Millions for new flood defences in Gwynedd and Anglesey

Two new schemes aim to prevent flooding risks

Two north Wales towns at risk from flooding are to benefit from £13.3m of investment for defence work.

It is understood the schemes, funded by local authorities, the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union, will help protect 168 properties.

A project worth £6.4m in Tywyn, Gwynedd, is backed by £3.8m of Welsh Assembly Government money and £2.6m from Europe.

A further £3.5m will be spent on flood defences in Llanfairpwll on Anglesey.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: "If we are to adapt successfully to climate change, then the way we manage our shores and rivers will be critical.

"These projects will do just that and will help protect the local area, homes, businesses and jobs."

The town has been waiting 15 years for this Elwyn Evans, Tywyn Town Council

Ms Davidson said the schemes were a "great example of local government and the Welsh Assembly Government working together" and would come as a great relief, particularly to those who had been directly affected by flooding.

Tywyn Town Council clerk Elwyn Evans said: "The town has been waiting 15 years for this. It's been a long, drawn out process but now the town is extremely pleased that this scheme is underway."

Damage to the seawall has caused flooding problems in the town in 2004 and 2007.

Work on its defences is expected to be finished in March 2011.

A Wales Audit Office report highlighted coastal areas at 'high risk'

The Anglesey scheme, which has benefited from £700,000 from the island's council, will reduce the risk of flooding to an estimated 90 properties in the Ffordd Penmynydd area of Llanfairpwll.

Earlier this month, Ms Davidson announced £2.5m for a flood risk management project in Denbigh, alongside European Union funding of £2.1m and £600,000 from Denbighshire County Council.

A report from the Wales Audit Office last October warned flooding brought about by climate change would mean many in coastal areas could have to move.

Wales has 260 miles (415km) of man-made sea defences worth £750m.

The budget for flood and coastal risk management in 2009/2010 is more than £41m.