Rhondda Cynon Taf council recommended buying 16 properties on the street, including relocation assistance, legal fees, and other costs. The total cost is estimated at £2.57 million. Properties 6a and 6b are on higher ground and are excluded from the buyout.
Long-Term Residents Share Their Stories
Paul Thomas, 66, who has lived on Clydach Terrace for 40 years, described surviving a dangerous wave during Storm Dennis in 2020. Despite the trauma, he accepts the need to move, though the thought of leaving his family nearby is heartbreaking.
Paige expressed hope that the council buyout will ease residents’ anxiety. “It will just take the anxiousness away from every storm, every winter,” she said. Both residents are unsure of the exact compensation but believe relocation is the safest option.
Flood Defenses Deemed Unviable
Natural Resources Wales confirmed that building a raised flood defence wall would not be economically viable. Current measures are insufficient, and repeated flooding has already caused damage to pavements, roads, and homes.
