FAMILIES living in Llanfoist's new Riverside Gardens development had a lucky escape when a large portion of embankment behind their homes dramatically slipped towards the river taking large parts of their gardens with it.

The landslip first occurred last week following the heavy rainfall and storms, which led to a weakening of the ground close to the river opposite Castle Meadows.

Several residential properties on James Jones Close, within the David Wilson Homes Riverside Gardens development have been affected by the landslide.

Work is currently underway by contractors to fell approximately 35 trees which have been destabilised by the landslip and are now at risk of toppling over.

Experts are also on hand to clear those trees which have already fallen both towards the river and into nearby gardens.

A spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council, which owns the land where the slip took place, said, "This winter's record rainfall and high winds have caused a number of incidents of damage to Monmouthshire's infrastructure.

"There were a number of landslips around the county, one of which was on land to the rear of the residential development on the Coopers Filters site."

"We have received professional advice that 35 of the trees in the affected area are at risk of falling, which presents a potential problem for the nearby homes. We have therefore arranged for them to be felled as soon as possible."

Councillor Martin Hickman who represents Llanfoist Fawr visited the site earlier this week, and spoke of his shock at the scale of the landslip and the proximity to the properties.

He said, "When I went down to see it I was shocked at just how bad it was. Hearing about it is one thing but when you see it you realise the scale of this.

"The fences around the back of some of the homes have completely fallen down, and several trees have fallen almost right into the river. One house on the street has had a tree fall basically into their garden and extremely close to their garage. A bit closer to the properties and this could have done a whole world of damage."

After speaking to a number of residents Councillor Hickman said he was pleased to hear that people appreciated the swift actions of both of Monmouthshire County Council and David Wilson Homes.

Steve Williams, managing director of David Wilson Homes South Wales, said the company was working closely with the local authority and its structural engineers, and said that the engineers' report shows there is no risk to homes or garages.

Councillor Hickman said, "They have acted quickly, and the morning it happened they were down there checking on the site and planning what to do with the land and the trees to stop it getting worse.

"I know the council has had to get external contractors in because it is such a big job, and because of this, it is certainly going to take some time to complete all of the work that is needed to make the land secure."

The trees will be removed from the site, and then the land will have to be stabilised with supporting walls.

Councillor Hickman added, "Right now I'm just sure that most of the residents want to get their gardens back, and are a bit shaken at how close this has happened to their properties. Hopefully by the time this work has done, people can rest a bit easier."