Video Report: Keeping Canalside Above Water
Two years on from Storm Callum residents are still fighting to keep their homes flood free.
Last updated 2nd Oct 2020
Canalside in Aberdulais was underwater in October 2018 and again in February when Dennis hit.
Next month residents will find out Neath Port Talbot Council's plans for the area. They had hoped flood defences would be put in place but they think it is more likely they will be offered compulsory purchase orders for their properties.
Joolz Stewart owns two cottages on Canalside, she lives in one - the other is used as a retreat for cancer patients. She chose to close its doors last week because she is concerned that the area will flood again soon.
Joolz does not want visitors to be put at risk. She told us: "We have fixed the retreat twice. I have stayed strong throughout this but on Monday I had to say goodbye to two ladies that were staying, cancer patients who were using the retreat. We had to close the doors.
"For anyone who is vulnerable having treatment it is impossible for them to be here, because if the river floods again, which it will - because we have not had preventative measures put in place. Vulnerable people couldn't be in there and I couldn't be responsible. I have a duty of care to those people who I let stay in the retreat. It is just so sad that providing those breaks for cancer patients - I cannot do that now until March."
Joolz set up Raven's Retreat in memory of her friend Donna who sadly died from cancer. She has helped many people from across the UK and gave our reporter Emma Grant a tour of the cottage.
Aberdualis
