A Plaid Cymru MS has called for action after a controversial former opencast coal mine was used for rallying over the weekend.

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS made the calls after his office was contacted by two residents who spotted a number of 4x4 vehicles and scrambler bikes on the Ffos-y- frân site in Merthyr.

Operations at what was the UK’s largest opencast mine ceased at the end of last year after more than 15 years. The site controversially extracted coal for more than a year after its licence ran out while it appealed the decision.

During Business Questions in the Senedd, Peredur said people “have had to put up with too much noise and pollution” already without the area becoming a rallying destination.

He said: “Trefnydd, I'd like a Government statement on the future of Ffos-y-frân opencast site in Merthyr. It has been some time since we heard anything about this site.

“Residents have been left with an ugly eyesore that requires remediation, to return it to a beautiful and wildlife-friendly habitat this vast tract of common land once was.

“It would be unacceptable for the mine operators to renege on their contractual obligations to restore the land, after making vast amounts of profits over the life of this opencast mine.

“Residents have had to put up with too much already, but to add insult to injury, the site had numerous 4x4 vehicles and scrambler bikes using the land for rallying over the weekend.

“Residents have been in touch with my office and provided photographic evidence of it.

“I hope you agree with me that, after more than a decade and a half, people in this area have had to put up with too much noise and pollution, without the area being turned into a 4x4 rallying destination.”

In reply Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths said she would ask the Minister for Climate Change to work with the local authority on the issue.

If you want to support Plaid Cymru and Peredur, please click this link.