Have your say about Cyngor Gwynedd's Flood Strategy

Cyngor Gwynedd is asking for the public’s opinion on a draft of the Gwynedd Flood Strategy, to help ensure the county is in a strong position to deal with flooding situations that are likely to arise in the future.

 

The Council will consider responses from the public and from key partners before agreeing on a final Flood Strategy, which will then be submitted to the Welsh Government.

 

Gwynedd – like other areas of Wales – is likely to see more flooding over the next few years as climate change causes more extreme weather events, rising sea levels and erosion along our coasts.

The objectives of the Strategy are:

• reducing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion risk to Gwynedd residents
• developing further understanding of the flood risk to Gwynedd and the impacts of climate change
• working with partners to ensure appropriate and sustainable development in Gwynedd

• raising awareness of local flood and coastal erosion risk

• working with our partners to respond jointly to flooding and coastal erosion.

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for the Gwynedd Consultancy Service, said: "Unfortunately, we are seeing more incidents of flooding in all parts of the country and I'm sure everyone will agree that it is heartbreaking to see people's property and livelihoods destroyed. While we as a local authority cannot prevent prolonged periods of wet weather or prevent sea levels from rising, we can prepare our communities to deal with the impacts. ⁠

⁠"Managing flood risk and coastal erosion is about much more than building defences. It is essential that we encourage wider resilience, undertake prevention work and raise awareness of risk. ⁠

⁠"That's why it's important that local people, communities and organisations have the opportunity to give their views on our draft strategy by reading the report and completing the questionnaire. 

 

"It's not just a problem for coastal or riverside areas, but a matter for the whole county. For example, flooding can close key roads preventing people from accessing essential services or preventing them from travelling." ⁠

 

To take part in the consultation, visit Cyngor Gwynedd’s website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/HaveYourSay and select 'Consultations and Surveys'. Paper copies will be available soon from Gwynedd libraries (locations and opening hours are available here: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/library) and at Siop Gwynedd Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli (open 9am - 5pm, Monday–Friday, excluding Bank Holidays). To receive a copy by post or in another language or format, please contact ygc@gwynedd.gov.cymru or call 01286 679426.

 

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones added: "I note that this is a consultation on a county-wide strategy, you should not report flooding issues in specific areas of Gwynedd via this questionnaire.

 

“To report a flooding problem affecting your property or community, please contact us via the website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/floods so that the matter is brought to the attention of the relevant officers." ⁠ ⁠

 

Notes

The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is a requirement of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and must be consistent with the National Strategy published in 2022. 

Cyngor Gwynedd is required to review Local Flood Risk Management Strategies in Wales to align with related objectives, measures and policies and legislation of the new National Strategy.