Cabinet
Member: Cllr. Catrin Wager
Update
on: Act on Inland Flood Risks and Coastal Flood Risks
Decision:
To accept the
report and to note the observations received.
Minutes:
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.
Supporting documents: