‘Flooding is becoming an ever more frequent’: Partnership set up to help protect Conwy Valley

Richard Evans, local democracy reporter

A new partnership has been set up to tackle flooding in rural Conwy.

The partnership will address flooding by putting plans in place to combat flooding and respond to extreme weather events.

Natural Resources Wales, Network Rail and Conwy County Council are among several agencies that have teamed up to establish the flood partnership group in the Conwy Valley.

Communities like Llanrwst and Trefriw live in constant fear of flooding. In February 2020, Llanrwst was badly hit by Storm Ciara, leading to dozens of homes and businesses being flooded.

Llanrwst councillor Aaron Wynne has long campaigned for a multi-agency flood group and has been elected chairman of the new partnership.

‘Momentum’

Speaking to the local democracy reporting service, Cllr Wynne said: “I’m glad this flood partnership group has been re-established in the Conwy Valley. I have long called for organisations to regularly come together to tackle flooding issues in Llanrwst and the wider area.

“Through working together across organisations and agencies, we will be able to work more effectively and efficiently to tackle flooding and protect our communities. My home town Llanrwst, as well as other villages in the Conwy Valley, live in constant fear of flooding.

“Due to climate change, flooding is becoming an ever more frequent event. We need robust short-term and long-term plans in place to protect our communities, our homes and our livelihoods.

“I hope to see the momentum of this new partnership continue and for organisations to play their full role in ensuring its success in taking action on flooding in this community.”

The membership of the new flood partnership group comprises of Conwy Council, Natural Resources Wales, Dwr Cymru, Network Rail, Llanrwst Town Council, North

Wales Authorities’ civil contingencies team and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.

The group will also be supported by North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Ambulance Service, representatives from community councils within the partnership area, the National Trust and representatives from National Farmers’ Union and Farmers’ Union of Wales.