Welsh Government Pledges Action to Make Former Industrial Sites Safe

Conservative Janet Finch-Sanders said communities should be able to understand where potentially contaminated sites are, what risks have been identified, what measures are being taken and whether those measures are satisfactory.

“Regular testing and up-to-date public records will help,” she said.

“We must ensure that lessons are learned from past incidents where pollution occurred, and that we take timely, coordinated and appropriate responses, with clear responsibility for investigating the source.

“This is not just about dealing with pollution after it occurs. It’s about prevention, enforcement and accountability.”

Wales-wide strategy for post-industrial land

Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister Lil Gruffudd pledged that the Welsh Government is “absolutely committed to developing a Wales-wide strategy to progressively restore post-industrial land and protect communities from the potential risks associated with its heritage”.

He said he had heard “calls for action” and promised to “ensure former industrial sites are made safe”.

“I will protect public health and deliver long-overdue environmental justice for the communities most affected by this,” he added.

The motion passed without opposition.

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