Bylines Cymru Article - Craig yr Hesg quarry – turning Glyncoch into Mordor

Craig yr Hesg quarry – turning Glyncoch into Mordor (bylines.cymru)

by Caitlin Collier

Against the worries and objections of local residents, another valuable part of Wales is due to be devastated, at Craig yr Hesg quarry. When I was ten we were rehoused by Pontypridd Council, along with many neighbours, from the Graig to Glyncoch. It was the first time many of us had indoor bathrooms. And best of all, behind the street, there was a paradise of fields and woods to explore, where we could fly kites, play games, and watch wildlife. A paradise now under threat by the expansion of the Craig yr Hesg quarry, the owners of which appear intent on hollowing out the mountain on which the village of Glyncoch stands.

Expansion of the quarry was mooted several times in recent decades. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council turned down the latest plans twice but then, all of a sudden, the greenlight was given for massive expansion.

Save Craig yr Hesg

This decision ignored the very real concerns of local residents. These include the dangers of heavy machinery and lorries laden with tons of rock travelling on unsuitable narrow roads. Then of course there is the destruction of woodland and wildlife – especially during nesting season – and loss of public space.

The public Facebook group Save Craig yr Hesg has enabled local people to make a record of the destruction to date, and publish photographs worthy of Tolkien’s word pictures of Mordor. Fences mark out the intended new borders of the quarry, which stand within feet of a primary school and inhabited houses.

Craig yr Hesg quarry destruction: the view from above

Craig yr Hesg quarry destruction: the view from above. Photo provided by author

Health and safety issues

Do not destroy what you cannot create.

Leo Szilard

Residents have documented medical evidence showing that blasting can result in high levels of dust. This can cause lung problems that risk the health of the elderly and infants. There are photographs detailing cracks in house walls, apparently due to the effects of subsidence caused by blasting.

For the sake of the residents who live in my old home village, and all who travel on Berw Road, I sincerely hope that permission to extend the site of the quarry can and will be rescinded. An immediate public enquiry is needed.

It’s too late to rectify the wilful, wanton, and spiteful damage to the ecology and the destruction of the ground and century-old trees during nesting season. But hopefully not too late to stop the development, and its impacts, including those on quality of life.

People and place before profit

Laws regarding the environment should be respected and govern those who govern us – those who gave permission for this corporate destruction. The accumulation of wealth for the minority should not come before the health and wellbeing of the majority and their environment. Especially during this climate emergency.

We cannot stand back and allow those in Cardiff Bay, or distant owners, to pollute and destroy our most valued assets – our landscape and its flora and fauna – simply to enhance the wealth of industrialists.

Owain Glyndŵr is said to be sleeping in a cave until Wales needs him. If you see him, please give him a shake and wake him. It’s time for a revolution. Please, help us fight to save this precious part of Wales, before it is turned into a Mordor for future generations.