News from Welsh Labour

AM welcomes Assembly flood defence funding for Clwyd Estuary

Ann Jones AM has welcomed news that the Labour-led Assembly Government is investing £644,000 for flood defences in the Clwyd Estuary between Rhyl and Kinmel Bay.

The projects form part of the £79 million Flood and Coastal Risk Management programme – led by the Welsh Assembly Government and supported with £36m from the European Regional Development Fund. To date, 75% of the available European funding has been committed to flood and coastal risk management schemes across Wales.

The embankments in the tidal stretch of the Clwyd from Rhyl up to Rhuddlan are slowly sinking into the peat and were last topped up to the required height in 1991. Since then, they have continued to settle. Without this vital work, further settlement means that in ten years time the number of homes at risk would more than double to 2,760.

Ann Jones AM said:

“The commitment to flood defences from the Welsh Assembly Government is strong and I hope that this major investment will re-assure those in homes at risk of flooding in the area. Its 20 years since the Towyn floods happened and whilst working as a Fire Control Officer during that time, I saw the effects at first hand.

“This news follows the £5 million that has already been allocated by the Minister for the Flood Risk Management Scheme in Denbigh, which will ensure that the damage caused by flooding is minimised.

“This Government realises the personal and financial devastation flooding causes and I am delighted that the Vale of Clwyd is so high on its agenda.”

Other news from Welsh Labour

• AM: Time to celebrate a People's History of Wales - 26 February 2010
• AM welcomes safer rail travel in North Wales - 23 February 2010
• Wales Boiler Scrappage Scheme announced - 11 February 2010