Disused Mineworks in Skewen: Flooding

Opened the debate

On January 21, residents of Skewen in the Aberavon constituency faced a devastating flood caused by a blockage in an old disused mineworks. Thousands of gallons of water accumulated underground and erupted through the mine shaft, causing significant damage to homes and displacing many families. The incident resulted in the evacuation of several properties due to rising waters and structural damage. Although no one was physically injured, the emotional trauma on the community is profound. Kinnock praised local emergency services and community organisations for their support but criticised the Coal Authority’s lack of liability acceptance and compensation offers as insufficient. He urged the UK Government to establish a compensation fund for uninsured losses and engage insurers to ensure fair treatment.

Government Response

The Minister thanked Stephen Kinnock for raising this important issue and acknowledged the significant impact it has had on residents. She provided background information on the Coal Authority's responsibilities regarding abandoned mines, noting the scale of potential risks in areas with historical mining activities. The Skewen incident was described as an extremely rare event due to a blockage causing water pressure buildup and subsequent eruption. Since then, the Coal Authority has offered support including increased financial assistance for restoration efforts. However, she reiterated that under current legislation, liability for such flooding is not covered by the Coal Authority or UK Government. The Minister stated her commitment to monitoring progress and hoped to visit Skewen soon to better understand residents' needs.