Action plan produced to deal with flooding issues in Sandycroft and Mancot

In January, areas of Sandycroft and Mancot were amongst the worst hit as Storm Christoph battered the region.

The areas are susceptible flooding, with some homes devastated for the second time in 18 months.

Recent flooding in Mancot.

Flintshire Council, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Water have now issued a plan of action on the steps it will be taking to try and prevent future issues.

In a letter issued to Sandycroft and Mancot residents seen by the Leader, the authorities say there are both short-term and long-term actions it will implement.

In the short-term, Flintshire Council says it will "survey, inspect and map" the local highway drainage networks, watercourses and open ditches.

It is also developing a site-specific 'Response Plan' - which during periods of heavy rainfall will co-ordinate the prioritisation of sandbags to properties known for being most vulnerable to flooding.

The council says the plan will also help identify and action the stem of water flowing into already overwhelmed water systems.

The plan will be distributed to the council's out-of-hours officers and include contact details for key employees and local councillors to improve communication during flooding incidents.

Flintshire Council says it is also promoting the role of Community Wardens - who will monitor and report issues that pose a potential risk of flooding, like blocked watercourses.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Warden, email FloodRiskManagement@Flintshire.gov.uk

The council says Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will continue to monitor the River Dee, while Welsh Water will inspect its network of local drainage systems following the recent flooding - work which has been underway this week.

There will also be newsletters sent out updating residents on the work being done to deal with the issues, and that a Community Liaison Group will be set up to allow residents to have their say.

The council's longer-term aims include collating all the evidence from the initial investigations and create a clear picture of the local drainage network, clearly identifying the ownership responsibilities of the council, NRW and Welsh Water.

It will also look to determine the way local drainage systems can be best managed to reduce the flood risk - which could lead to funding bids to the Welsh Government to fund such schemes.