Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called for the River Clwyd flood defences to be boosted to prevent flooding in places like Belgrano, Abergele, Pensarn and Towyn. 

Responding to today’s Statement by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme, Darren welcomed investment in coastal defences in Towyn and Kinmel Bay, but warned that residents and businesses in the area will not be fully protected until flood protection from the west bank of the River Clwyd is strengthened. 

Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, he said: 

“In February, we marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Towyn floods, which I experienced, along with thousands of other people, when the sea defences in Towyn gave way back in February 1990. It was the largest evacuation since the second world war, with thousands of people having to be rehomed after the sea swept in. And, quite rightfully, the Welsh Government is now investing in the Towyn and Kinmel Bay area’s coastal defences. 

“However, the biggest risk of flooding, once those defences have seen the investment take place, is going to actually come from the West Bank of the river Clwyd, which also desperately needs improvement. 

“I wonder what discussions the Welsh Government is having, both with Natural Resources Wales, Conwy County Borough Council and other stakeholders, about making sure that those defences are fit for purpose, and that the drainage system in the Rhuddlan, Morfa area is also improved, because that is causing, I’m afraid, flooding, whenever there are heavy downpours, in places like Belgrano, Abergele, Pensarn and, unfortunately, on roads in Towyn as well.” 

In his response, the Cabinet Secretary encouraged Darren “to engage with the risk management authority, who need to bring forward schemes that are properly joined up and holistic, and every asset actually plays a part within this.” 

Speaking after the meeting, Darren, who also raised the matter with the Cabinet Secretary last October, said: 

“Having lived through the Towyn floods, I know only too well how flooding devastates lives. It is therefore crucial that everything that can be done to ensure residents do not have to endure what my family, and many others did, in Towyn back in 1990, is done before it is too late.”  

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below: