THERE are more than 100 disused high-risk coal tips in Gwent, according to data published by the Welsh Government.

Of the 535 coal tips in Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, and Monmouthshire, 112 of them come under categories C and D – what the Welsh Government describe as being higher risk.

These categories recognise that there is a potential to cause risk to safety but not that there is an imminent or immediate threat. It also means that there are more frequent inspections scheduled for the site.

There are no recorded disused coal tips in the Newport local authority area.

Of the 205 tips in Caerphilly County Borough, 51 of them come under the higher risk categories, along with 35 of the 175 sites in Torfaen.

In Blaenau Gwent, 14 of the 128 tips are fall within categories C and D.

Twelve of Monmouthshire’s 27 coal tips are also in the higher risk categories, however, the Welsh Government have said this is subject to final review by Monmouthshire County Council.

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The data has been published ahead of the Coal Tip Safety Summit which takes place this afternoon to discuss the progress of the Coal Tip Safety Task Force – and in line with first minister Mark Drakeford’s call for increased help from the UK Government.

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Long-term funding for the reclamation and remediation of disused coal tips is estimated to cost at least £500 million over the next 15 years.

The Welsh Government has called for this to be frontloaded in the coming years, as rainfall intensifies and temperatures increase because of the changing climate.

Mr Drakeford said: “We recognise how concerning living in the shadow of a coal tip can be for communities and we want to reassure local residents that a lot of work is being done to ensure they are safe.

“An inspection and maintenance regime is in place, with winter inspections currently underway on the higher risk tips. We’re also piloting technology trials to better understand any ground movement at higher risk sites. But we know the risks will increase with climate change and we know the importance of reaching a long-term solution.

“These sites pre-date devolution. Our funding settlement does not recognise the substantial, long-term costs of remediating and repairing these sites.

"Tomorrow’s Spending Review is an opportunity for the UK Government to use its financial powers to help communities who’ve given so much to Wales and the United Kingdom during the coal-mining years.

"A package of investment to remediate these sites will show how our two governments can work together for the communities we serve.”