Funding of £3 million for progressing flood protection works in St Asaph during 2016/17 has been announced by Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant.
The Minister also confirmed that a further £3 million would be made available to the Coastal Risk Management Programme – which will use innovative finance to fund £150m of capital projects for coastal adaptation and resilience to climate change.
The £6 million investment, announced in the budget proposals for 2016-17 earlier this week, supports implementation of the Welsh Government’s core investment priorities set out in the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan.
The scheme in St Asaph, when completed, will reduce risk along the River Elwy in the heart of the city, benefitting those residents who suffered severe flooding in 2012 and a further near-miss earlier this winter.
It is expected to benefit 414 properties as well as the wider area, including improvements to St Asaph old bridge, access and recreational improvements to the foot and cycle-paths, biodiversity enhancements and the restoration of a small stream.
The funding for the Coastal Risk Management Programme will help fund essential preparatory work needed prior to the construction of individual coastal risk and adaptation schemes.
Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said:
“Minimising the effects of flooding and keeping our communities safe are key priorities for this Government. Our flood defences continue to be tested by adverse weather events.
“In St Asaph, since the flood event in 2012 we have been working with NRW as the flood risk management authority responsible for the River Elwy, to determine what measures are necessary to address flood risk.
“This scheme will make a huge difference to the lives of residents in St Asaph who face the threat of having their homes and businesses flooded during bad weather.
“Funding has already been made available to Natural Resources Wales for this year in addition to this new £3 million for next year. I have now directed Natural Resources Wales to commence work immediately.”
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
