Repeated flooding concerns discussed
PRESSURE has been put on Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to tackle recurring flooding which hits properties near Trimsaran and Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire.
However NRW has said the area is not a priority and has “no plans to investigate further at this time.”
Plaid Cymru’s MS for mid and west Wales Cefin Campbell has met with residents to discuss concerns about repeated flooding, which often sees many residents and businesses stranded for days.
Mr Campbell said the past decade has seen Capel Teilo Road between Trimsaran and Kidwelly become increasingly prone to flooding from the nearby Gwendraeth Fawr river, often leaving the road impassable for vehicles and hindering access to nearby properties and businesses.
Mr Campbell recently visited the area with Trimsaran county councillor Kim Broom.
Residents said the road has been submerged at least 20 times over the past year alone, causing significant accessibility issues and leaving several vehicles written-off or damaged.
Mr Campbell has now called for urgent action to be taken: “It’s clear from speaking with local residents and businesses that the situation regarding the flooding at Capel Teilo Road is worsening.
“The increased incidents of flooding is having a detrimental impact on businesses, as well as causing growing concern to local residents’ wellbeing and safety.
“I have written to the stakeholders involved urging them to carry out a multi-agency approach to investigating the situation, in the hope appropriate action can be undertaken.”
Cllr Broom added: “The road is often flooded for several days, and at times residents can be left completely cut-off. I will continue to work with Mr Campbell and residents in the hope urgent action can be taken.”
Tim England, Flood and Water Management Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “When considering how to manage the flood risk in areas most at risk, NRW will work with local partners and communities to identify the sources of flooding and consider the viability of the most appropriate combination of measures to tackle the problems.
“There is a known longstanding history of flooding at this location which affects a very small number of properties along the Gwendraeth Fawr.
“The flooding in this area is due to a variety of reasons, including the flow being restricted downstream by an old tramway.
“We have attended site meetings and corresponded with residents over a number of years to discuss their concerns.
“We do not currently own, operate or maintain any flood defences that provides these properties with a level of protection from flooding, however they are provided with a flood warning service.
“Due to the limited number of properties affected, spread out over a large area of the floodplain, the location is not identified as a priority currently, and there are no plans to investigate further at this time.”