PRESS RELEASE

From Jane Davidson

Assembly Member for Pontypridd

11th June 2009 – For Immediate Release

PLAN OF ACTION TO ASSIST RHYDYFELIN FLOOD VICTIMS

Jane Davidson AM yesterday (10 June 2009) met with Cllr Maureen Webber, officials from the Assembly Government, the local authority, RCT Homes, Newydd Housing and the Environment Agency regarding the Rhydyfelin residents affected by the flooding which hit the area over the past weekend.

During the meeting the following “Action Points” were agreed:

• Steps are to be taken to speed up the provision of flood defence equipment to householders and, where possible, at street level. This will be in advance of the completion of the Flood Alleviation project, due in 2012. Examples of typical possibilities can be found in the National Flood Forum’s “Blue Pages” at: http://www.floodforum.org.uk/folder.2008-04-04.5216643463/Blue%20Pages%20Master%20Document%20April%2009.pdf

• Due to the nature of the problem, traditional flood early-warning systems will not suffice. Steps will therefore be taken looking towards the provision of a system more suited to Rhydyfelin’s situation. This could include the provision of warning Klaxons (or similar) to be operated by residents, voluntary street-based coordinators and improved, evidence-based planning regarding the provision and placement of flooding defences and diversions.

• The links between those living in Rhydyfelin and the providers of the emergency assistance required during times of need to be improved – in association with the provision of the residents’ flood alert and coordination improvements, noted above.

• A public exhibition is to take place in July, in association with Glyntaff Tenants and Residents Association, with representatives available from a variety of bodies and agencies including Rhondda Cynon Taf, the National Flood Forum, Newydd Housing Association, RCT Homes and The Environment Agency. This will allow those most affected to voice their ideas, concerns and opinions on the proposed systems and remedies.

• Rhydyfelin to be considered an “exemplar” area, with future projects elsewhere taking a lead from the systems to be placed in Rhydyfelin.

Jane Davidson said:

“We made some very positive steps towards addressing many of the difficulties faced by the people of Rhydyfelin during the meeting.

“There is still a great deal to do, but I am confident that, with the help and involvement of the community, we can work towards addressing this extremely worrying difficulty.

“I would like to remind those living in the affected areas that comments and ideas regarding the Flood Alleviation Scheme would be most welcome. Completion of flood questionnaires, which can be collected from the Ilan Community Centre, will ensure that the experts have up to date information on which areas have been most affected. I would strongly urge all those who have yet to fill a questionnaire to do so. Alternatively, residents may wish to pass this information to either my office (01443 406400) or Cllr Maureen Webber for those in the Rhydyfelin Central ward (01443 409008), and Cllr Teresa Bates for those in the Hawthorn ward (01443 662079).”

-Ends-

Note: We would be grateful of contact details for Jane Davidson and Cllrs Webber and Bates could be circulated whenever possible:

Jane Davidson AM

Unit 10
Maritime Offices
Woodland Terrace
Maesycoed
Pontypridd
CF37 1DZ

Telephone: (01443) 406400

Email: Jane.davidson@wales.gov.uk

Cllr. Maureen Webber (Rhydfelin Central)
7 Gellidawel Road
Rhydyfelin
Pontypridd
CF37 5PR

Telephone: (01443) 409008

Email: Maureen.Webber@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Cllr. Teressa A. Bates (Hawthorn)
1 Spencer Place
Hawthorn
Pontypridd
CF37 5AE

Telephone: (01443) 662079

Email: Teressa.A.Bates@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk