THE formation of a community group in Dyserth to help ensure the village is better-equipped against potential flooding was discussed at a public meeting earlier this week.
The impact of Storm Babet on October 20 proved devastating for much of Dyserth, with The New Inn pub closing until further notice, and many residents left feeling “abandoned” and having to “admit defeat”.
Jason Vernon, who runs his vintage store “Retroelectro” from his home on Glan Ffyddion, helped organise the meeting, which was held at The Red Lion, on Waterfall Road, on November 1.
About 60 residents attended, as well as the MP and MS for Vale of Clwyd, James and Gareth Davies respectively, and Cllr David Gwyn Williams, who represents Dyserth on Denbighshire County Council.
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He said: “We didn’t make any concrete plans; it was more of a forum, just to make residents aware.
“There has been positive movement from Denbighshire County Council already; they were out yesterday morning all around Dyserth, clearing the culverts.
“I was really, really pleased with the attendance. The Red Lion was full.
“I’m going to organise a formal community group that will allow us to apply for funding, and do fundraising for it, with the aim of it creating a pool of resources that we’re able to distribute to vulnerable houses in the event of a flood.”
Jason said he also plans to set up Facebook and WhatsApp groups for the community group, as well as a “flood sheet” to be distributed to Dyserth residents.
He thanked Denbighshire County Council for being “extremely forthcoming so far”.
“A handful of residents all around the village also experienced flooding issues, despite not being on the main roads, so they had a chance to speak to Cllr Williams about that,” Jason added.
“He gave them some reassurances, and has been brilliant.
“There’s a lot of momentum and energy behind it now. It really feels like the community has come together and got behind this. So far, it seems to be working.”
Denbighshire County Council said last week that it has been looking at developing a flood alleviation scheme for Dyserth.
Natural Resources Wales added that it has been looking into the “exact source of the flooding” in Dyserth from Storm Babet.
James Davies MP has also called for an urgent meeting with both of these organisations to discuss how a recurrence of the devastation caused can be prevented during future storms.
Dr Davies said: “Last night, I attended a public meeting in Dyserth to discuss recent flooding in parts of the village.
“It isn't fair when homes and businesses are repeatedly affected, and it was resolved that all would unite to apply pressure on the relevant authorities.”
Gareth Davies added: “The public meeting at The Red Lion was a good opportunity to listen to the views of Dyserth residents on their recent experiences of multiple flooding incidents in the village during Storm Babet, and also inform the public of my recent activity in raising this in the Senedd to the minister for climate change, Julie James, on October 25, and liaising with Natural Resources Wales and Denbighshire County Council in looking for solutions to the ongoing flooding issues for the people of Dyserth.
“Dyserth has been the victim of numerous flooding incidents for many years due to the waterfall, adjoining river and other water features within the village that makes the area vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and sustained rainfall, which causes much anxiety for the local area and its residents.
"That’s where it’s incumbent on the local authority and Natural Resources Wales to take a proactive approach to flood risks and adopt prudent flood planning to have clear, quick and robust action in place for when incidents do occur, and take steps to minimising the flood risk as much as possible.
"I’m not convinced this is currently the case and I believe the relevant authorities could and should do more.
“I will continue raising such matters in the Senedd, talking with local residents and councillors, and continue liaising with the relevant authorities so that Dyserth’s voice can be heard and that public confidence in Natural Resources Wales and other relevant authorities can be restored.”
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