Ruth Jones is organizing a meeting to tackle flooding issues after Storm Bert hit Newport, urging local authorities to collaborate for better solutions
Newport: Ruth Jones, the MP for Newport West and Islwyn, is stepping up to address the flooding issues caused by Storm Bert. She’s set a meeting for February 7 to gather local authorities and discuss the damage.
The storm hit in late November, leaving a mark on communities like Crosskeys and Crumlin. Rugby clubs in Blackwood and Crosskeys faced damaged clubhouses and pitches, while Risca was practically cut in half by floodwaters.
Ruth visited Crumlin with councillor Carl Thomas to see firsthand what’s been happening. They looked into the problems that are making flooding worse, especially on North Road.
She also checked out Crosskeys Rugby Club, where the river overflowed, ruining the pitch and damaging furniture inside the clubhouse. It’s a real mess.
Ruth has reached out to several authorities, including Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales, stressing that flooding is a tricky issue needing a team effort. She wants these organizations to keep the public in the loop about what’s being done to prevent future storms.
She mentioned, “Our valleys have a long history of flooding, but with climate change, it’s getting worse.” It’s clear that the responsibilities are spread out among different groups, which complicates things.
That’s why she’s invited four key organizations to her meeting on February 7. She believes residents and businesses in Islwyn deserve to know what’s being done to keep them safe from floods.
Ruth encourages anyone with local flooding worries to reach out to her office. She plans to update everyone after the meeting, detailing the steps being taken to protect areas like Crosskeys and Crumlin from future disasters.
For those with concerns, she’s asked Argus readers to email her at ruth.jones.mp@parliament.uk, including their address and postcode. It’s all about keeping the community informed and safe.
