North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today highlighted in the Senedd the devastating impact of last month’s floods on homes in Flintshire and called for fast action to identify the causes and enable appropriate measures to be implemented to avert any further incidents.
January’s Storm Christoph hit Flintshire hard, resulting in many homes and roads county-wide being flooded. Residents have since been calling for measures to be put in place to prevent it happening again.
Taking part in today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood raised the matter with the Environment Minister, Lesley Griffiths MS, and asked what engagement the Welsh Government is having with Flintshire County Council to tackle the problem.
He said;
“People in Sandycroft, Mancot and Pentre launched a petition to Flintshire County Council after Storm Christoph caused serious flooding, ruining their homes for the second time in 18 months, causing heartache and devastation.
“This petition states ‘the drainage systems & ditches are poorly maintained and not fit for purpose, because of this people are suffering disastrous consequences and flooding in to their homes’, and ‘Flintshire County Council needs to act now to address this’.
“I was also contacted after properties in Broughton were badly affected, with people asking whether flooding would have been reduced if the ditch opposite their properties was widened or deepened by the Council.
“Flooding also closed the roads between Ffynnongroyw and Talacre, Ffordd Llanfynydd between Treuddyn and Llanfynydd, and the A541 Wrexham to Mold Road at Pontblyddyn.
“What wider engagement is the Welsh Government therefore having with Flintshire Council to agree the avoidable causes of this county-wide flooding and ensure that preventative - and therefore cost effective - measures are put in place for the future?”
The Minister’s reply included “The residents don't need a petition; the funding is there. It’s up to the Local Authority to come forward with what they think is required” and “it is really important that Flintshire council work closely with Welsh Government and other partners to come forward with solutions.”
Speaking outside the meeting, Mr Isherwood added:
“In light of the Minister’s response I therefore encourage Flintshire Council to engage urgently with all affected residents and communities, agree with them the action required, ensure that drainage systems and ditches are properly maintained, and apply for any and all funding available to deliver the improvements needed. ”