High and dry hopes

Mar 6 2008 by Catherine Evans, Rhymney Valley Express

FLOOD-threatened residents in New Tredegar are looking forward to a dry year, thanks to the start of a multi-million pound alleviation scheme.

The Environment agency is due to start major works at Birchgrove in Tirphil which will improve the state of the river banks, as well as providing a new higher road bridge.

People living in the area have welcomed the £3m funding needed for the scheme which aims to prevent their homes from being water-logged during severe weather.

Andrew Rickards, of Birchgrove, said: “The Rhymney River at Birchgrove has a history of flooding and residents are always on tenterhooks when we have heavy rain.

“This alleviation scheme is much needed and will be greatly appreciated by local residents.”

New Tredegar councillors Gerald Jones and Les Rees have been working with Birchgrove families since 2001.

The councillors said: “We have lobbied the Environment Agency for some time to raise awareness of the concerns of local residents.

“The Environment Agency has in turn done a huge amount of preparation work and has secured in excess of £3m funding for the scheme from the Welsh Assembly, Caerphilly Council and European Objective One.”