Huge scale of sinkhole that keeps flooding Swansea revealed as diggers tear into site

The club — once a popular community venue — has now been completely demolished, clearing the way for Welsh Water’s contractors to dig down to a collapsed culvert buried around 10 metres beneath the site. The culvert is believed to have damaged a main trunk sewer and sits alongside the remains of a tramline that once served the old Cwmfelin steelworks.

The works mark the third phase of a long-delayed repair operation. The first phase involved filling the initial sinkhole beside the club. The second saw the building itself torn down. The third — now underway — is a full excavation to expose and repair the culvert.

A photo taken by local resident Mark Ludlam shows the scale of the operation, with heavy machinery working on a deep pit surrounded by fencing and pumping equipment.

Despite widespread assumptions on social media, the council is not responsible for the repair work. Responsibility lies with Cwmfelin Social Club’s insurers, and with Welsh Water and their insurers, who are overseeing the excavation and the complex sewer repairs beneath the site.

The sinkhole first opened up in August 2023, causing extensive damage to the club and its car park. Beneath the site lies a collapsed culvert, a sewer, and the remnants of a tramline — all of which have complicated the repair work.

The culvert collapse also damaged the main trunk sewer, forcing Welsh Water to install a temporary system running from the grounds of the former Libanus Chapel, along the pavement of Carmarthen Road, under the railway bridge and eastwards to a new connection point. The temporary pipework and pumping equipment remain in place, which is why one lane of Carmarthen Road between Cwmbwrla roundabout and Gors Avenue is still closed.

The issue has escalated over recent months, with repeated flooding incidents across Cwmbwrla, Manselton and Brynhyfryd. On September 14, the culvert collapse triggered a major flood at Cwmbwrla roundabout, leaving the junction impassable from all directions. It took a week to reopen, and the area has flooded multiple times since — including a November incident that left Reb’s Razors barbershop under two feet of water, destroying equipment and stock.

Cwmfelin sinkhole: Timeline of events

2021
A major water leak occurs on the main road outside Cwmfelin Social Club.

January 2022
A small hole appears in the club’s car park near the toilets, described as the size of a dustbin lid.

August 2023
Large cracks form and the club’s toilets collapse into a developing sinkhole, forcing the venue to close.

September 2023
Severe storms cause major flooding at Cwmbwrla roundabout, with the collapsed culvert blamed for water inundating homes and businesses.

October 2023
A sewer beneath Heol y Gors bursts, linked to the broken culvert and water backing up during heavy rain.

October 2024
Investigations confirm a collapsed culvert 10 metres down, a disused tramline and a damaged sewer, complicating repairs due to the nearby railway line.

July 2025
Plans are finalised to demolish the club to allow access for contractors to repair the culvert and sewer.

September 2025
The club is formally slated for demolition as further flooding prompts renewed action.

October 2025
Demolition of Cwmfelin Social Club begins, two years after the major collapse.

January 2026
Excavation work begins to reach the collapsed culvert beneath the former club.

Residents have suffered too. Nigel and Ian Davies, who had lived in their home for 50 years, were rescued by boat after floodwater surged through their property.

The council has repeatedly stressed that the collapsed culvert — not blocked drains — is the cause of the flooding, and that the responsibility for repairs sits with the club’s insurers and Welsh Water.

Club secretary Mike Kennedy has said he hopes the venue could one day be rebuilt on the land, depending on funding and the outcome of the repairs.

With excavation now progressing, residents are hoping this long-running saga may finally be moving toward a permanent fix — and an end to the disruption that’s hit the area in recent months.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Demolition of Cwmfelin Social Club begins after two years on edge of giant sinkhole
Contractors moved in to start taking down the building after months of uncertainty.

Council points to Cwmfelin Club sinkhole works after Cwmbwrla flooding
Officials say the collapsed culvert — not blocked drains — is behind the repeated floods.

Councillor warns culvert collapse could leave Cwmbwrla at risk over Christmas
Fears raised over further flooding as repair delays continue.

Cwmbwrla roundabout closed after cars submerged in flood water
Major disruption as councillor links the chaos to the collapsed culvert.

Cwmbwrla flooding: Roundabout reopens but residents face long recovery
Homes and businesses count the cost after another major flood.

Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600‑home scheme unveiled

The new scheme

Planning consultants Lichfields have lodged a request for a screening opinion with Swansea Council on behalf of Persimmon. The 45‑hectare site, bisected by Swansea Road (B4560), could deliver:

• Up to 600 homes (mainly 2–4 bedroom houses, some flats up to four storeys).
• A local centre with shops and flats above.
• A community orchard and allotments.
• An active travel route linking through the site and across the River Llan, connecting into the neighbouring Fairwood Terrace site. This would be a walking and cycling link only – not a vehicular road.

Opposite Parc Mawr on the A484

The site’s northern boundary fronts the A484, directly opposite the Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, where Bellway and Barratt are building around 1,000 homes, a school and a new link road to the A483/M4.

If both proceed, the A484 would effectively become the spine of a continuous growth corridor, with large housing estates on both sides of the road.

Fairwood Terrace controversy

Just to the west, Persimmon’s Fairwood Terrace scheme for around 230 homes beside Gowerton railway station was refused by councillors in 2024 on traffic grounds, despite officer support.

That decision followed fierce local opposition, with nearly 900 objection letters and a 300‑signature petition. Residents warned the development would overwhelm already congested junctions. Persimmon has since appealed to the Welsh Government, and the case is now with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.

The new Fforestfach/Waunarlwydd site is designed to link into Fairwood Terrace via the active travel route, knitting the two schemes together.

Other major schemes nearby

The Fforestfach proposal adds to a cluster of large developments already reshaping north‑west Swansea:

• Garden Village, Gorseinon (Persimmon): More than 700 homes under construction, with a school, park and community facilities.
• Parc Mawr, Penllergaer (Bellway/Barratt): Around 850 homes, a school and a new link road between Gorseinon Road and the A483.
• Pentref Llewelyn, Penllergaer (Barratt): Over 150 homes north of Penllergaer, adjoining Parc Mawr.
• Fairwood Terrace, Gowerton (Persimmon): 230 homes refused, now under appeal.
• Chapel Fields, Loughor (Barratt): 115 homes across two phases on land south of Glebe Road, backing onto the A484.

The cumulative picture

If all of these schemes proceed, the corridor from Penllergaer through Gorseinon, Waunarlwydd and Gowerton could see close to 3,000 new homes built.

That scale of growth would amount to a new town the size of Loughor or Pontarddulais, stitched together along the A484. Campaigners argue the cumulative impact on traffic, schools, GP surgeries and green space cannot be ignored.

At a glance: the A484 housing corridor

Total potential homes across corridor: around 2,650

What is a screening opinion?

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, large developments may need a full Environmental Impact Assessment if they are likely to have significant environmental effects.

A screening opinion is the council’s formal decision on whether an EIA is required. Developers submit details of the site, the proposal and potential impacts, and the council decides if a full EIA must accompany any future planning application.

In this case, Persimmon argue that impacts can be managed through mitigation measures such as drainage schemes, ecological surveys and construction management plans, so a full EIA is not necessary. Swansea Council will issue its decision within 21 days.

Next steps

If the council rules that no EIA is required, Persimmon can move ahead with a full planning application for the site. If an EIA is required, the process will be longer and more detailed.

Either way, the proposals will eventually go before Swansea Council’s planning committee, where councillors will weigh the scheme against local and national planning policies — and the views of residents.

Related Articles

• Plans drawn up for 230 home development near Gowerton train station
  Persimmon’s controversial Fairwood Terrace scheme, refused by councillors in 2024 and now under appeal.
• Huge Gowerton solar farm goes to statutory consultation
  Parc Solar Caenewydd could power 11,500 homes, but has sparked debate over land use and local impacts.
• Pictures show progress at Parc Mawr housing development in Penllergaer
  Drone images show Bellway’s major scheme taking shape, with the first residents already moved in.
• New Gowerton to Kingsbridge route opens to cyclists in Swansea
  A 1.4km active travel link now connects communities, part of Swansea Council’s wider cycle network plans.

Correction: This article originally stated that the Pentref Llewelyn development in Penllergaer comprised around 400 homes. The approved planning consent is for 166 homes. No additional phases have been submitted or approved at this stage.

#A4240 #A483 #A484 #construction #FairwoodTerrace #featured #GardenVillage #Gowerton #LDP #newHomes #Penllergaer #PersimmonHomes #planningApplication #screeningOption #StrategicSite #Swansea #Waunarlwydd

Cwmbwrla Roundabout closed after cars submerged in flood water – councillor links chaos to collapsed culvert

The A483 junction was completely impassable from Sunday afternoon, with South Wales Police diverting traffic via Pentregethin Road. First Cymru buses rerouted several services, and Swansea Council warned drivers to avoid the area.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent specialist crews with a boat to the scene, while videos on social media showed some people paddleboarding – and even swimming – in the murky floodwater.

Council: culvert couldn’t cope with downpour

Swansea Council said early investigations suggest a nearby culvert was unable to cope with the sustained volume of water during the severe downpours. The authority is working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to determine the exact cause.

The flooding also forced the closure of the nearby CREST Mental Health Service on Monday, with hopes it could reopen the following day.

Possible link to Cwmfelin Club sinkhole

Local councillor Peter Black said the incident is likely connected to the long‑running collapse of the Burlais Brook culvert beneath the Cwmfelin Social Club – a site Swansea Bay News has previously reported is due to be demolished so repairs can take place.

In a Facebook exchange with residents, Cllr Black explained that the culvert collapse has blocked the watercourse, causing water to back up along Heol y Gors and force its way out through manholes. A temporary pump installed on the brook “clearly can’t cope with this rain,” he said.

Residents voice frustration

Some residents complained about blocked drains and a lack of urgency in tackling drainage problems along Heol y Gors, warning that the road had already been closed for months due to water damage. Others questioned how far the culvert collapse could be responsible for flooding higher up the hill.

Cllr Black said the repair work cannot begin until the Cwmfelin Club is demolished – a process he warned will take months – but stressed he is pressing for progress.

Severe weather across Wales

The flooding came amid a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain across Wales. Gusts of up to 66mph were recorded in Gwynedd, with power cuts affecting hundreds of homes and travel disruption reported on roads and bridges.

Natural Resources Wales issued multiple flood alerts, and emergency services dealt with fallen trees and other weather‑related incidents.

#A483 #CllrPeterBlack #culvert #Cwmbwrla #CwmbwrlaRoundabout #CwmfelinSocialCLub #featured #flooding #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaFlooding #WelshWater

Out With Diesel: Swansea to Lead Wales on Hydrogen Bus Upgrade and Fleet Renewal

Buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells could be serving routes across Swansea Bay by 2027, under proposals being explored by Transport for Wales and Swansea Council as part of a sweeping revamp of the Welsh bus network.

The new low-emission vehicles are expected to be trialled within the city, alongside a planned hydrogen refuelling hub near Fabian Way — one of several infrastructure priorities outlined in the new South West Wales Regional Transport Plan, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Speaking at a recent climate change and nature scrutiny meeting, Swansea Council’s Head of Highways and Transportation, Stuart Davies, said the city’s ageing fleet could be replaced with a mix of hydrogen and electric buses, coinciding with proposed bus franchising reforms set to roll out regionally in 2027.

“We don’t see shiny vehicles,” Mr Davies told councillors, describing the current fleet as “hand-me-downs of hand-me-downs.”

Hydrogen buses use fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, producing lower emissions and enabling faster refuelling compared to battery-electric models. The technology is already in limited use across the UK, but Swansea could be among the first Welsh cities to embrace it at scale.

Meanwhile, battery-electric buses have already been introduced on Carmarthen to Aberystwyth services operated by Transport for Wales, hinting at a multi-fuel future for Wales’ bus network.

Regional Transport Plan Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025–2030

The newly submitted transport plan — developed after a public consultation involving over 1,700 residents and organisations — prioritises an integrated system that promotes public transport, cycling and walking.

Key local elements include:

• A hydrogen refuelling hub on Fabian Way
• Replacement of Baldwin’s Bridge, enabling better connectivity to Langdon Road and SA1
• Support for more frequent bus services and safe active travel routes

Welsh Government’s transport strategy aims to reduce car miles per person by 10% by 2030 and boost the proportion of journeys made on foot, bike or public transport from 32% to 45%.

Matt Bowyer, Swansea Council’s Highways Group Leader, acknowledged the challenge ahead:

“Encouraging people to ditch their car is probably the most difficult priority to achieve.”

Welsh Government Backs Fleet Modernisation

In a statement provided to Swansea Bay News, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:

“As part of plans to improve the bus network in Swansea, including new fleet, we are considering a number of options aimed at reducing emissions and the average age of the fleet.”

This builds on earlier commitments to bus franchising, where decisions on timetables, fares and routes will be made jointly by Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and local councils, with bus companies bidding to deliver services under contract.

Local Control, National Vision

South West Wales will be the first of four regions to adopt the new model in 2027 — potentially transforming how bus services are managed and delivered across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

For more context on the upcoming reforms, read our previous coverage: 🔗 Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms

#A483 #BaldwinSBridge #Bus #busFranchising #FabianWay #HydrogenBuses #hydrogenRefuelling #LangdonRoad #regionalTransportPlanningWales #SA1 #SouthWestWalesRegionalTransportPlan #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #Transport #WelshGovernment

Consultant appointed to progress Llandeilo bypass scheme

In 2024, Transport Secretary Ken Skates MS approved a preferred route for the long-awaited scheme. This would see a new junction with the A483 and A476 to Cross Hands at Ffairfach, with another junction just before Llandeilo’s iconic brick bridge before the road follows the line of the railway across a new bridge bypassing the town, before joining the existing A40 junction to Carmarthen.

Additional work would also take place in Llandeilo itself, with Rhosmaen Street becoming one-way to provide more space for pedestrians.

Arcadis Consulting will now commission contractors to develop the outline design for the project.

Residents and businesses have argued for many years that the narrow sections of Bridge Street and Rhosmaen Street were not suitable for the heavy traffic which squeezes through it. Llandeilo is also a designated air quality management area due to historic breaches in nitrogen dioxide levels.

The need for a Llandeilo bypass was raised in Parliament as far back as 1970, with feasibility studies for the bypass in progress by 1973, but no draft orders were announced. 

Work to build a bypass was initially supposed to begin in 2019, but this was delayed twice with a new start date of 2025 proposed. 

The project was one of the few road schemes which wasn’t scrapped by former transport minister, Lee Waters MS following his review on road building.

The Welsh Government now say that, subject to successful completion of statutory processes, which will likely involve a public local inquiry, construction work could commence in 2029.

The project has now been estimated to cost £88m – an increase over the original £50m budget, and is now projected to be complete by Autumn 2031 – 61 years after it was first discussed.

#A483 #bypass #Llandeilo #LlandeiloBypass #WelshGovernment

Drivers along a busy route into Swansea to face months of delays due to roadworks

The work on the A484 Fabian Way between Jersey Marine at the Amazon Roundabout and the M4 slip road will begin on Monday 30 June but is not expected to be complete until Monday 8 December – some 23 weeks later.

Traffic management, including lane closures are to be in place 24/7 for the duration of the scheme.

Neath Port Talbot Council say the work is to address persistent flooding issues that regularly affect the eastbound carriageway, cycle path and laybys during periods of heavy rainfall.

Funding for the work has come from The Welsh Government’s Resilient Road Fund.

A council spokesperson said: “Thank you for your patience while we carry out these critical drainage improvements. Once a contractor has been appointed further details will be released and updates will be provided as works are progressing.”

#A483 #FabianWay #motoring #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #roadworks

Councils in South West Wales to get £27m boost to improve local transport

The grants from the Welsh Government will fund projects that improve the condition of local roads and address disruptions caused by severe weather; pilot new bus services and upgrade bus journey times and waiting facilities; and make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use wheelchairs.

It will also fund the installation of more publicly available electric vehicle charging points; the creation of safer routes for children to travel to schools; and improve road safety.

Swansea

Swansea Council will receive core transport funding of £1.11 million, plus £50,000 for the Clyne Common Active Travel scheme to provide a safe cycling and walking route from Bishopston and Murton across the common.

There is £600,000 for a ‘Northern City Link’ that would see improvements made to the A483 North of Cadle along Carmarthen Road, through Dyfatty and High Street to its junction with Welcome Lane in the city centre. This includes remodelling the busy Dyfatty junction, bus priority measures along the whole route as well as improvements for walking and cycling. The grant money would be for a traffic modelling exercise to look at the potential impacts of any changes to the road network.

£500,000 is to go towards work on the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro. Swansea will act as host authority for the region with projects including the creation of a new Regional Transport Plan covering all of the local authorities in South West Wales.

There is £380,000 towards plans for a multi-modal transport interchange at the Dairy Car Park in Mumbles, with funding going towards talking to the community and business owners about the proposed design and engaging with landowners affected by the proposals.

Flood alleviation measures on the A4118 Gower Road in Killay and on the same road between Scurlage and Llandew will see £265,000 of grant funding from Welsh Government.

There’s also £333,700 for motorcycle safety provision, £205,000 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £60,000 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £30,900 for National Standards Cycle Training and £3,250 for Bike Safe training.

There’s £208,700 of safe routes in communities funding for Penllergaer and

£233,500 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The council will also adopt Cae Rowland St in Manselton thanks to £80,000 of grant funding.

Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Council will receive core transport funding of £716,000, plus £990,000 for phase 1 of the Neath to Cilma active travel route.

There’s £730,000 for Cymmer carriageway improvements, £440,000 towards plans for an Integrated Transport Hub in Neath outside of Neath Train Station and £1.6 million to deal with drainage and flooding issues on the A483 Fabian Way.

There’s road safety grants of £890,000 for the A4241 between Harbourway and Rutherglen and £220,000 for the B4242 Ynysygerwn to Glynneath.

In addition, there’s £14,000 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training, £12,180 for Pass Plus driver training, £6,700 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,600 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £5,500 for Mega Drive pre-driver training for ages 16 to 18, £3,720 for First Responder (FBOS), £3,500 for Drive for Life, £3,000 for level 3 National Standards Cycle Training.

£50,000 will go towards creating a safe route between Coed Darcy and Skewen.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council will receive core funding of £732,000, plus £1.14 million for a replacement for Black Bridge in Llanelli that would see the construction of a new ramped access and shared use bridge for cycling and walking linking to previously completed routes to Trostre and Halfway with access to Pentre Awel and the Millenium Coastal Path.

There’s also £2.05 million towards the proposed Llanelli Interchange at the train station, as well as £574,000 for the A484 Sandy Road improvement scheme.

The council will get £1.5 million for highway drainage improvements across the county, as well as £520,000 for safety improvements to the B4304 Station Road and New Dock Road in Llanelli.

There’s £450,000 for the implementation of 20mph speed limits, £41,500 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £34,000 for active travel and road safety training, £28,120 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,880 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £4,200 for Biker Down motorcycle training.

A safe routes in communities scheme in Five Roads will also receive £712,305.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Council will receive core transport funding of £500,000, plus £802,880 for Saundersfoot shared use paths at Stammers and Frances Road.

There’s also £6.07 million towards the Milford Haven Transport Interchange project which sees improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange, by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

£1.1 million will go towards projects in Newgale, including rerouting the Newgale section of the A487, creating a new walking and cycling path through the village, changing access to the beach and coastal businesses and releasing space for the beach to naturally adapt to coastal change.

In addition there is £39,200 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £32,080 for National Standards Cycle Training, £3,500 for Mature Driver training for ages 65 and over, £2,520 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £1,200 for Biker Down courses.

£500,000 has been given to the council towards EV Charger Network rationalisation and £84,000 for the council to adopt Mayfield Acres in Kilgetty.

Responding to the Welsh Government grant, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This is tremendous news for Milford Haven and allows us to move forward on a scheme that has been in development over a number of years. Not only will this significantly help the overall look of the station approach, it will also hopefully lead to better connectivity along the network for our own residents and also encourage more tourist visits. As this is an interchange scheme, it will also help us link up buses and taxis in a more seamless way.”

Bridgend County

Bridgend County Borough Council will receive core transport funding of £707,000 from Welsh Government, plus £119,000 for phase 1 of the council’s Pen y Fai active travel scheme that looks to create a shared pedestrian and cycle track from the safe crossing point along Tondu Road into Bridgend town centre, including work to improve the A4063 Pen-Y-Fai Junction.

Other funding commitments include £226,000 for Bridgend Bus Station information displays and £357,000 for improvements to the A4061 from the Junction 36 on the M4 to Heol Canola, Sarn. There’s also £137,000 for improvements to the A4064 King Edward Street in Blaengarw.

Welsh Government have given Bridgend County Borough Council £208,689 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £29,636 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training and £25,440 for National Standards Cycle Training.

There is also £104,000 for residential charge point initiative and £16,000 towards the adoption of Lakeview Close, Porthcawl.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting communities and delivering better transport for all is at the heart of this £27 million investment. We want to make it easier for people to travel to work, school, healthcare and to see friends and family, while also building a more sustainable transport network for future generations.

“These improvements will make real differences to everyday journeys – whether that’s safer routes, better paths for walking, wheeling and cycling, or more reliable bus services. We’re working with councils to ensure this money delivers the greatest benefits to communities across Wales.”

#A4063 #A4118 #A4241 #A483 #A484 #ActiveTravel #B4304 #BridgendCouncil #CarmarthenRoad #Carmarthenshire #featured #GowerRoad #Junction36 #Llanelli #NeathPortTalbot #Newgale #Pembrokeshire #SandyRoad #StationRoad #Swansea #Transport #TransportInterchange #WelshGovernment

Bridges update:

#A55 #BritanniaBridge: 30mph advisory limit in place and restrictions for motorbikes and caravans. Restrictions for all vehicles except cars expected from midday, with possible full closure 5pm Sunday until 1am Monday. For vehicles under 7.5t, diversion route is via the #MenaiBridge.

#A5 #Ceiriog / #A483 #DeeViaduct: Closed until 6am Monday. Diversion via A539, A5 Llangollen and B5070.

#A548 #FlintshireBridge: To close to all traffic from 2:30pm Sunday.

#NorthWales #StormIsha

Bridges update:

#A55 #BritanniaBridge: 30mph advisory limit in place and restrictions for motorbikes and caravans. There are lane closures on the approach to prepare for possible full closure when #StormIsha arrives.

#A5 #Ceiriog / #A483 #DeeViaduct: 30mph limit in place. Lane closures are now in place on A483 prior to J1 #Ruabon to support a full closure when Storm Isha arrives.

#A548 #FlintshireBridge: No updates but a full closure is very possible tomorrow.

#NorthWales #TrafficWales