Work begins on £1.5m flood scheme

Work has been paid for by Anglesey council and the Welsh Assembly Government. Enlarge Image

Work on a new £1.5m scheme to strengthen the coastal defences of an Anglesey seaside village are underway.

Parts of Trearddur Bay have suffered during stormy conditions with sea water breaching defences and flooding roads and properties.

The work will involve strengthening the promenade and reconstructing the sea wall. Measures will also be taken to channel flood water back to the sea.

The scheme is expected to be completed in six months.

Plans to rehabilitate sand dunes eroded by storms are also included in the Trearddur Bay Coastal Scheme.

Extra rocks added along the new sea wall on Ravenscroft Road will help absorb waves and reduce overtopping, said Anglesey council.

Sea defences in Trearddur Bay were severely damaged by a storm in December 2006.

Dewi Williams, head of highways for Anglesey council, said although the scheme would reduce the risk of flooding, it would not be eradicated altogether.

Waves crash against the sea wall in Trearddur Bay

"The local community should still be prepared for occasions where flooding occurs," he said.

Highways portfolio holder, Coun Keith Evans said the improvements would give local people peace of mind and avoid additional costs in terms of wasted man hours and resources during flood emergency call-outs.

Residents played an important role in the project with input into two public consultation exhibitions and by providing historical information about flooding in the area, said Mr Williams.

Trearddur Bay coun Peter Dunning said strengthening coastal defences would benefit the tourism industry as well as local residents.

"The importance of this scheme can't be overemphasised with regard to safeguarding and improving the amenities of Trearddur Bay," he said.

The scheme has been paid for by £500,000 from Anglesey council and a Welsh Assembly Government grant.