Welsh Government approves flood grant

Welsh environment minister John Griffiths has agreed a grant of more than £1.3m towards a £3m flood alleviation scheme in south west Wales.


Welsh environment minister John Griffiths has agreed a grant of more than £1.3m towards a £3m flood alleviation scheme in south west Wales.

The grant is in addition to £1.4m funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and a previously £200k from the Welsh Government.

The works aim to address a long-standing flood problem in Rhydyfelin near Pontypridd, which has seen homes flood since 1993.

The balance of funding will come from scheme promoters Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, which has estimated flooding occurs on average every four years. Work is expected to start later this month.

The scheme will provide improved flood protection to around 280 residential properties, Heol y Celyn Primary School as well as local roads and the Taff Trail cycle route.

Mr Griffiths said the Welsh Government is committed to “supporting as many flood schemes as possible”, adding that the current programme will benefit more than 1,800 properties in the current financial year.

In November the Government launched the National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, with the aim of directing funding towards improving flood defences and raising awareness.

Mr Griffiths, said: “One in six properties in Wales is currently at risk of flooding, with flooding estimated to cause in the region of £200m of damage each year.

“We recognise that as the climate changes causing more intense rainfall and higher sea levels, flood and coastal erosion risk is set to increase significantly over time and the Welsh Government is leading a major change in the way we manage flood and erosion risk.”

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council cllr Andrew Morgan, said: “This part of Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding for many years and I am very pleased that the Council has been able to secure money from the Welsh Government for action to address this.”

Carys Matthews

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe