Two particular streets in Merthyr Vale were once filled with the sounds of children playing. Everyone knew everyone else and you could knock on anyone's door if you needed to borrow something, and they'd let you. When there was a special occasion, everyone would spill out onto the street with tables, chairs, food and drink to celebrate.
Now, Taff Street and Crescent Street, once so busy and full of life and community, resemble a building site after homes lived in by families for generations were bulldozed due to concerns about flooding. In 2018, Merthyr Council proceeded with a compulsory purchase order which allowed it to demolish more than 100 Victorian terrace houses in the two streets.
The move meant families who had called the houses home for more than a century were forced to move away, leaving a trail of rubble and dust. The decision was made by the council because of the houses’ close proximity to the River Taff, which resulted in the area flooding badly during Storm Dennis in 2020. You can get more Merthyr news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
