FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME BEGINS

WORK has started on a flood alleviation scheme to protect residents and businesses in Llanberis, Gwynedd, after £1.3million of grant funding was approved by the Welsh Government.

Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn announced the funding during a visit to the area (pictured inset) to see the work already under way through the scheme, which will reduce the risk of flooding to 96 properties in the area.

The funding will be provided to Gwynedd Council through the Welsh Government’s flood risk management grant to support with the cost of construction of a flood alleviation scheme in Llanberis.

It comes after a history of flooding in the area. Llanberis experiences high rainfall, with surrounding steep catchments resulting in flash flood run-off flowing quickly towards the village.

The works to reduce the risk of flooding to properties in the village will include: reconstruction of the existing bridge to increase flow capacity; removal of weir; increase height of flood walls downstream. Once complete, the works will reduce the risk of flooding to 96 properties, including 57 homes, as well as a public highway maintaining transportation links. Businesses in the village, including the local Siemens factory, which is a large employer in the area, will also benefit from reduced flood risk.