The issue has been highlighted by a critical report commissioned by the Welsh Assembly, which recommended that the use of the site for domestic rubbish should stop immediately.

David Purchon: Report author

The decision to halt household waste dumping at the tip takes effect from Thursday morning.

Council officers took the decision following a recommendation by the report's author David Purchon at a meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Purchon gave his response following direct questions from Rhondda AM Geraint Davies.

As a temporary measure the waste will be taken to the Bryn Pica Landfill site in Llwydcoed, Aberdare, although the council is keen to stress that it will not be taken through the village of Llwydcoed itself.

Council leader Pauline Jarman said: "Council officials took action last night and this morning to make sure that household waste collected today will not be tipped at Nantygwyddon.

Pauline Jarman: 'Concerns addressed'

"The decision was taken to ensure that our refuse service is uninterrupted and that the health and safety concerns are addressed."

Meanwhile, leaders of the former Rhondda Borough council are to be asked to give evidence to the assembly over the running of the landfill site.

They are among those who refused to appear in public at the inquiry into the tip at Gelli in the Rhondda.

Immediate closure

Hours before the councillors' meeting, Mr Purchon had been quizzed by assembly members about his report which described the location, above the village of Gelli, as unsuitable for a landfill site.

He said it was too windy, too wet and too close to nearby residents.