Flodding in North Wales

I offer my sympathies to those affected by the floods. It must be very distressing to be flooded for a second time in a year. I will visit the affected area later this week to see the situation for myself.

Following intense rainfall, approximately 50 properties were flooded in the Conwy valley over the weekend, with the communities of Llanrwst and Trefriw again being most badly affected. Roads were flooded, and the Conwy valley railway line was damaged and remains closed, with a replacement bus service in operation. The damage to the track will be assessed over the next few days.

My officials are in close contact with the Environment Agency on its operational response, and I understand that flood warnings were issued on Friday afternoon and updated over the weekend. The Environment Agency reports that the existing defences, which had been repaired following last year’s event, were again breached and overtopped by the floodwaters. A further review of the flood risk and defences in the area will now be undertaken.

The Assembly provides funding to the agency for flood-defence improvement works, and the level of support has increased in recent years. It is £3.77 million in the current year, rising to £6.0 million in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and to £6.5 million in 2007-08.

I understand that the agency is considering the options for longer-term solutions to flood alleviation at Llanrwst and Trefriw, and I would encourage it to come forward with proposals as soon as possible.