CWMTILLERY residents demanded today that despite millions being spent to make it safer, the disused coal tip there must be removed completely.

They were speaking on the first anniversary of Storm Bert, when homes had to be evacuated after a river of tip waste gushed through the town.

In scenes reminiscent of the tip disaster at Aberfan in 1966, in which 116 children and 28 adults died, homes had to be evacuated after a slurry carrying trees and boulders tore through Cwmtillery’s streets.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies visited the town to look at the progress made on infrastructure improvements including new drainage works and slope reprofiling to help stabilise and reduce the risk of future landslides and erosion.

But resident Brian Preece told BBC Wales that he and other residents want the tip removed before he can feel safe.

On the visit Mr Irranca-Davies said: “If you’re asking me as a minister, can I give a 100 per cent guarantee on every disused tip in Wales? No.

“Returning to Cwmtillery 12 months on, I’m pleased to see the substantial progress made to support this community and make the site safer.

“We remain absolutely dedicated to protecting people and ensuring communities living in the shadow of former tips are safe, both now and in the future.”

Combined Welsh and Westminster government investment in coal-tip safety in Wales totals more than £220 million to date.