Today (27th November 2024), Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central, Heledd Fychan, has written to the Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government requesting greater support for communitites impacted by flooding. With many communities once again dealing with flooding, this time as a result of Storm Bert, her letter outlines why action must now be taken including implementing the lessons that should have been learnt following the devastating impact of Storm Dennis on the same communities in 2020.
Key issues highlighted in Ms Fychan’s letter includes:
- Late flood warnings from Natural Resources Wales: Often, warnings arrive after water has already entered homes or businesses.
- Inadequate provision of sandbags and poor communication: Residents are left without essential protection in times of need.
- Inconsistent access to flood gates and barriers: Some residents are denied these protections despite repeated flooding incidents.
- Lack of affordable insurance schemes for businesses: Businesses remain vulnerable without adequate financial protection against flooding.
The letter also calls for greater support and action:
- Clear guidelines: On accessing flood protection measures for residents and business owners.
- Progress updates: On recommendations from past reviews into flooding.
- Adequate staffing and budget for Natural Resources Wales: To ensure their flood prevention and mitigation duties are fulfilled effectively.
- Holistic, community-wide approach: To flood prevention and mitigation.
- Transparency and publication of data: Supporting claims of the effectiveness of flood defences.
- Establishment of a Welsh Flood Forum: Inspired by Scotland, to support communities more effectively.
- Immediate progress: On addressing long-standing risks, such as those faced by residents of Clydach Terrace.
- Comprehensive assessment: Assurance regarding coal tip safety following extreme weather events.
Heledd Fychan stated:
“Storm Bert has left a significant mark, devastating a substantial number of homes and businesses—many of them suffering from floods for the second, third, or even fourth time since 2020. The affected residents are not only devastated but also increasingly frustrated by the lack of support available to them and progress on making our communities safe from flooding.
“In 2020, I lead the calls for an independent inquiry into the floods – something which the Welsh Labour Government rejected time and time again. Nearly five years later, it is no wonder people are angry that lessons are yet to be learnt.
“I remain committed to supporting constituents and will continue to push for these essential measures to protect homes and businesses from future flooding.”
