Residents terrified as climate change puts homes at risk of being bulldozed

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgl62rx6l2o

Paige Didcote says her anxiety is “through the roof” living on the street (Image: BBC)

People living on a street at severe risk of flooding are set to discover whether plans to buy and demolish their homes will go ahead.

Clydach Terrace, in Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has a “unique risk of significant flooding” from the nearby Nant Clydach stream. It was under water during Storms Dennis and Bert, with homes extensively damaged.

Paige Didcote, who lives on the street, said her anxiety was “through the roof” and flood warnings “terrified” her.

Last year, Natural Resources Wales said building a flood defence wall was “not economically viable”.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council officials have recommended the authority buy 16 homes, for £2.57m, citing climate change as a supporting factor.

A report outlining the proposed purchase of homes on the street states that an expectation climate change will make flooding “a more frequent occurrence” should be considered.

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