Pontypridd Lido Suffers Devastation in Storm Bert Flooding
The National Lido of Wales, located in Pontypridd, has once again fallen victim to flood damage, only four years after extensive repairs were made following Storm Dennis. The recent impact of Storm Bert has caused significant flooding in the area, leading to a major incident being declared in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where over 100 properties have been affected.
Local residents in Pontypridd have been grappling with the aftermath of the flooding, with reports of people bailing out their flooded homes using bins after the River Taff overflowed its banks. Images emerging from the scene showcase the Pontypridd Lido submerged in floodwater, reminiscent of the closure it endured for more than a year after the previous storm in February 2020.
One poignant social media post by a regular lido user expressed the surreal sadness of seeing a familiar summer swimming spot now underwater, with changing cubicles barely visible amidst the deluge. The pictures reveal parts of the lido’s structure surrounded by flood water, signifying the extensive impact of the storm on the premises and its surroundings.
The ground surrounding the lido, including Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, has also been heavily affected by the flood, with the River Taff submerging much of the area. The water levels pose a risk of breaching boundaries and drainage systems, making access to the landmark challenging. Consequently, scheduled swimming sessions had to be cancelled due to the inaccessibility caused by the flooding.
The National Lido has faced flooding twice within a decade, reopening in 2015 following a significant restoration effort. The aftermath of Storm Dennis required the removal of 1,000 tonnes of debris and water, with essential infrastructure submerged. As news of the lido’s flooding spread, local residents and regular users expressed their dismay, hoping to see the facility restored once again.
Despite the resilience shown in previous restoration efforts, concerns linger among the community about the fate of the Pontypridd Lido. The collective sentiment portrays a mix of heartbreak and hope, with memories of the arduous recovery process from previous floods still vivid in people’s minds. As the cleanup and recovery operations begin, the spirit of Pontypridd remains strong, rallying to support those affected by the recent natural disaster.