Residents Return Home After Sinkhole Swallows Road Sweeper in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Residents near a sinkhole in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf have been allowed to return to their homes following a safety evacuation.

The hole, believed to be linked to old mineworks, appeared on Monday afternoon in a lane behind Aber-Rhondda Road, between Porth and Ynyshir.

Five properties were evacuated as a precaution after the sinkhole swallowed a road sweeper at around 14:20 GMT. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed.

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) confirmed that the collapse has been filled with stone to stabilise the area and that ongoing monitoring will continue throughout the investigation.

Aber-Rhondda Road was temporarily closed by South Wales Police but has since reopened.

A council spokesperson said: “The Mining Remediation Authority have taken the lead on this issue as there is a possibility it is related to old mine workings. Their engineers are assessing the sinkhole, and the council is on hand to support if required.”

The MRA added that it is “working closely” with both the police and the council. “We understand the disruption this causes and would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation,” the authority said. “If this incident was due to historic coal mining, we will design and deliver a permanent solution as quickly and safely as possible.”