Gumfreston flooding: Senedd Member and Councillor push for action

Pressure is mounting for a long-term solution to flooding at Gumfreston, on the way in and out of Tenby, as Paul Davies MS raises the issue in the Senedd and local County Councillor Rhys Jordan brings forward a fresh motion at Pembrokeshire County Council.

The two representatives are working together to press for progress on the longstanding problem, which has repeatedly forced the closure of the B4318, causing lengthy diversions and disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.

Mr Davies, the Conservative Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro has called on the Welsh Government this week (October 13) in the Senedd to help bring the relevant agencies together and establish a clear timetable for improvements, while Cllr Jordan has submitted a Notice of Motion to Pembrokeshire County Council, due to be considered on October 15.

The motion calls for the council to work with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Welsh Government towards a lasting solution, while also examining improvements to Devonshire Drive, which carries additional traffic whenever the B4318 is closed.

Crucially, it also seeks a progress report within three months of the matter being referred to the council's Cabinet.

Meanwhile, flood mitigation proposals for the River Ritec catchment remain subject to further appraisal by NRW, with questions continuing over the timetable and funding needed to deliver improvements.

Mr Davies said: "People living and working around Gumfreston have been dealing with this problem for far too long. Every time the road floods, it causes considerable disruption, and understandably people want to know when something is going to be done.

"I've been working closely with Rhys, who has done a tremendous amount to keep this issue on the agenda locally. His latest motion to the council is another important step, and I'm pleased to be supporting his efforts by taking the matter directly to the Welsh Government.

"We need all the agencies involved to work together, agree a clear way forward and identify the funding required.

"The last thing we need is for this to become a case of everyone acknowledging the problem but nobody taking responsibility for fixing it.

"Rhys and I will continue pressing for progress because local people deserve a lasting solution."

Responding in the Senedd, the Welsh Government Minister acknowledged the impact of flooding on local infrastructure and transport and agreed to seek an update from NRW on its ongoing work.

Cllr Jordan continued: "Flooding at Gumfreston continues to cause real problems for our community, and it's incredibly frustrating that we're still waiting for a long-term solution.

"Over 3,400 people signed the petition I launched calling for action, which shows just how strongly local people feel about this issue. Their concerns haven't gone away, and neither has the problem.

"That's why I've brought forward a fresh Notice of Motion to Pembrokeshire County Council. I want to see the council working with NRW and the Welsh Government, but I also want action on Devonshire Drive, which takes the strain every time Gumfreston Road is closed.

"Importantly, my motion calls for a progress report within three months of referral to Cabinet. We need some accountability and clear timescales.

"I'm grateful to Paul for raising this in the Senedd and working alongside me. We've demonstrated the strength of feeling locally. Now we need to turn that into meaningful action."

Mr Davies and Cllr Jordan said they would continue working together to press for a coordinated approach and a clear timetable for delivering improvements.