Cynon Way and National Cycle Network Route Fooded

As many will know who use the Public Right of Way and National Cycle Network route next to the Aberdare Canal it has been flooded for weeks this is because of the inadequate culvert that takes the water from the canal and the Nant Y Geugarn. The culvert is on private land and is the responsibility of the riparian landowner.

Many walkers would also know the path forms part of the 478 Cynon Way and is shown on Sustrans website.

AberdareOnline and local residents have had 2 site meetings with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Officers in the past in an attempt to resolve this ongoing problem and with the flooding the PROW and under the railway bridge at the Ynys.

There is little point again asking RCT Council to resolve this issue, as it has been ongoing for years but who knows there is an election due.

We have again written to National Resources Wales with regard to the blocked culvert and the response received below.

We understand from residents that RCT Council has been surveying the canal area to do what we do not know unless RCT Council decides to inform the public of its proposals.

For the attention of: Jeremy Parr

Head of Flood and Operational Risk Management NRW

11 January 2017

Ref: Blocked culvert allowing the Aberdare Canal and Nant Y Geugarn to flood Public Right of Way

Dear Mr. Parr,

Please can you inform the writer who is responsible for informing the Riparian Owners to clean out the blocked culvert that is allowing the PROW and National Cycle Route to be constantly flooded?

The culvert takes all water from the Aberdare Canal and Nant Y Geugarn, the canal is silted up rubbish has built up earth banking is not helping gabion baskets would help on parts of the Aberdare Canal and Nant Y Geugarn.

The culvert needs cleaning or is replaced by an open watercourse the later would be more advantageous as the problem is ongoing due to more frequent heave rain.

Constant flooding of nearby land because of this culvert in time will increase height and cause more problems in the future; good practice for watercourse maintenance is essential Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is responsible for the Aberdare Canal and the manufacture of flooding of nearby land.

The PROW when flooded is not accessible for wheelchair users partly disabled and parent pushing a pram or pushchair, also informed RCTCBC about gate left unlocked as floodwater is deep and many children use the PROW as a route to school not that is an official path but accidents happen.

Response received from Natural Resources Wales