Calls for government support for North Wales residents impacted by flooding from Storm Christoph

Calls have been made for government support to be made available to residents impacted by flooding in North Wales.

The region has been hit by torrential downpours over the last few days following the arrival of Storm Christoph.

It led to homes in Ruthin, St Asaph, Bangor-on-Dee and New Broughton being flooded overnight, among other locations, with residents having to be evacuated.

The clean up operation got underway in a number of communities this morning.

North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd was out in Ruthin to see the devastation for himself and has called for the Welsh Government to make money available to help those affected.

The Plaid Cymru politician said: “The council is here doing its work trying to clear the mess that’s been left behind.

“I will of course be contacting the government now, calling on them to make sure that a package of support is made available to the residents and all of those that have been affected.

“(It would be) similar to the one offered to other places in Wales last year, but also, a package of support to the council so that we can get to grips with these problems and make sure that we avoid similar occurrences in the future.”

As the clear out from #StormChristoph begins in #Ruthin, myself and @Plaid_Cymru will now be calling on the Government to ensure that the residents and businesses effected, as well as the Council get the support they need. pic.twitter.com/9jrCG4flix

— Llyr Gruffydd AS/MS (@LlyrGruffydd) January 21, 2021

With many roads in the area still blocked by flooding, police have reiterated their messages for people not to make any unnecessary journeys.

Two severe flood warnings are in place covering the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Trevalyn Meadows and Bangor on Dee.

There is also a flood warning for the Upper Dee Valley from Llanuwchllyn to Llangollen, including Corwen.

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has also renewed her calls for the Welsh Government to facilitate an independent inquiry into local flooding events.

She 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.

All roads to us now closed. Enormous pressure of water behind our wall. Just hoping for some respite from the elements soon and that the damage is not too great.#Flooding @NatResWales @lesley4wrexham @BBCWales @ITVWales @dafyddel #llanrwst pic.twitter.com/JJW1cCKdkU

— Gwydir Castle (@JudyCorbett) January 20, 2021

“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.”

You can sign the petition launched by Mrs Finch-Saunders by visiting https://www.janetfinchsaunders.org.uk/flood-inquiry-petition