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Residents living near the Craig yr Hesg quarry in Glyncoch, close to Pontypridd in south Wales, have reported significant disturbances caused by blasting activities. They describe their homes shaking and pictures falling off walls, leading to distress among families, particularly children who have become frightened by the explosions. These concerns have intensified following a recent incident at another quarry located six miles away, where a blast triggered flooding that forced residents to evacuate their homes.
Craig yr Hesg quarry, managed by Heidelberg Materials UK and in operation since 1885, has expanded in size over recent years, edging nearer to the village. Despite the local unease, the company maintains it operates safely and complies fully with regulatory standards. Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently investigating the flooding event at the nearby Taff’s Well quarry, which damaged 15 properties. The community’s apprehension has grown since permission was granted for Craig yr Hesg to continue quarrying until 2047.
Local residents, including Claire Allen, who runs a summer camp at the local rugby club, have expressed frustration and anxiety about the quarry’s increased activity. She described how vibrations and dust from blasting have worsened, causing photo frames to fall and settling dust that aggravates respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. She also highlighted the emotional toll on children who are scared by the blasts. Allen emphasized the need to prevent a similar disaster from happening in their community after witnessing the effects of the nearby quarry’s flooding incident.
Heidelberg Materials UK has sought to reassure the public by explaining that Craig yr Hesg has a different geological profile compared to the Taff’s Well quarry, with no nearby bodies of water posing a flooding risk. Its Area Director, Marius Klein, noted that the planning process for the quarry’s expansion took into account the location of mines and infrastructure to ensure safety. However, campaigners like Chris Whiles, who opposes the quarry’s growth, are calling for an immediate halt to blasting until the investigation into the recent flooding is complete. They fear similar devastation could occur and urge government intervention to protect their community. Additionally, Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones has written to the Welsh government requesting updated safety assessments and transparency, though regulation of active quarries falls under UK government jurisdiction
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