What representations has the Minister made to Natural Resources Wales to adopt the river defence at Llanwenarth, Monmouthshire and carry out the necessary repairs to prevent further flooding in the area?
Last year, the then Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs wrote to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and made substantial funding available for Flood Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) to undertake repairs and improvements in those communities flooded during the devastating 2020 storms.
The National Strategy sets out how RMAs should bring forward appropriate projects or interventions in those communities at greatest risk, evidenced by a number of factors including risk maps, modelling or actual flood events. NRW therefore prioritise and plan their own programme of work accordingly.
RMAs may still undertake repairs in agreement with the riparian owners, or choose to designate or adopt defences which perform an important flood function. However, any decision to undertake repairs or adopt a defence remains a matter for NRW.
NRW officials remain in contact with residents and have confirmed they will continue to give advice to the asset owners on its structural integrity and future maintenance.