Drive to shore up coast defences

Waves lash the seafront at Porthcawl, south Wales, in March, 2008

A town's coastal defences have been officially opened to protect against sea flooding in the first of a number of similar projects around Wales.

Some 75,000 tonnes of rock are used on the north beach in the £5.35m scheme in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, and a raised promenade wall also improves safety.

Meanwhile, Environment Agency Wales is also seeking public views on managing floods on the north Wales coast.

A recent report said thousands live and work in areas at risk of flooding.

The next phase of the Aberaeron work, which will provide defences for the harbour, is also under way.

Ceredigion council was given money by the assembly government for the flood defences.

These projects aim to protect our coastal communities but go beyond simply providing improved defences Environment Minister Jane Davidson on schemes such as Aberaeron

Environment Minister Jane Davidson, opened the Aberaeron defences, said: "These projects aim to protect our coastal communities but go beyond simply providing improved defences.

"They also look at flood warnings, emergency response and awareness raising to help communities to adapt to the increasing threats posed by rising sea levels."

Elsewhere, Environment Agency Wales wants views from the public on protecting against floods along the north Wales coast.

It is staging events to give local businesses, groups, and individuals the opportunity to get involved, provide feedback and put forward their own suggestions.

Information boards will be on display at Flint Library until Sunday 20 December.

The organisation will also be at Asda in Queensferry, Flintshire, until Wednesday, and Tesco Extra in Holywell, Flintshire, from 3 - 5 December.

Changing weather patterns

A recent report by the Wales Audit Committee highlighted that with changing weather patterns and rising sea levels forecast, thousands of people live and work in an area at risk of flooding from higher tides and more extreme weather.

The coastline from Pensarn, near Abergele, around the Point of Ayr and down the Dee Estuary is recognised as being at risk of tidal flooding.

Since March 2009, Environment Agency Wales has worked with local authorities and other organisations to identify a wide range of factors to be considered in the plans.