Wales spends £5.75m on flood defences

A flood defence scheme for the Conwy Valley in Wales was announced today with a total cost of £5.75 million.

The flood defences will reduce the risk of flooding for more than 90 homes and businesses in the area.

Announcing the scheme, Welsh Assembly environment minister Jane Davidson said: “It is likely that the impact of climate change will mean Wales will see increased flooding and we have to come to terms with this reality.

“We can’t stop flooding, but we can attempt to alleviate its impact on our communities.”

Villages protected by the scheme include Llanrwst and Trefriw, which were hit by floods in 2004 and 2005.

The defences will be installed by the Environment Agency Wales (EAW).

EAW director Chris Mills said: “We are very pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has managed to secure extra funding to support efforts to reduce the risk of flooding in Wales.

“This will enable us to continue to provide even more protection to many communities which are vulnerable to the increasing threat of flooding.”

He added that the EAW will improve its flood forecasting by taking advantage of advanced technology.

Wales plans to spend £30 million of European funding on flood defences, Davidson said.