Hello and welcome back to The Valleys Lead.
Summer of 2026. The summer of wildfires in the south Wales valleys. We have a lengthy edition for you today reflecting on the immediate and future impacts of the wildfires in the south Wales valleys.
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The Valleys Briefing
(A little round-up of some stories in brief from our valleys. Anytime you have something you’d like to share, no matter how big or small, email laurencrosbymedlicott@gmail.com):
Ten libraries across Caerphilly are set to close after a High Court judge rejected a legal challenge brought by campaigners opposing the council’s plans. The Labour-run council intends to concentrate library services in larger towns, arguing that fewer, larger sites will be able to provide a wider range of services. Seven of the remaining libraries would be transformed into multi-service community hubs, allowing residents to continue borrowing books while also accessing other council services. The judge dismissed campaigners’ bid to stop the changes, although they may still appeal the decision. The libraries earmarked for closure are in Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, Oakdale and Pengam. Caerphilly councillors approved the reorganisation last year, after the council warned it was facing a £29m budget shortfall over the following three years. Campaigners have argued that smaller communities will be disproportionately affected by the closures, warning that the changes could send some areas “back to Victorian times”. The council cannot proceed with the closures while the appeals window remains open. In the meantime, it said it would engage with local groups interested in taking over some of the buildings for community use.
Lindsay Whittle, who represents Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili, Rhymni, said: “I’m getting a lot of complaints about Royal Mail not delivering particularly second class mail in a timely fashion. Local Royal Mail workers have also told me that parcels and first class mail receive priority while second class letters appear to be left to languish in mail offices.” Whittle said he would be raising concerns directly at a meeting with Krish Tangri, Royal Mail’s Regional Operations Director for Wales. “The complaints I’m receiving appear to cover most of my constituency which suggests to me there is a widespread problem. I’m aware that Royal Mail is making changes to the Universal Service it is obliged to deliver but that should not be at the expense of my constituents.”
Blaenau Gwent Council, Groundwork Wales and Gwent Wildlife Trust recently joined forces with local volunteers for a successful river clean-up and biodiversity project at Bedwellty Pits, Tredegar. The day brought together Groundwork Wales officers, the Council’s Local Environmental Quality Officer and 10 volunteers. They worked together to clear the river of rubbish, tyres and rusting car parts which had contaminated the water. The Council is working with communities through the Blaenau Gwent Deal, a new relationship to work together to build something better, more resilient and fairer.
Blackened hillsides and lingering smoke: The summer of wildfires in the south Wales valleys
If you live in the south Wales valleys, you will probably have become accustomed to the smell of smoke this summer.
Morning, evening and often throughout the day, the smell of burning has lingered in the air, sometimes long after nearby fires have been brought under control.
On days when the smoke is not visible from your window, it only takes a short drive to find scorched hillsides, blackened grassland and the remnants of fire.
Treherbert, Wattsville, Cwm, Maerdy, Ynyshir, Ferndale, Llwyn Onn, Blaenavon and Dowlais are among the communities that have seen wildfires this summer.
The Valleys Lead is publishing a short series examining the impact of the fires on communities across the region. This week, we hear from politicians representing some of the areas most affected.
But we also want to hear from residents.
Has your business been affected? Have the fires affected your health or wellbeing? How do you feel about the damage to the environment? Were you afraid the fire would reach your street?
If you would be willing to answer a few questions about your experience, please email laurencrosbymedlicott@gmail.com.
Merthyr Tydfil
Michelle Jones, an Independent Group councillor in Merthyr Tydfil, said she finds it “genuinely heartbreaking” to look across land that has been “burnt to a crisp”.
“When you know an area, walk through it and have seen it green and full of life, then look across and see blackened hillsides and smoke, it is difficult not to feel devastated,” she told The Valleys Lead.
The impact of the wildfires on residents in Merthyr Tydfil, particularly in Dowlais, “has been significant”, she said.
“Residents are worried about their homes, their families, livestock, wildlife and the damage being done to the countryside around us.”
Farmers and landowners are particularly concerned about the loss of grazing land, damage to land and fencing, and the wider impact on livestock and livelihoods.
Businesses can also be affected when roads are closed, access is restricted or people are understandably reluctant to visit areas affected by smoke and fire, Jones said.
“I think the overriding feeling amongst residents is one of sadness, anger and concern,” she continued.
