Skewen residents face wait to return to flood-hit homes
People were evacuated on Thursday following heavy rain across Wales.
People living in Skewen who have been hit by flooding are being told it may be into next week - or even longer - before they can return to their homes.
Water levels are continuing to be monitored after around 80 residents had to be evacuated on Thursday following heavy rain across Wales.
An investigation into the cause of the flooding is being carried out by the Coal Authority because of the presence of mine works underground.
Neath Port Talbot issued the following statement on Friday evening.
Skewen Flooding Update.
For safety reasons, residents evacuated from their homes in Skewen since Thursday 21 January, will not be able to return home this weekend, and the wait could possibly be longer.
The cause of the flood remains under investigation by the Coal Authority. A number of agencies remain on site to assess the safety of utilities, roads, and properties.
A Residents’ Incident Support Centre will be open at Abbey Primary School from tomorrow (Saturday 22 January) to offer help, information and advice. Council Officers will be on hand between 9am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and information on how to access emergency support out of hours will be displayed at the Centre.
Affected residents who have not yet made contact with us can call the council’s helpline on 01639 686868. We have also published a dedicated web page containing information and regular updates at www.npt.gov.uk/skewen.
Further updates will be published as more information becomes available.
The safety of residents continues to be our top priority and in the meantime we ask you to please be patient as the investigation continues.
Multi Agency Response to Flooding Incident in Skewen, Neath
Emergency services will remain overnight at the scene of a flooding incident in Skewen.
A major incident was declared after at least eight streets, including Goshen Park, flooded and a large number of properties needed to be evacuated.
Everyone who was evacuated has been found accommodation for tonight, estimated at around 80 residents.
There have been no reported injuries and we ask people to continue to avoid the area.
The cause of the flooding is being investigated and the water level will continue to be monitored.
Chief Superintendent Andy Valentine, South Wales Police said, “Emergency services, Neath Port Talbot Council and other civil contingencies partners have been working together to safeguard local residents and prevent further harm.”
“A multi-agency strategic coordination group has been established to coordinate the emergency response to this incident and to help support those affected by the flooding.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Roger Thomas, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, “First and foremost, our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the events of today.
“This incident involved a large multi-agency response to what was a dynamic and fast-moving incident, with incredible efforts by everyone involved to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the affected community.
“Our crews will remain available throughout the night to support our partners in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Chief Executive Karen Jones, Neath and Port Talbot Council said “Council officers have been on site since around midday and there will be a continued council presence in the area throughout the night.
“Our main focus at present is on continuing to support residents who had to leave their homes and ensuring others have a safe place to go if further evacuations are necessary. A local rest centre is on standby, where measures have been put in place to protect against the spread of Covid-19.”