More than £2m for flood management schemes in parts of Wales as climate change increases risk

Towns and villages across Wales are set to receive funding towards natural flood management schemes.

More than £2m in grant funding has been announced by the Welsh Government to help manage flooding across parts of the country.

The money will back natural flood management schemes, which use methods such as creating flood plains to help hold back water and slow down water flowing into rivers.

It comes as the Welsh Government said climate change is increasing the risk of flooding.

Many communities across Wales have been hit hard by flooding and storms over the last few months, with hundreds of families evacuating their homes.

Many towns and villages are still clearing up, months after Storms Ciara and Dennis wreaked havoc on their doorstep. Credit: ITV Wales

Many of the schemes are expected to reduce the risk of flooded homes and businesses, including up to 250 homes and more than 150 businesses in Neath and its neighbouring communities.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs said the projects will help strengthen communities under the threat of climate change.

"I am very pleased to see that all of those schemes which were submitted have now been approved for delivery," Lesley Griffiths MS said.

“The natural flood management programme is one of a number of improvements I set out in the spring to support Risk Management Authorities to reduce flood risk and accelerate the delivery of schemes which will help defend homes and build resilience to the increased risks of climate change."

The locations in Wales set to receive funding for natural flood management schemes. Credit: Welsh Government

The areas of Wales that successfully bid for funding:

  • Dwyran, Anglesey

  • Mill Lane, Beaumaris, Anglesey

  • Cwmcelyn and Westside, Blaenau Gwent

  • Brynau and Preswylfa, Neath Port Talbot

  • Nant Gwrach, Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot

  • Wnion catchment, Gwynedd

  • Rhiwbina, Cardiff

  • The Guilsfield, Powys

  • River Clwyd catchment, Denbighshire

  • Teifi Uchaf, Tregaron

  • Llanfair Talhaiarn

Dozens of people were rescued from their homes during floods brought by storms in February.

In February a "major incident" was declared for parts of Wales after severe weather and storms brought flooding that forced people out of their homes.

Many rescues were carried out by emergency services, with dozens of residents still unable to return home.

It's lead to calls for improved flood defences across the country.

The Welsh Government said it would be spending £350m on flood defences over the next Assembly term.