The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has welcomed confirmation from Natural Resources Wales that officers will review the increased riverbed shale formation at Pont Fawr on the Conwy River, following a site visit with NRW officers last week.
During the COVID-19 compliant meeting, Mrs Finch-Saunders undertook detailed discussions about the telemetry and river gauge monitoring levels along the Afon Conwy. It was indicated that the build-up of shale in the centre of the riverbed is now as bad as it was in 2016, potentially requiring the removal of stones to ensure that the river level monitoring system is functioning properly.
Commenting on the commitment by NRW, Janet said:
“During recent flood events, a record level of water has been recorded at Pont Fawr on the Conwy River. This is understandably causing considerable concern as to the stability of Llanrwst’s historic bridge, cafe, and embankment.
“For this reason, I arranged a COVID-compliant site visit with officers from Natural Resources Wales to undertake detailed discussions about the telemetry and river gauge monitoring levels along the Afon Conwy.
“I welcome confirmation that NRW will continue to review the increased riverbed shale formation at Pont Fawr as part of a watching brief, to decide if stones must be removed so that the monitoring system may function properly.
“Reaching the point of clearing the shale is far from simple, however. After an initial assessment, funding and permission to use a local car park would need to be ascertained. Restrictions are also imposed on when such works can be undertaken.
“I stand ready to be of assistance to NRW should shale removal be required. It was crucial to clinch this review commitment, ahead of the winter months, given the area’s record of flooding.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS during the socially distanced site visit, last Friday.
