Today, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has published their long-awaited Outline Business Case for Clydach Terrace which looked at options to reduce the risk of flooding for the street. This follows the devastating flooding residents experienced in February 2020 as a result of Storm Dennis, which saw some having to swim to safety to survive.
Unfortunately, even though residents have been told that there is a risk to their life if similar flooding was to happen again, today’s report provides no solutions for the street. It simply states that the two options considered - A raised flood defence wall or Purchase by agreement of the most at-risk properties- are not economically viable under the UK and Welsh Government funding rules.
Whilst NRW state that they are not walking away and will continue to work with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and other partners to explore the options to manage the risk of flooding, residents will undoubtedly be devastated that no solution has been found.
Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central, who has worked closely with residents since the floods, responded to the news earlier today: “Residents are not only traumatised but terrified every time that it rains heavily. They’ve waited years for the publication of today’s report, and pinned all their hopes that it would provide a way forward at long last.
“It’s crucial now that the Welsh Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council provide clarity in terms of what will happen next, along with relevant timescales. They cannot face another winter filled with uncertainty and fearing that they could die in their homes. An urgent solution is needed, and I will continue to support residents until one is found.”
Plaid Cymru County Borough Councillors for Ynysybwl Paula Evans and Amanda Ellis also responded to the news and issued a joint statement: “We are devastated for the residents.
“Having supported them, and worked with them closely over the past few years as they’ve fought for action and support, it’s disappointing today that we are no closer to a solution.
“We have written to RCT Council, demanding an update for residents about the next steps. Something has to happen, and fast.”
The report can be read here: Managing flood risk in Ynysybwl - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space
You can also find out more about the plight of residents in this Channel 4 news item on Clydach Terrace, which was broadcast earlier this year: https://youtu.be/YfnzR4Aa_eU?feature=shared
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