Flood Defence Scheme On Cabinet Table

A proposal for a coastal flood defence scheme at East Rhyl, which would provide an appropriate standard protection against flooding for 1,650 properties is to be discussed by councillors in Denbighshire next week.

An investigation into the 2013 floods in the area showed properties could be flooded during a 1 in 20 year event. 140 properties in the Garford Road area were affected and hundreds of residents evacuated.

The proposed East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme has been identified as a significant priority and subject to approval, the £27.5 million scheme would be eligible for Welsh Government grant funding, as well as part funding by Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We have made a firm commitment in our Corporate Plan to take action to prevent flooding in this part of Rhyl.

“The storm served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the coastal flood defences in East Rhyl. There has also been erosion of existing defences over the years and there is always a risk of the defences failing.  There are also concerns that the impact of climate change could see sea levels rise and increased frequency of storms could also increase the risk of flooding.

“That is why we are proposing a scheme that would significantly reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and offer some peace of mind to those residents who were affected in the 2013 floods”.

The matter will be discussed by Cabinet on Tuesday, July 30at at 10am – County Hall, Ruthin.