First Minister praises Skewen flood response

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has written to South Wales Police thanking emergency services, government partners and volunteers who responded to the recent flooding incident in Skewen.

In the letter, the First Minister said: “I wanted to write to personally thank members of the South Wales Strategic Coordination Group for the effective and joined-up emergency response following the mine blow-out incident and flooding at Skewen.

“I had the opportunity to visit Skewen on Sunday and it was heartbreaking to see the devastating effect of the incident on the local community.

“I am grateful for the immediate response from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Neath Port Talbot Council, the Coal Authority and Natural Resources Wales, as well as from your own officers. In particular, I would like to thank the Salvation Army, for the support it has provided to the community since Storm Christoph.

“I understand the South Wales Strategic Coordination Group is continuing to work closely with the Coal Authority, which is now leading the investigation and remediation work as the response phase transitions to recovery. I am reassured that every effort is being made to help residents return to their homes as quickly as possible, as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The level of compassion and dedication shown by members of the emergency services, government partners and volunteers has been exemplary. On behalf of the Welsh Government I would like to offer you my profound thanks.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)