POLITICIANS in Wales have demanded the Welsh government urgently bring forward a sustainable flood defences plan following the devastation wrought by Storm Bert.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central representing Pontypridd and neighbouring communities that have been badly hit, has written to the Welsh government requesting action.

She said “lessons have not been learned” since Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge struck in 2020 in her letter to Trefnydd Jane Hutt and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

“Sadly these scenes are too commonplace and the warnings from four years ago have not been heeded,” her letter said.

“When record rainfall and river flows were recorded previously, we called for an independent public inquiry, an increase in flood prevention funding, and a single body to be responsible for flooding.

“It is critically important that the Senedd, in government time, is allowed an opportunity to urgently discuss a truly sustainable approach to flood defences.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said Mr Irranca-Davies has been visiting some of the worst affected areas in Wales.

They said: “We will continue our investment programme to make communities even more resilient to severe weather events in future.” 

Communities in England and Wales have begun a “massive clean-up” after torrential rain and widespread flooding from Storm Bert over the weekend.

At least three people have died, hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of Britain.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the government was allocating more money this winter to upgrade flood defences, which he described as “in the worst condition on record.”