19/11/2009

Huge machinery has been on scene at the site of the Foel Goch landslide, on a major road linking the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys as part of an £85,000 Council to ensure the area remains safe for all.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has invested the money as part of its ongoing repair and maintenance programme at the important location, just off the A4061 north of Treherbert, which was subject to a massive landslide in 1990.

Following the landslide, huge road anchors were installed to stabilise the land above and below the slide to protect the road, its users and the wider community.

No major problems have been reported since the installation of those anchors in 1991, but the Council has committed to a consistent, ongoing inspection and maintenance programme at the site, due to its importance.

The significance of keeping the road clear and safe was recently made evident when debris ran off the mountainside as a result of a blocked stream, leading to the important link road being closed until it could be cleared.

This week saw specialist contractors Freyssinet, who completed the original recovery and repair work following the landslide, return to the area.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care, said: “This is an extremely important site for us and one that we must continue to monitor and maintain.

“Many can remember the significant impact the landslide had on the community when it happened, forcing the mountain road to be closed.

“Our strong partnership with with Freyssient enabled us to install long-term recovery measures at the time, which led to the major road being reopened, and we want to ensure it stays that way.

“It has been nearly 20 years since the landslide, but we continue to focus on, and invest in, the area to protect and maintain it for road users and the surrounding community.�