Urgent action needed to fix flooding issues in Flintshire

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging the Welsh Government to do more to prevent future flooding problems in Flintshire as a matter of urgency.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands called for more to be done to tackle flooding problems particularly in the Deeside area following the recent floods in the area.

Heavy rainfall last week led to several parts of both Flintshire and Wrexham suffering from flooding.

Roads were closed and homes were flood and/or evacuated as a result of the downpour.

Flooding in Sandycroft (Image: UGC) One of the worst affected areas was Sandycroft, which has fallen victim to flooding several times down the years.

Homes there were 'left under water' with residents even saying they are prepared to move out of the area to avoid another disaster.

Following the bad weather last week, Mr Rowlands said: “I'd like to call for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs on progress on delivering flood alleviation projects.

“This is particularly following flooding incidents taking place at Sandycroft, Mancot and Pentre in the last few days following huge downpours, leading many homes to be evacuated and roads shut down in the area.

Sam Rowlands MS. (Image: Freelance) “I know the Member for Alyn and Deeside and I have both personally raised these issues, both with the local authority and with National Resources Wales.

“I am aware that NRW do have plans to tackle the issues in the area, but it is clear that this needs to be done at pace to alleviate those fair concerns of local residents who have, sadly, been flooded not just once but many times in the past, because we need to see that work delivered quickly.”

Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip said they were aware of the recent flooding and that NRW was provided with £800,000 to address the flooding problems including  Sandycroft.

Flooding in Sandycroft (Image: Nichole Ing) Work began last week to improve the performance of the main river networks in Sandycroft and Pentre. NRW are working alongside Flintshire County Council and the work is part of a long-term project to improve flood risk management in the area.

The first phase is set to be completed by January 2025, but Mr Rowlands is asking for that to be brought forward. 

He added: “I understand that works are due to start on January but I still remain very concerned at the slow progress being made to tackle flooding in part of Flintshire where time and time again residents are having problems when there is heavy rain.

“I have been contacted by several constituents in the Sandycroft, Mancot and Pentre areas who are continually affected when we have extreme wet weather and it is vital any measures are delivered as soon as possible."

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A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “The impact of flooding is devastating to homeowners, landowners, and communities, and our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the recent heavy rainfall.

“The first phase of the work focuses on improving flow within these systems by clearing blockages, accumulations of sediment, and other non-structural barriers to flow.

“For Sandycroft Drain, this will involve clearing debris, sediment build-up, and vegetation from approximately 400 meters of the open channel. For Pentre Drain North, a piped watercourse that runs adjacent to the north side of Chester Road, the work will involve using specialist vacuum tankers and associated machinery. The first phase of the work is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.

“We have just launched a new dedicated webpage to help keep the community informed on the Sandycroft and Pentre Drain Flood Remediation Works.

“Residents and businesses directly impacted by the works have already been contacted by the project team. Alongside our Contractors we will continue to engage with these landowners on an individual basis to plan the works and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We’re very aware of how devastating the impacts of flooding can be, on homes, lives and businesses

“This is why we have already committed to fund additional flood protection for 45,000 homes and have maintained our record level funding for our Flood Programme this year at £75m.”