Views invited on flood defences

Flooding could effect tens of thousands of people, experts say

Residents are being asked their opinions on possible flood defence measures along the north Wales coast.

An Environment Agency exhibition inviting people to have their say has opened in Rhyl, Denbighshire.

It covers the area of the tidal Clwyd range, from near Abergele to the Point of Ayr, and the tidal low-lying land as far inland as St Asaph.

A recent report warns many people may need to move in future because of tidal flooding risk from climate change.

The report, by the Auditor General for Wales Jeremy Colman suggested homes in coastal areas could face being abandoned and a "drastic re-think" was needed to the current approach to managing the sea's impact.

Environment Agency Wales says tens of thousands of people live and work in areas at risk of flooding from higher tides and more extreme weather due to changing weather patterns and rising sea levels forecast.

Flood warning information is available to residents

It said the tidal Clwyd range was "also home to many businesses and critical infrastructure that is vital to the economic future of north Wales".

The agency has worked with local authorities and other organisations to identify a range of factors to be considered in the plans.

It said it now "needs to know what people think about the different approaches that can be taken to tackle risks of flooding now and in the future".

The exhibition is being held at Rhyl Library.

Further exhibitions will be held at Asda in Kinmel Bay between 12-14 November, Morrisons at Rhyl on 12, 19 and 25 November and B&Q Rhyl between 19-21 November.