Clwyd West AM Darren Millar witnessed the devastation of this week’s floods first hand when he visited some of the families affected in Ruthin this morning.
Darren spoke to residents of Ruthin’s Glasdir Estate who are still trying to come to terms with Tuesday’s tragedy which destroyed their homes. He also met with some of the volunteers at the advice centre which has been set up at Glasdir.
He said:
"We have all seen the pictures and footage of the floods in the media this week, but actually seeing the damage caused and speaking to the residents themselves reinforces just how devastating their situation is. They are trying to remain upbeat, but obviously it is difficult. The community of Ruthin have been extremely supportive and all the volunteers who have given up their time to help the victims deserve huge praise.
"The residents are keen to know why it happened and I met with Environment Agency Wales (EAW) during my visit who told me they will be carrying out a full investigation into why flood defences failed, so hopefully the residents will eventually get the answers they are looking for.
"The Agency also told me that only two households on the Glasdir Estate were registered with Floodline, their free flood warning service which provides advance notice of when flooding is likely to happen, giving residents time to prepare.
"It's obviously important that residents take advantage of this scheme by signing up online at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or Typetalk 0845 602 6340.
"During my visit I also met with Denbighshire Council officials who told me that they are still in need of accommodation for those affected by the floods who are currently in emergency accommodation. They are appealing to anyone with a empty property to rent to contact them."
Picture Caption:
(1) Clwyd West AM Daren Millar with Dave Edwell and Meic Davies of the Environment Agency at Glasdir, Ruthin.
(2) Clwyd West AM Darren Millar talking to families and volunteers at the advice centre at Glasdir, Ruthin.