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Tide turns against floods

FLOODING hotspot Rhydyfelin can look forward to drier days after receiving a million-pound flood prevention grant.

Since 1993, around 100 homes in the village have fallen victim to serious flooding.

The new scheme will focus on Glyntaf Farm and Sycamore Street, providing improved protection for about 280 homes, Heol y Celyn Primary School, and the Taff Trail cycle route.

Environment Minister John Griffiths last week announced the Welsh Government would put £1.3m towards the £3m flood prevention scheme.

The grant is in addition to the £0.2m awarded previously and the £1.4m the scheme will also receive from the European Regional Development Fund.

The council, who estimate flooding in Rhydyfelin once every four years, expect to start work on the project later this month.

The council’s cabinet member for emergency planning Coun Andrew Morgan said: “This part of Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding for many years and I am very pleased that the council has been able to secure money from the Welsh Government for action to address this.

“The council is delighted that the project has now been given the green light and we look forward to seeing all the improvements that this scheme will bring to the area.”

Commenting on the project, John Griffiths said: “One in six properties in Wales is currently at risk of flooding, with flooding estimated to cause in the region of £200 million of damage each year.

“We recognise that as the climate changes, causing more intense rainfall and higher sea levels, flood and coastal erosion risk is set to increase significantly over time and the Welsh Government is leading a major change in the way we manage flood and erosion risk.

“In November we launched our first National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management which will direct funding towards not only improving our defences but also to raising awareness and increasing resilience.

“The Government is committed to supporting as many flood management schemes as possible and our current programme indicates that over 1,800 properties will benefit from improved protection in 2011-12.”

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Some useful Links,

http://www.frixo.com

Frixo is a road / motorway traffic reporting site and think it may be a useful resource for your readers. It gives users up to date information as the site gets updated every 3 minutes via feeds from various sources including the government's official Highways Agency site.



The hotline number for reporting fly-tipping and illegal dumping of rubbish is 0800 807060.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign Helpline is 01222 384968.

Contact the Elderly Wales is looking for volunteers to help organise local events. The charity provides social outings for elderly, housebound and lonely people. If you want to find out more, contact Michelle Fitzsimmons on 029 2051 4996.

Are you a disabled person needing help with planning a journey? If so, then perhaps Tripscope can help. Call 0845 7585641 for the price of a local call and get advice and assistance with all aspects of travelling. You can also email on tripscope@cableinet.co.uk

Rhondda Cynon Taff Housing Association is on 01443 485515.