£644k cash boost for vital flood defences in Towyn

Feb 11 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

A MAJOR project to help homes at risk from flooding moved a step closer to completion this week after a £644,000 cash injection from Environment Agency Wales.

Design work has begun to reinstate the flood banks on both sides of the River Clwyd.

The Government recently announced £2 million for the project, and £644,000 of this is to be invested in the estuary between Rhyl and Kinmel Bay.

Flooding has plagued Towyn for many years and defences are desperately needed to protect the hundreds of homes and businesses at risk.

Embankments along the River Clwyd were last topped up almost 20 years ago and are slowly sinking into the peat.

February 26 marks the 20th anniversary of the floods that devastated the town.

AM Darren Millar says it is fitting that now is the time that something has been done, and action is long overdue.

“This is terrific news for the people of Towyn and Kinmel Bay,” he said.

“I’ve been campaigning for improvements to the flood defences in this part of my constituency for years and this announcement has been a long time coming.”

He added: “It is vital homes, businesses and vital infrastructure in Towyn and Kinmel Bay are afforded the same level of flood protection as that enjoyed by other communities in Wales.”

AM for the Vale of Clwyd Ann Jones is pleased that the region is so high on the Government’s agenda.

“The commitment to flood defences from the Welsh Assembly Government is strong and I hope this major investment will reassure those in homes at risk of flooding in the area,” she said.

“This news follows the £5 million that has already been allocated by the minister for the flood risk management scheme in Denbigh, which will ensure the damage caused by flooding is minimised.”

Chris Ruane MP warned that any improvements could only be short-lived: “It will provide the area with greater protection for the next 10-15 years.

“However, climate change, rising sea levels and settlement of the new banks mean this can only be a temporary measure.”

The projects form part of the £79 million flood and coastal risk management programme led by the Welsh Assembly Government and supported with £36m from the European Regional Development Fund.

To date, 75% of the available European funding has been committed to flood and coastal risk management.