A vulnerable stretch of the River Cynon — running from the Cwmbach Community Wetlands to Mike’s Field in Aberaman — is at growing risk of causing serious flooding, and concerned residents are demanding answers.
Local campaigners have raised repeated concerns over the river’s maintenance, particularly after Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCTC) allowed residential development on the historically flood-prone Aberaman floodplain. One prominent resident has been urging the council to take urgent action and clear the river of dangerous obstructions. His calls are gaining renewed urgency after Storm Burt in November 2024 caused flooding to properties in Aberaman and forced the closure of the A4059 near the river.
This isn’t the first time this section of road has been hit. In fact, it’s so flood-prone that RCT Council previously spent £500,000 of public funds on flood alleviation measures along a 400-metre stretch of the A4059. Yet despite the costly works, there are still no clear plans to address blockages within the river itself — including mature trees that have fallen across the channel, creating a serious risk of natural damming when water levels rise.
Warnings Ignored?
Much of the risk stems from a lack of regular river maintenance. A key example is the Persimmon Homes (Wales) Ltd development at Tir Founder Fields. As a planning condition, the developer was required to build a flood relief channel on the site’s north-west boundary — and this must legally be cleared at least once a year. However, while obligations on private developers are tightly enforced, responsibility over the wider river seems to be falling through the cracks.
So, Who Is Responsible?
The lead agency for flood risk from main rivers in Wales is Natural Resources Wales (NRW). NRW is responsible for maintaining rivers like the Cynon, including removing fallen trees or other obstructions that pose a risk to nearby homes or infrastructure.
However, landowners with property next to or crossed by a river — known as “riparian owners” — also have legal duties. They must keep the riverbank clear of debris and ensure nothing obstructs the natural flow. If these duties are neglected and a flood occurs, NRW can serve legal notices, carry out the work themselves, and recover the costs from the landowner.
Meanwhile, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council maintains Mike’s Field and the access road nearby, making it a key stakeholder in this stretch of the riverbank.
Yet at the time of writing, there appear to be no plans — from either NRW or RCT Council — to clean or inspect this vulnerable section of the River Cynon, despite years of complaints and clear flood risks.
A Call for Transparency and Action
Residents now want answers. Both NRW and RCTC should clarify their intentions regarding river maintenance in Aberaman before another preventable flood causes damage — or worse. As one resident put it:
“It’s pointless to spend half a million improving the A4059 if the river itself is ignored. You don’t flood-proof a road and leave the river full of fallen trees.”
It’s time for clarity: Who is taking responsibility — and when will this stretch of the River Cynon be cleaned and protected?
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