CONWY county was battered by storms over the weekend with the wild weather causing severe flooding.
The worst hit areas were Deganwy, Llanrwst and the Conwy Valley with roads, railway lines, businesses and houses all affected by the heavy rainfall.
Julie Fallon, Conwy County Borough councillor for Deganwy, said she had never seen flooding as bad as she had on the weekend
and it was a major concern.
The streets of Deganwy were flooded on the weekend. Picture: David Thomas
Mrs Fallon said: “I will be raising the question with the council as to why the situation was so severe on Station Road, as I don’t ever remember seeing the area flooded to that extent and yet the usual flooding spots were not so bad.
“It makes me question if there is an issue with blocked drains.
“I don’t know how many inches but it’s scary as it covered the pavement too, which is made it pretty much impossible to get to
the village for anyone walking.”
The flooding situation was made worse as panicked residents in dire need were calling CCBC for sandbags only to be told they were no longer offered.
The council adopted a sandbag policy in July 2017 that meant it would not give the bags to residents or private businesses before or during flooding.
Llandudno Rugby Club's pitch on the weekend. Picture: David Thomas
It would however use them if there was an imminent risk to life or property, with the final decision being made by officers.
Samantha Egelstaff, a Llanwrst resident, said she was angered when council staff said they could not provide the public with sandbags.
She said: “I called the council on Saturday morning and asked for sandbags.
“People have been exasperated and upset, and at their wits end.
“People were asking the council for sandbags and they were told they don’t supply them anymore. I had people contact me throughout Saturday about it who were really upset.
“I think there needs to be an urgent review in terms of emergency flood prevention in the Conwy Valley just to ensure that everything that needs to be done is done.”
The council said the River Conwy was recorded at its highest-ever level.
Cllr Donald Milne, cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities said sandbags, were used where there is an imminent risk to life or property, with a priority for elderly and vulnerable residents.
He said: “Flooding incidents were widespread across the whole county borough, I’d like to thank all the staff who helped residents by working long hours all weekend in such miserable conditions.”
Aberconwy AM, Janet FinchSaunders, said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped during the horrendous flooding and heavy rain.
“Whilst the actions of many helped keep residents, businesses, and homes safe, this was not enough to save some homes from the deluge and the destructive impact of rivers here in Conwy.
“I am aware that homes and businesses were flooded in Dolwyddelan, Betws-y-Coed, Llanrwst, and Maenan, and that some of the instances could potentially have been avoided.
“Natural Resources Wales already know my concern about the dam, and I hope that the Welsh Government will undertake measures to ensure that the defence will work in future. However, they need to do much more.
“What the weekend has proven is that the flood defence scheme for the Conwy Valley does not work.”
Flooding has damaged the Conwy Valley line. Picture: Network Rail/Facebook
Significant flooding from the weekend’s storms caused “severe” damage to the railway resulting in the closure of The Conwy Valley Line.
A Network Rail spokesperson, in a statement, said: “We are working closely with Transport for Wales to keep passengers moving during the closure of the line, and a rail replacement bus service will be in operation until it reopens.”
Llanrwst United Football Club was among many sporting venues affected by flooding reporting damage to its pitch, pavilion and changing rooms.
County councillors for Llanrwst Aaron Wynne and Ian Jenkins have offered their £268 pay rise which all councillors are set to receive, to the club.
Cllr Aaron Wynne, who represents the Crwst Ward in Llanrwst, said: “This year I will accept my pay rise of £268 for the first time in order to donate it to Llanrwst United Football Club whose pitch and facilities have been badly damaged during our recent floods in the town.”
Donations can be made to the Llanrwst United Football Club’s JustGiving page.
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