AM DISCUSSES FLOODING CONCERNS

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has this week attended a public meeting at Pelham Hall, Penallt, to discuss the issue of flooding at Black Brook.

Local Monmouthshire County Councillor Jeff Mitchell chaired the busy meeting, which was also attended by a representative from Monmouthshire County Council's Highways department.

Speaking after the meeting Nick said: "A large number of local residents attended the meeting which just goes to show the strength of feeling amongst the community that something needs to be done to tackle flooding in the area.

"The flooding has no single cause, but is affecting many people in many ways. The problem does however seem to have been exacerbated by tree clearance, which produces greater run-off.

"It has been proposed that a study is undertaken on the local culverts. Clearly, in some places private landowners are involved and they cannot be expected to cover the costs. I am looking to the Welsh Assembly Government to see if they are able to offer any support.

"There is also an issue of the roads crumbling, and the flooding is doing nothing to help the situation. I have been extremely concerned for a while now over the limited funding Monmouthshire County Council receives to maintain the road network. The allocation formula clearly disadvantages Monmouthshire.

"It was decided at the meeting to set up a flooding steering group which is a great idea as it will provide a focus for people's concerns."