A helpline has been set up for people to report concerns about the safety of coal tips following the February flooding.

The bad weather brought by Storm Dennis, which hit the UK on February 16, caused landslides at a number of coal tips in south Wales.

The helpline – 0800 021 9230 – will also be able to help with calls about coal tip drainage issues.

The helpline is one of a number of new measures introduced by the Coal Authority in the wake of the storm, which caused flooding in many parts of Caerphilly County Borough.

As part of the new measures to monitor the safety of coal tips in Wales, a new database of coal tip sites have also been set up.

All councils in Wales, including Caerphilly County Borough Council, have sent details about their coal tips to the Coal Authority as part of the review.

The review is being overseen by first minister Mark Drakeford and secretary of state for Wales, Simon Hart.

The Coal Authority’s database will be published once it’s complete.

Mr Drakeford said: “At the meeting with the Secretary of State for Wales last month we agreed further work would be carried out to coordinate between all bodies which inspect coal tips – including the Coal Authority, Natural Resources Wales and local councils.”

Mr Hart said: “We made a commitment to improve the management of Wales’ coal tips and the information available to the people who live near them.

“Good progress has been made on this vital work. The new helpline will mean anyone with safety concerns about the coal tips in their community can report them and get the information they need quickly and for free.”