A new £5 million flood risk management scheme for Denbigh has just been given the green light by the Welsh Assembly Government thanks to funding from the European Union and the Welsh Assembly Government. The scheme will fund large sections of work throughout the town in a bid to protect homes and businesses from the threat of flooding for future generations.
A tributary of the River Clwyd, Henllan Brook, runs west to east through some extremely old culverts underneath many of Denbigh’s streets which have limited capacity to cope with flooding. The proposed scheme will be designed to prevent the flooding of such properties and will take account of climate change.
As well as constructing improvements to drainage systems, the scheme will develop a flood risk management plan for Denbigh to improve flood awareness and resilience and co-ordinate the emergency response of the local authority, emergency services and public at risk.
Welsh Assembly Government Environment Minister Jane Davidson said:
“If we are to adapt successfully to climate change, then the way we manage our shores and rivers will be critical. This project will do just that and will help protect the local area, homes, businesses and jobs. It is a great example of local government and the Welsh Assembly Government working together for the benefit of the community.
“This is one of a number of significant Assembly Government funded flood risk projects to be funded with European Convergence money. These projects aim to protect our communities but go beyond simply providing improved defences. They also look at flood warnings, emergency response and awareness raising to help communities to adapt to the increasing threats posed by rising sea levels.”
Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “We would like to advise the people of Denbigh that this is a major but necessary scheme.
“There will be disruptions for road users at various points throughout the scheme, particularly when the work is done in the Lenten Pool area of the town but I think most will agree it is much needed to protect the homes and businesses from the threat of flooding in the future.”
The work will be carried out in phases beginning on the downstream section of Henllan Brook, from the A525 to Cysgodfa then work upstream towards Tan y Scubor passing through Lenten Pool. Local schools have been invited to take part in projects relating to the scheme and in line with the curriculum, the local community will be involved in awareness raising and engineering resilience initiatives as the scheme progresses.
Denbighshire County Council has appointed consultants, Martin Wright Associates, to design and project manage the scheme. Morrison Construction have been awarded the contract to construct phase one of the scheme which is due to commence on site within the next fortnight.
