Agenda item

Cabinet Member: Cllr. Catrin Wager

Update on: Act on Inland Flood Risks and Coastal Flood Risks

To accept the report and to note the observations received.

To accept the report and to note the observations received.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment provided an introduction noting that flooding was one of the most prominent characteristics that showed us how Climate Change affected local communities. It was acknowledged that the impacts were already seen, in relation to extreme weather and flooding that destroyed our communities.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of flood prevention as the best way to safeguard residents in the face of Climate Change challenges.

The report was submitted noting that the strategy was a living document, and that it could be extended as developments arose. Members were guided through the report, which offered an explanation on the work of identifying the source of water in incidents of flooding.

It was added that engagement work was also taking place, and discussions with other departments to ensure that the messages reached the communities.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by members:-

-        Gratitude was expressed for the report, which provided a detailed illustration of the problems within the catchment areas. Reference was made to a problem in Cwm Pennant in relation to a property that had suffered as a result of flooding. It was suggested that locations under threat should be examined, as it was possible that they would suffer in future.

-        A member asked whether there was a risk register to deal with problems, so that they could be mapped to anticipate where was at greatest risk of damage.

-        Concern was expressed that floods occurred to an extent due to a lack of maintenance of rivers and streams, and it was suggested that modern construction methods should be considered in order to protect properties from future flooding.

-        The Committee's attention was drawn to the recent staff turnover within the Council's departments, and that a wealth of local knowledge had been lost as staff left their posts.

-        It was explained that there were gaps in the data on maps used by Natural Resources Wales as not all the water courses could be seen on them.

-        The importance of including Councillors as part of any discussions, as there were flooding problems in numerous wards, was noted.

-        Clarification was sought on who was responsible for ensuring that the sea-wall in Talsarnau was safe, so that the local community was not at risk from any damage.

In response to the members’ observations, the Head of Environment Department noted the following:-

-        It was explained that people needed to be encouraged to declare whether their properties suffered from flooding so that a list could be created, and it was added that a number of people refused due to concern about the value of their properties.

-        It was agreed that consideration should be given to methods of adapting the construction of houses so that they could be future-proofed to protect them from flooding.

-        Sympathy was expressed with the member's concerns that local knowledge was being lost with the loss of staff, however, assurance was provided that the working relationship between the Council and other organisations was improving with everyone sharing the same information.

-        It was noted that there was a scheme to educate people on methods to reduce the risk of flooding to their properties and the wider community as part of the preventative work.

-        It was noted that Natural Resources Wales was responsible for the sea-wall, and it was agreed to arrange a conversation with them on this matter.