Work to protect 1,650 homes and businesses in Rhyl from flooding completed ahead of schedule

Work to protect 1,650 properties in Rhyl from coastal flooding has been completed ahead of schedule.

Efforts to deliver the East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, funded by Denbighshire Council and the Welsh Government, got underway in April 2020.

The work was expected to be finished in December this year, however it has been confirmed the scheme has been completed ahead of target.

It has seen around 128,000 tonnes of rock armour placed in front of the existing sea defences in the eastern area of Rhyl.

Meanwhile, a new 600-metre section of sea wall and promenade has been built to protect the area from storms and the impact of climate change.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, said: “We have always been committed to completing these works as quickly as possible so that our communities are protected from any potential risk of flooding.

“We are extremely pleased the works to safeguard hundreds of residents and businesses in the area from current storms and future rise in sea levels in the area, are complete ten months ahead of schedule.

“It is also pleasing to note that the project has been delivered well within the budget costing.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the success of the scheme.”

Contractors Balfour Beatty undertook the majority of work.

Community benefits from the scheme included a beach access gate at Old Golf Road for use at weekends, renovation works at the Splash Point and the donation of groynes to the RNLI for their memorial area and to Friends of the Cob for the Glan Morfa site.

Other benefits included using the North Wales supply chain for rock deliveries, a virtual mentoring session with Working Denbighshire to help those looking or work in the construction industry and donations to Sussex Street Food Bank.

Eddie Lundon, area director at Balfour Beatty, said: “Through the scape framework, we are delighted to have safely and successfully completed this critical scheme which will protect numerous homes and businesses in east Rhyl.

“Utilising our extensive coastal experience, we were able to complete the programme ahead of schedule, utilising a local supply chain whilst making a significant and sustainable contribution to the local community.”

The Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said: “The flooding of homes and businesses in Rhyl in 2013 is still fresh in people’s memories and with climate change very much upon us, we know such events are likely to become more frequent in the future.

“I am therefore pleased to provide funding to Denbighshire County Council from our coastal risk management programme for this substantial scheme to help protect homes, businesses and infrastructure from the impact of floods.”