NRW 'in total denial' after more serious flooding in Llangadog

The rapidly rising water levels from the Tywi meant the village was completely cut off, with every access route impassable by traffic.  Now residents fear that unless the NRW instigates urgent measures to improve water flow, an accident is waiting to happen.

"The depth of the floodwater makes it impossible for tractors to drive into the village, let alone ordinary vehicles," said county councillor Andrew James. 

"Yesterday no one could move in nor out; we were completely gridlocked.  Emergency vehicles were unable to drive in and in my opinion, there's an accident in Llangadog waiting to happen."

Cllr James together with village residents are pointing the finger of blame at the river Tywi and it's ever-growing silt levels.

"We've raised the issue several times with the Natural Resources Wales and Carmarthenshire County Council as no maintenance is being done, silt is building up and the Tywi is in desperate need of being dredged," he said. 

"We've just heard that the NRW are investing money into the Brownhill commemorative woodland but shouldn't they start investing in more urgent issues such as the flooding of Llangadog?"

And it wasn't only last weekend that the village suffered; flooding has blighted Llangadog for many years. 

The road into Llangadog near the creamery is submerged underwater Picture: Stuart Ladd

"I remember seeing cows being washed down by floodwater around twenty years ago," commented a Llangadog farmer who wished to remain nameless. 

"Yes, we've suffered for a long time, but it's definitely getting worse and it's all because of the silt. I remember when I was a child, farmers were allowed to clean out whichever sections of river affected their land, but now we have to apply to the NRW for a permit which takes weeks to obtain, and then we're only given two weeks to carry it out.   

"The river was once completely clear, we could see the stones on the bed and fish swimming up and down river. Today we're unable to see anything. It's a disgrace."

Villagers say the river rises over its banks at least seven times a year.

"It's daunting," continued Clr Andrew James.  "As soon as people finish drying out after one flood, they're into another.  And from an insurance point of view, no one will want to touch them.

"The responsibility lies with the NRW.  We see other parts of Wales benefitting from their funding simply because there's a greater footfall in the more urban areas.  Yet rural areas such as ours get nothing.  Where's the justice in that?  The NRW have a duty for everyone in Wales."

Both the NRW and Carmarthenshire County Council have been approached for comment on the issue.