The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy, and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (September 16) called on the Welsh Labour-led Government to increase funding for urgent flood risk schemes in areas affected by Storm Francis in North Wales.
Her call came during questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy, and Rural Affairs.
Storm Francis hit the UK between the late last month, and some 40 people were rescued from chalets in Bethesda, as well as occupants from five properties in Beddgelert.
Mrs Finch-Saunders said:
“In August, Storm Francis wreaked havoc in North West Wales with the A55 submerged in Abergwyngregyn, individuals rescued from chalets in Bethesda, and businesses ruined in Beddgelert.
“With this in mind, I am astounded to find that the 2020-2021 Welsh Government Flood Risk Management Capital Investment Scheme includes no funding that will clearly benefit the residents of Beddgelert, Abergwyngregyn, Bethesda, nor historic properties of Gwydir, in the short term.
“The Labour administration here must urgently increase funding for flood risk schemes in those areas affect by the latest storm.
“However, on behalf of the whole of Wales, I have also asked the Minister why no specific emergency funding for flood relief was announced following Storm Francis.
“People, businesses, and communities have suffered this year because of the pandemic; they cannot and should not have that suffering compounded by being left adrift without the necessary financial assistance to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods if also affected by flooding.”