Homes evacuated after sinkhole opens on estate

Homes have been evacuated after a sinkhole opened up on a housing estate.

Local councillor David Hughes said it was believed a culvert had collapsed, creating a big hole at Nant Morlais, in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil.

South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Merthyr Tydfil council confirmed they were alerted on Sunday morning.

Mr Hughes said residents of Nant Morlais – about 30 homes – have been evacuated. The cul-de-sac has been closed and people are being advised to avoid the area.

One residents said he heard “rumbling and collapsing” and feared he could lose his home.

More rain fell overnight, just days after Storm Bert caused flooding across Wales, along with a coal tip landslide and sinkhole at Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent.

Stephen Regan, 55, moved into his house, which is right next to the sinkhole, a year ago and said he feared he could lose his home.

“It was very scary, you could hear it rumbling and collapsing when it was happening,” he said.

“I just want to get back in the house but we don’t know what the situation is at the moment.

“My fear is my house could go… I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”

Mr Regan estimated the hole was between 50ft and 60ft (15 to 18 metres) deep, adding: “The culvert has collapsed and water has just washed it all away.

“It’s an older generation on this street so they are scared.”

Merthyr Tydfil council said its staff were working with agencies at Pant and “no further help or support is needed at this time”.

“Thank you to everyone who has offered it,” a spokesperson said.

They said safety was the main priority and advised people to stay away from the area.