Residents Displaced by Merthyr Tydfil Sinkhole Cleared to Return Home

The final residents of a street affected by a significant sinkhole have received confirmation that they may now go back to their homes. Approximately 30 residences in Nant Morlais, located in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, were subject to evacuation in early December following the emergence of a crater, measuring 33ft (10m) in width and 40ft (12m) in depth, at the base of a driveway. Affected families were relocated to hotels or sought accommodation with relatives, with numerous individuals expressing concern about not being able to return prior to Christmas. However, Merthyr Tydfil council has since verified that the sinkhole has been filled with stone, subsequent to comprehensive temporary repair efforts. On Wednesday, the council stated: “We are pleased to confirm that the void at Nant Morlais has now been filled, utilities have been restored and the remaining residents are being allowed home today.” It added: “We are now working with contractors for a permanent solution and will share more information on this in the new year.” Earlier in the current month, it was revealed that the residence most directly impacted by the sinkhole was owned by the family of Liam Reardon, a past winner of Love Island. Reardon, who secured victory in the 2021 season of the ITV reality program alongside his partner Millie Court, described the experience at the time as “strange, unusual, crazy,” akin to being “in a movie.” On 2 December, a segment of a garden wall collapsed into the substantial sinkhole, coinciding with an interview being conducted by BBC Wales with an individual nearby. Certain residents residing at a sufficient distance from the cavity had already commenced their return home approximately one week prior. Sheila and Meurig Price were among those who returned, expressing relief to be back in their residence after a 10-day stay at their daughter’s home.