Latest news with #StormDennis
Western Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Newgale road scheme proposal report expected by autumn
Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020. In 2014 it even saw a visit by the-then Prime Minister David Cameron following the storms. A public consultation – through agent AtkinsRéalis – was launched earlier this year ahead of a formal council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed. Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, some even saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date. An alternative, cheaper, scheme has been proposed by STUN – Stand Up for Newgale, proposing a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres seaward leaving an over-wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water. (Image: STUN) In a question, on behalf of Solva Community Council, heard at the July 17 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, community council chair Gareth Chapman said STUN's proposal 'appears to be an under £1m proposal with up to 85 years' lifespan compared to the conservative £40m-plus estimate for the PCC proposal'. The question added: 'PCC's proposal is to counter for road closures that rarely happen and, even then, require little expense to restore the pebble bank. It should also be remembered that on several occasions, flooding at Newgale occurs because the river outlet is blocked preventing water from the valley escaping and not as a result of a high tide or storm. 'It is acknowledged that climate change and coastal issues at Newgale may eventually in many years force a change in the highway arrangements at Newgale but it is felt that all efforts should be made to retain the character of the village and iconic views for as long as possible.' It also asked for the council to 'commit to thoroughly examining the alternative proposal,' and to 'fully take on board the overwhelming public opinion regarding the future of Newgale'. More: Redevelopment of former Pembrokeshire seafront hotel approved More: Warning over 'attacker' seagulls issued for Pembrokeshire seaside resort Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said a full presentation had been given to the local community council earlier this month, adding a number of options had been considered in 2016 and 2017 which were 'ruled out at that stage for a number of reasons' prior to the scheme now mooted. He told members the council had undertaken 'extensive consultation which has all fed into the development of the scheme,' with a full report expected before the autumn prior to a formal planning application. 'Any coastal protection scheme, we believe, would be a multi-million-pound scheme, certainly in excess of the £1m from STUN,' said Cllr Sinnett, adding those proposals would 'only delay the issue for a short period of time, if at all.' He told members a response to the STUN proposals would be included as part of the full pre-application consultation responses, with council representatives agreeing to meet with STUN.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Council considers buying flood-risk homes and moving occupants out
Council considers buying flood-risk homes and moving occupants out RCT Council has said it will engage with residents of 16 houses in Clydach Terrace, Ynysybwl, to discuss their future needs, after Natural Resources Wales said a flood defence scheme was not viable. Clydach Terrace In Ynysybwl where NRW had been considering a couple of options for flood risk works (Image: Google ) Voluntary acquisition of properties by the council and help with relocating residents could be considered for houses at risk of river flooding in a south Wales street if needed. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has said it is going to work with residents at risk of river flooding in Clydach Terrace, Ynysybwl, to assess their housing and wellbeing needs after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said a flood defence scheme was not viable. The local authority has agreed to start engagement with the residents of numbers 1 to 16 Clydach Terrace, Ynysybwl (excluding 6a and 6b). This will inform a future decision by the council as to whether it uses any of its statutory or discretionary powers to intervene. The council said this engagement was proposed due to the significant ongoing risk to health, safety and property from river flooding and the decision by Natural Resources Wales (the responsible flood risk management authority) that a flood defence scheme to protect the properties was not viable. £4.5m is to be spent on these streets after Storm Dennis and Storm Bert flooding A council report said numbers 1 to 16 Clydach Terrace, Ynysybwl (excluding 6a and 6b) were at high river flood risk from the Nant Clydach. Article continues below During Storm Dennis in February, 2020, the 16 homes were rapidly inundated with flood water with internal flooding up to 1.96m in depth. Further flooding was experienced during Storm Bert in November, 2024 and residents of Clydach Terrace continue to live with the heightened fear of further flooding incidents, the report says. To get all the latest Rhondda news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the flood risk management authority in this instance and in June, 2025, it published its Ynysybwl Flood Risk Management Outline Business Case. This looked at several possible flood risk management solutions for Clydach Terrace, including the construction of a raised flood defence wall. But the assessment found that this was not an economically viable option under UK and Welsh Government funding rules for flood risk management purposes. You can read more about that here. The report said residents of Clydach Terrace continued to live with the ongoing flood risk in the knowledge that there was no viable proposal available to protect their homes. Article continues below Given the significant risk to health presented and danger to life in this area and the recent decision by NRW, it was proposed that the council engage with the residents and owners of the 16 homes affected by flooding at Clydach Terrace to assess their future housing and wellbeing needs. The council said this would allow a fully informed report to a future cabinet on any further assistance the council might be able to offer residents, which might include the potential voluntary acquisition of their properties by the council and relocation assistance if needed.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Plans for new road which will bypass flood hit village could cost up to £60m
Plans for new road which will bypass flood hit village could cost up to £60m Pembrokeshire proposals for a road realignment scheme at Newgale, and a far cheaper alternative scheme, are to come under the spotlight at a full council meeting next week Severe flooding at Newgale, Pembrokeshire, in 2014 (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) Proposals for a road realignment scheme in Pembrokeshire are set to be scrutinised at the full council meeting next week. Newgale suffered severe flooding after storms in early 2014 and later during Storm Dennis in 2020. The then Prime Minister David Cameron even visited the area in 2014 following the storms. A public consultation, conducted by agent AtkinsRéalis, was initiated earlier this year. This was in anticipation of a formal application from Pembrokeshire Council to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project. The project involves developing a new inland road section with a bridge over Brandy Brook, approximately 2.3km inland. This would replace the coastal section of the A487 at Newgale that is due to be closed and removed, among other works. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . There have been varied estimates regarding the cost of this scheme, ranging from £20m upwards, with some speculating it could reach as high as £60m. Millions have already been spent on consultation fees. An alternative proposal has been put forward by STUN - Stand Up for Newgale, who have previously claimed that the public has been misled about the necessity for the new Newgale bypass. STUN's much more affordable alternative suggests realigning a section of the shingle bank at Newgale 10-12 metres seaward. This would create an over-wash barrier between it and the A487 to catch any pebbles and sea water. Article continues below The proposed new road route for Newgale (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) At the upcoming Pembrokeshire Council meeting on July 17, Gareth Chapman, chair of Solva Community Council, will present a pressing query: "The topic of the road diversion at Newgale has been in the news quite a lot recently and it has become apparent that there has been an alternative scheme proposed by the Newgale Community group STUN." In his question, Mr. Chapman is set to highlight a cheaper and longer-lasting alternative to the council's current plans: "This proposal has been demonstrated to Solva Community Council and appears to be an under £1m proposal with up to 85 years lifespan compared to the conservative £40m-plus estimate for the PCC proposal." The enquiry will indicate the community's opposition to drastic changes, noting: "hardly anyone wants this major change in Newgale," and pointing out flaws in the County Council's project: "PCC's proposal is to counter for road closures that rarely happen and, even then, require little expense to restore the pebble bank. "It should also be remembered that on several occasions, flooding at Newgale occurs because the river outlet is blocked preventing water from the valley escaping and not as a result of a high tide or storm." A visualisation of flooding changes to Newgale over time (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) It will also stress the importance of conserving Newgale's distinctive character and scenery for future generations, emphasising: "It is acknowledged that climate change and coastal issues at Newgale may eventually in many years force a change in the highway arrangements at Newgale but it is felt that all efforts should be made to retain the character of the village and iconic views for as long as possible. "Given the significant amount of public funds that are set to be allocated, which could arguably be better utilised on other more urgent matters, would Pembrokeshire Council commit to thoroughly scrutinising the alternative proposal as suggested by the Welsh Government's Transport Appraisal Guidance, and also fully consider the strong public sentiment regarding the future of Newgale? "Secondly, if Pembrokeshire Council have already given this alternative scheme thorough consideration, will they also pledge to provide their written feedback on the alternative scheme to Solva Community Council within 14 days of this meeting?". Article continues below The question will receive a response during the meeting.
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
New BMX track in the Rhondda set to open
New BMX track in the Rhondda set to open It will be located on a receptor site which was used for material from the Tylorstown landslide in 2020 A quarter of the land at the receptor site is set to be transformed into a BMX track (Image: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council ) A planned BMX pump track on land where material from a landslide has been placed is nearing completion and is set to officially open soon. Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council has given the latest update on the work happening at the Tylorstown tip to make it safe since a landslide five years ago including an update on the planned BMX pump track on a receptor site in Ferndale which has been used for material from the landslip on the Llanwonno hillside in February 2020 triggered by the unprecedented rainfall during Storm Dennis. It blocked the river valley, broke a foul sewer, covered a water main with several metres of debris, and covered a shared footpath. A four-phase remediation plan has been put in place and included emergency clearance work in the weeks that followed, known as phase one. Phase two which included embankment scour repairs and phase three which included the removal of material from the valley floor to receptor sites and the reinstatement of paths are both complete along with extra work to stabilise the slope. Work as part of phase four involving the remediation of the remaining tip on the hillside continues. Article continues below Current work on the site includes installation of the final drainage infrastructure on the donor site, where the upper Llanwonno tip has been significantly reduced in volume and reprofiled, the council says. To get all the latest Rhondda news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here. It says this drainage work is vital to manage ground water and surface water on the hillside and improve the overall site's stability. A longer-term plan for land and habitat management is being put in place which includes consideration of what can be done to mitigate wildfires. A system of technical monitoring will also be installed while minor work to complete the new receptor site to the rear of Tylorstown tip is under way. During two previous phases of work a receptor site was used in Ferndale to place slipped material from the river and valley floor. A project to create a BMX pump track at this site is nearing completion with this new facility set to be officially opened soon. Tree planting has also taken place on one of the other receptor sites that was used earlier in the scheme. RCT has received £11.49m from the Welsh Government's coal tip safety grant for 2025-26 with £118m from UK Government set to go towards coal tip safety in Wales over the next three years along with Welsh Government funding. The council uses this funding for monitoring and regular inspections, responding to reactive repairs following severe weather, completing maintenance work, and undertaking detailed reviews of priority tips which includes drainage and stability assessments and site investigations. Article continues below
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Residents fear for lives as flood wall rejected
Residents in a village that flooded during Storm Dennis say they feel "angry" and "abandoned" after flood defences were rejected due to their cost. Building a taller flood wall or buying the most at risk houses in Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf was "not economically viable", said the environment body, Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Home owners said they were left fearing for the safety of their families. NRW said it would "not walk away from the community". Landslide staff 'threatened with prosecution' The flood-plagued street where no-one can get insurance Watch as Storm Darragh batters Wales Paul Thomas has lived on Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl for 40 years. His home was flooded during Storm Dennis in 2020. He said: "They may not be walking away, but they're certainly doing nothing." The 66-year-old said residents had been told "money was no object", but said they now feel like they have been "abandoned". He added: "There's a risk to life". Mr Thomas said the water level was above his head when it entered his home in 2020. "I was knocked through the wall, the water came in behind me, I didn't know what was up what was down, I managed to swim to the back of the property," he said. "I swum across my backyard onto my extension roof and jumped in through the bedroom window. "To live here, the danger that we are facing is just too great", he added. Water from the Nant Clydach tributary flooded 16 houses on Clydach Terrace during Storm Dennis. The water overtopped the highway wall between the tributary and the street. NRW said it looked at several options to manage the flood risk in the area, including building a raised flood defence wall, or buying the most at risk homes. But the environment body said "neither option is close to being economically viable under the UK and Welsh government funding rules for flood risk management purposes that NRW must follow". It added that it "recognises the flood risk remains and will not walk away from the community". Paul's children and grandchildren live in the houses either side of his. He said he feared for their safety every time it rained heavily. "Weather forecasts and that river rule my life now, it's taken a toll on us," he said. "Not just me, my grandson, when it rains, he's terrified, he feels sick, he just wants to go, and everyone is exactly the same. "It's a nightmare," he added. "We have waves coming up the street - it's a massive amount of water, it's powerful enough to push the front door in. "We can die, it's as simple as that, we can die." Alison Linehan also lives on Clydach Terrace, and said, "we are living in fear and they just don't want to do anything for us". "As soon as the winter comes now we will be panicking." She said she would like to see the flood wall between the water and her home made taller. Graham Watkins was born on Clydach Terrace, and said he was "fed up" with NRW and would like to see the river dredged and the wall raised. "Before long people in this street won't get insurance, because the cost of it is so much - I find it very difficult to afford the insurance on the house," he said. Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it would meet with residents "to consider potential options". "Nothing is off the table, including acquisition of properties where necessary, and we will consult with impacted residents on all future options," a spokesperson for the council added. NRW said the topography of the area near the river "presents a challenging risk" and said that during extreme rainfall "flooding can happen rapidly and to significant depths". It said the proposed flood defence wall would need to vary along its length between 3.5m and 4.5m (11ft 6in and 14ft 9in) above the road to provide a good level of protection. NRW said that purchasing the most at risk properties was found "not to be cost-effective to be eligible to receive Flood Defence Grant in aid funding from the Welsh government". It said it was "committed to working with the community, the local authority and other partners" to find other solutions. David Letellier, Head of Operations South Wales Central for NRW, said: "We know how deeply flood risk affects people's lives and wellbeing, and we understand this will be disappointing news for residents. "This was a thorough assessment of what's possible in Ynysybwl, and although we cannot take forward a major scheme at this time, we are not walking away. "We remain committed to working with the community, the local authority and other partners to explore what else can be done to manage the risk and support residents." Watchdog's flooding response 'fell short' Storm Bert floods 'absolutely devastating', says Welsh FM Anger over level and timing of storm weather warnings
