Sandycroft Councillor says flooding impact is ‘soul-destroying’ for local residents

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Friday, Oct 20th, 2023

Flintshire Councillor Dale Selvester has voiced serious concerns about the county council’s preparedness and response to severe flooding across the region.

Storm Babet has caused homes to flood, many roads and railway lines to close, and forced 54 schools across Flintshire to shut due to a massive downpour.

Residents in Sandycroft and Pentre have again been severely affected by flooding. Cllr Selvester has been trying to close the main road as floodwater on the road disperses into driveways and gardens, causing more homes to flood.

He said this evening: “I’ve managed to get Chester Road closed now. I’m currently on-site and visiting distressed residents.”

Earlier today, Cllr Selvester helped homeowners by distributing sandbags and liaised with the council to speed up the relief operations.

The councillor criticised the limited resources of Flintshire County Council (FCC), stating, “They’re stretched and can’t reach every street, which is disappointing to say the least.”

He praised Sandycroft residents for their resilience and community spirit during the flood mitigation efforts.

A primary concern is Flintshire’s drainage systems. An encounter with a council team sent out with a gulley cleaner highlighted Cllr Selvester’s concerns.

He stressed the need for FCC to review and improve their strategy for keeping gullies and drains clear, especially before bad weather.

He shared his frustration at the lack of communication with Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami, whom he’s been attempting to engage with on Sandycroft’s flooding issues.

Despite sending multiple emails about flood concerns and potential defences, Cllr Selvester said he has “yet to receive a response.”

He remembered both Mark Tami and Jack Sargeant MS informing residents about their plans to tackle flood defences. However, he highlighted the lack of actual action, calling the situation a “knee-jerk reaction.”

In 2021, Jack Sargeant MS presented an action plan to the Welsh Government and Flintshire Council aimed at preventing flooding in Sandycroft, Pentre, Mancot, and Broughton.

The Welsh Parliament member for Alyn and Deeside collaborated with local residents affected by recent floods to create a 10-page report.

Many residents have seen their homes ruined by floodwaters multiple times and are eager for a resolution.

Since then, Flintshire Council has collaborated with other responsible agencies like Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to ensure the area’s drainage systems are operational and maintained.

In November 2022, Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami discussed the slow progress of upgrading flood prevention measures in Pentre, Mancot, and Sandycroft with Flintshire County Council and NRW officers.

Determined to effect change, Cllr Selvester said today, “I’ll be requesting a meeting with FCC to determine the next steps.” He showed empathy for the many Flintshire residents affected by the floods, describing the situation as “soul-destroying.”

According to Flintshire Council’s website, as of 6.40pm there were 15 roads unpassable and required road closures across the county: