The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (09 December) hailed the ‘positive cooperation’ of RWE Renewables UK in their work to rectify issues with the local leat system, as she continues her campaign to address flooding concerns in the Conwy Valley.
A recent flood report, compiled by Mrs Finch-Saunders following Storm Ciara, concluded that there may be an opportunity to hold water in the mountains, such as at the reservoirs in Capel Curig and above Dolgarrog. It also found that recent work on the leats between Cowlyd and Capel Curig had inadvertently resulted in water coming off the mountains. This water often entered the Conwy Valley via Capel Curig, instead of by Dolgarrog.
Commenting on the update, Janet said:
“For residents of the Conwy Valley, this news of positive cooperation by RWE Renewables UK will be a welcome spot of relief, ahead of the wet winter months. Following concerns raised by my flooding report in the aftermath of Storm Ciara, it was vital that an immediate and long-term plan of action was implemented to confront those pressing issues raised.
“As outlined by my 2020 flooding report, a recent civil asset inspection identified a weakness in the structure of local leats that necessitated the precautionary diversion of flows away from the system during high rainfall periods. Perhaps as a result, water often entered the Conwy Valley via Capel Curig, instead of by Dolgarrog.
“In their wide-ranging letter of update provided this week, RWE have confirmed that planned refurbishment works associated with the leat system has now commenced, with significant maintenance on the system scheduled during the summer periods over the next 3 years. This is an excellent step forward.
“As well as cutting back the surrounding vegetation, RWE have informed me that maintenance access will also be improved so as to optimise flow rates and enable as much water as possible to be transferred to Cowlyd for storage. This is the result of cross organisation discussions with Welsh Water; a proactive response that will be widely welcomed.
“Whilst this immediate plan of action for the leat system is a fantastic step forward, I also welcome the news that a long-term modelling study is taking place to consider my report’s proposal to increase capacity of Eigiau.
“Further discussions on whether this move will be beneficial and viable will take place in the new year, and I will continue to update constituents on these important developments. This work is proof that actions by committed local groups, such as our meetings at the Eagles Hotel in Llanrwst, can result in progressive steps forward that protects land and homes.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS addressing a public meeting at the Eagles Hotel in February 2020 (prior to the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions.)
