Following severe flooding across North Wales over the past twenty-four hours, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today renewed her calls for the Welsh Government to facilitate an independent inquiry into local flooding events.
Local roads have been closed and public transport disrupted as a result of Storm Christoph. Officers have warned local residents to not make any unnecessary journeys, which could add pressure to stretched resources. A flood alert remains for parts of the Conwy Valley at the time of publication.
Mrs Finch-Saunders has been a vociferous campaigner on flooding issues, compiling annual reports to ensure that changes are enacted. She also urged the devolved administration to review the effectiveness of S.19 Flood and Water Management Act 2010 reports, with statutory time limits imposed on the publication of these investigative documents. These reports provide essential recommendations designed to mitigate the future risk of such incidents.
Commenting, Janet said:
“Sadly, Christoph is yet another storm which has hit close to home for many of my constituents. Whilst I welcome the fact that homes seem to have gone unscathed in Llanrwst, it is once again tragically sad to see the anxiety caused to many local residents. I remain on hand to assist wherever possible.
“I am also most sad to see that Gwydir Castle, the renowned attraction and garden of historical significance in the Conwy Valley, was once again hit by serious flooding after being badly affected by Storms Dennis and Ciara last year.
“For these reasons, I have renewed my calls for an independent inquiry into consistent local flooding events, which would help to ensure that there is a shift in the Welsh Government's approach, from reactive to preventative. I urge all local residents to sign my petition to force action on this important issue.
“These instances of flooding are happening far too often, making plain the true threat of climate change to the towns and villages of Conwy. As scientific projections suggest that Wales can expect a greater frequency of extreme weather events, we must look to better safeguard our vulnerable residents.
“If the Welsh Government is serious about its commitment to proactive community engagement as a means of developing local flood prevention strategies, I urge them to review and implement the proposals that I have repeatedly put forward. The time for action is now.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- This is part of a long running campaign on flooding in Wales. More information can be found at www.janetfinchsaunders.org.uk. This includes Janet’s calls for statutory time frames to assist with future flood report delivery, which can be read by clicking here.
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
