Email to Natural Resources Wales 26 February 2025
Re: Maintenance of the Aberdare Canal and Flood Risk Mitigation
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the ongoing flooding issues along the Natural Cycling Route 478 and the Public Right of Way as they pass through the Ynys Sports Field in Aberdare. At its lowest point, beneath the railway bridge, persistent flooding has been a longstanding issue. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has spent significant public funds on submersible water pumps, which frequently fail due to the high concentration of iron oxide in the ground. Given the severity of this situation, I assume NRW is already aware of the problem.
In 2015, following discussions with RCTC officers, I was informed that the Aberdare Canal required dredging or clearing. However, the remedial work carried out was incomplete, and a decade later, the flooding issue has only worsened. The canal has become shallower and narrower, exacerbating flood risks.
According to NRW’s stated responsibilities for the management of rivers, streams, culverts, and canals, the Aberdare Canal falls under NRW’s jurisdiction to ensure proper maintenance and mitigate flooding risks to adjacent properties. The Water Resources Act 1991, which governs main river watercourses, grants NRW permissive powers to undertake maintenance, remove shoals and obstructions, and implement flood risk management measures where a significant threat to people exists. Given that the flooding in this area continues to pose a substantial risk, I urge NRW to exercise these powers to address the issue.
Photographic evidence, including images provided by James Galsworthy of NRW on June 9, 2015, clearly demonstrates a significant reduction in the canal’s depth compared to its current state. This deterioration directly contributes to increased flooding incidents.
I would appreciate clarification on NRW’s planned actions regarding the maintenance and dredging of the Aberdare Canal to restore its functionality and mitigate further flooding in the affected area.
AberdareOnline
Thank you for your e-mail of 26 February 2025.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention and I would like to clarify a few points raised in your email.
I will confine my response to NRW’s role, and particularly the use of our permissive powers under the Water Resources Act.
I would also like to draw your attention to these powers and their use in respect of NRW’s remit when dealing with privately/publicly owned land and water bodies such as the Aberdare Canal.
The Aberdare Canal from the discharge point of the culvert below Canal Head House to the River Cynon is classified as a “Main River”. And as such the Water Resources Act confers discretionary powers on drainage authorities to undertake work in the interest of managing flood risk, but I would stress that these powers are permissive and impose no duty on NRW.
The responsibility/duty for maintenance in good order of all watercourses and structures rests, in the first instance, with the riparian landowner. I would advise you that Rhondda Cynon Taff County Council is the riparian owner for this section of the canal, and accordingly responsible for the maintenance of this waterbody.
With respect to the use NRW’s permissive powers to manage flood risk, we are conscious of our very limited resources and must restrict our maintenance interventions to areas with the greatest risk to people and property, and to areas where we can deliver the greatest benefit in reducing the risk of flooding.
We appreciate the inconvenience that the flooding of the canal has upon the National Cycle Route and the Public Right of Way but would advise you that you should consider discussing your concerns with the appropriate officer from Rhondda Cynon Taff Council as the riparian landowner and maintainer of the PROW.
Kind regards,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1031898843509079/permalink/9803236626375213
Below from 2015, officers on the council said the canal needed cleaning out then 10 years ago
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