Calls for investigation after ‘chaotic’ flood response in Llandudno

Calls have been made for an investigation after the response to recent flooding in Llandudno was described as “chaotic”.

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders, who was on site with residents during the flooding caused by Storm Babet, has sent an urgent letter to Conwy County Borough Council.

During the storm, residents were affected in several parts of the community including Liddell Park, the Oval, and the Tre Creuddyn estate.

The MS said some residents resorted to trying to protect their homes by locking themselves in and placing towels beside doors holding flood water back.

Although some were evacuated, others were left trapped because they had no means through which to escape from their homes safely.

In her letter, the Conservative politician claimed there was a lack of preparedness, lack of a united planned response and a need for a flood risk management plan for Llandudno.

Speaking after helping residents affected by the floods, Ms Finch-Saunders said: “It has been heartbreaking to see residents in a state of distress, and feeling completely helpless in the midst of rising water.

“What I witnessed first-hand was complete chaos. Even I couldn’t get through to Conwy Council, spoke to a firefighter who was unsure as to where best to be, and was informed by North Wales Police that there was no plan to manage an incident like this in Llandudno.

“Many of us remember the 1993 flood. We trusted that lessons were learnt so to save the town from such devastation again.

“Clearly, public bodies had taken their eye off the ball, and now need to put a flood management plan in place, and communicate that to local residents.

“Everyone in Llandudno should be told what the strategy is should there be a similar flood again.”