Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed today’s announcement that coastal defences in Llanddulas and Kinmel Bay are among those set to benefit from the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme 2021/22.

The Welsh Government will provide £36million to Local Authorities and Natural Resources Wales to help them invest in new defences, maintenance works and natural flood management schemes.

£1.2 million has been awarded to Conwy County Borough Council for the design and construction of improvements to sea defences in Llanddulas and Kinmel Bay.

Darren, who has long been calling for investment in flood defences in this area has expressed delight that these improvements can at last be carried out.

He said:

“This is fantastic news for the residents of these areas who regularly receive flood alerts because of the inadequate defences.

“Sandy Cove in Kinmel Bay has been the most vulnerable point along this strip so this funding should improve their protection and provide an opportunity to enhance the Kinmel Bay promenade.”

Darren, whose family home was hit by the Towyn floods on 26 February 1990, added:

“I was just a teenager when a combination of storm-force winds, a high tide and extreme wave conditions caused a 400m long breach of the sea wall in Towyn flooding thousands of properties, including my family home. We were unable to move back into our home for 6 months as my parents battled with the insurance company and oversaw the building repairs. It was awful and it has saddened me to witness further homes being flooded in North Wales in recent years.

“Nobody should live in fear of their home being destroyed by flooding and today’s announcement, and the subsequent works that will be carried out, will go a long way to alleviating that fear.”