Rhydyfelin residents will not only benefit from the multi-million-pound Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) – but can also be reassured it has been constructed considerately.

The scheme has recently been highly commended by construction watchdog, the Considerate Constructor Scheme.

Over £3m is being invested in Rhydyfelin to provide improved flood protection to around 280 residential properties, Heol y Celyn Primary School as well as local roads and the Taff Trail cycle route.

Thanks to support from the Welsh Government’s Flood Risk Management Grant, European Regional Development Fund and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council the scheme is now nearing completion and will address a long standing flooding problem in the Glyntaf Farm Estate and Sycamore Street area of Rhydyfelin. Since 1993 around 100 homes have been flooded with many more near to the flooding.

During a recent visit to the site, the Considerate Constructor Scheme monitored and reviewed the commitment of the project team responsible and highlighted its considerate working practices, the environment, safety, staff working conditions and generally being a good neighbour.

The report, which places the project in the top 10% of projects reviewed nationally, makes special reference to the nature of the work primarily contained within a built up residential area and the excellent coordination of the project combined with the contractor’s exceptional high level of engagement with the local community. Special reference was also made to the refurbishment of the football pavilion in Fairfield Lane which is described as ‘Instilling a positive image of the construction industry’.

The report scores the scheme as being exceptionally excellent overall with the project scoring over eight out of a possible 10 in all categories. This rating has also lead to the project receiving a “Performance Beyond Compliance” certificate.

Brian Greaves Community Relations Manager for Costain, who are the main contractors of the FAS said, ‘We are really pleased with the report and its good our efforts are being recognised Considerate Constructors Scheme. However, it will not lead to complacency and we will ensure the high standards are maintained until the project is complete.’

The multi-million-pound scheme is on target to be completed by spring 2013 with an anticipated finish date of March, weather permitting.

Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “This part of Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding for many years and I am very pleased that the project is now forging towards completion. The scheme looks to try and eradicate some of that risk of flooding in the area. We look forward to seeing all the improvements that this scheme will bring.

“As a Council we are doing all we can to implement this extensive flood alleviation scheme for the village and hope residents will remain patient with us during the final stages of works that will be undertaken in the vicinity of their homes.

“It is great to see that the Council together with Costain have been recognised for their hard work and commitment in delivering this much needed scheme.”

Local Ward Member Cllr Maureen Webber added: “This part of Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding for many years and I am delighted that the works remain on track for completion.

“I know that the Member for Hawthorn, Teressa Bates, very much welcomes the inclusion of the area around Sycamore Street and we are both pleased that work on this area is now nearing completion.

“I would like to thank everybody who has assisted the project team to date and the fact that the project has been recognised nationally is down to their hardwork and commitment.”

The summary and an update of the works for this scheme can be found on the flooding pages of this website.

For further information on the scheme call 01443 827700.