Adam Price, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, has welcomed progress on flood management scheme that would reduce the flood risk from the rivers Loughor, Lash and Marlais, in Ammanford.

This comes after National Resources Wales (NRW) gave notification of their intention to submit a full application to Carmarthenshire County Council for the construction of the scheme, which will use several methods in key locations in an effort to make homes and businesses more resilient to flooding.

The proposed plans are currently out for public consultation.

NRW is proposing works at Bonllwyn, Aberlash Road, Tir-y-dail and at locations off Dyffryn Road including Gwyn Fryn Estate and Coleg Sir Gar. These areas have all suffered flooding in the past, and climate specialists warn that warmer temperatures caused by climate change will make these periods of extreme weather more likely and more severe in the future.

The scheme proposes building flood defence bunds and walls in several areas of the town as well as installing property level protection measures to some houses on Aberlash Road.

The programme will also deliver environmental enhancements including tree planting, public seating, information boards and improvements for protected species found during surveys, like otters and bats.

Commenting on the scheme, Adam Price said: “This is an important development for Ammanford, and I wholeheartedly welcome the strengthening of flood defences in the town.

"The impact floods, and similar consequences of climate change, are only growing more serious, and steps such as this to mitigate risk are much needed.

"There is however a growing need for similar schemes across the county, with many of our more rural communities towards the north of Carmarthenshire being affected greatly this winter, and communities like Pontargothi, who have long been campaigning for similar schemes to be implemented."

Local Councillor David Nicholas added: “I completely welcome the measures, which are a positive step in easing the longstanding concerns of myself and several other in the local community.

"In light of the recent inclement weather over recent months, residents can be safe in the knowledge that steps are being taken to improve their safety, as we continue to deal with the effects of climate change”

An online questionnaire is available here or a paper copy can be requested by contacting NRW’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 065 3000.

NRW will be hosting online presentations going into the details of the scheme on Tuesday, January 12 at 5.30pm.

Members of the public can request access to the presentations by emailing ammanford@naturalresources.wales