People who are forced to move from a terrace with a severe risk of flooding have spoken of their sadness at leaving.
In February 2026, Rhondda Cynon Taf council agreed to buy most of the houses on Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl, which had been badly damaged by storms Dennis and Bert. They had considered erecting flood defence walls, but these were considered “not economically viable.”
Many of the residents were born on the street, with multiple generations raised there. Though the residents don’t want to move, it is not safe to stay there with the constant worry of flooding during storms.
Paul Thomas, 66, has lived in the terrace for 46 years. He has packed his belongings and is ready to move, but feels like his “memories have been taken away.”
Kevin Fender, 63, said:
“I didn’t expect to be moving at my time of life. You don’t realise how hard it is to do something like that. It’s life-changing.”
Another resident, Rebecca Chadwick, said that even though residents were going their separate ways, they would remain great friends for life. Residents are looking forward to a flood-free future.
It is expected that the terraced houses will be demolished and the ground cleared.
In the next few years, climate change could force other people to move out of areas that are liable to flood. At Merseyside Movers & Storers, the leading Merseyside removal company, our team can help you to move amid a range of different circumstances.
