Blaenau Gwent Council is better prepared for weather warnings and has carried out significant infrastructure upgrades in areas previously affected by flooding, the Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee has heard.
In addition to this, the Council has been working more closely with communities on resilience and planning, empowering and equipping them to help themselves in times of crisis, inspired by the new Blaenau Gwent Deal.
A report to the committee outlined how an independent review carried out after the events of Storm Bert in 2024 made 19 recommendations, highlighting several key areas for improvement. The Council has been committed in its response to the review, to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during severe weather events. A new Flood Risk Management Plan has also been developed and is awaiting final approval.
Critical gullies and culverts are being inspected regularly, and new sensors have been installed in some areas which monitor water levels and help improve response times.
Major programmes of drainage works have been delivered in Cwm and Llanhilleth.
These improved arrangements have been tested during several storms and warnings this winter, where the enhanced proactive measures have proved effective.
In Cwm, a Flood Task Force has been set up a group of local residents who work closely with the Council. An emergency hub has been established, flood sacks distributed, and training delivered to this community group to empower residents and strengthen local preparedness.
Spokesperson for the Cwm Flood Task Force, Sallie Jones says:
“Our village was devastated by floods during Storm Bert, and we don’t want to see that ever happen again. Out of every negative needs to come a positive and the Flood Task Force was born and also a new, more positive working relationship with the Council, which has acknowledged it could have done better and wants to rebuild the trust with our community that was lost. We want to do whatever we can do, in partnership and with support from the Council, to keep safe and support our community during a crisis. The Council has carried out extensive works in the village and, in our experience, is now much more prepared for weather warnings, working closely with us and the local community to address any issues.
“We would encourage and support other communities to come together and work with organisations in this way, together we are more resilient and in a better position to be able to address any future issues.”
Councillor Tommy Smith, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services said:
“The flooding we have seen in our communities in Blaenau Gwent, and across the region, has been truly devastating, and our thoughts are always with those who have been affected. Severe weather is becoming more frequent, and like our public sector partners, we are working hard to be as prepared as we possibly can be, making the very best of the resources we have.
“We remain committed to protecting and supporting communities in the run up and during these weather events. We have worked with Welsh Government to secure funding and have allocated some of our own budget to make improvements in communities which have been identified as being most vulnerable and at risk and work with the people there on future resilience.”
