A local county councillor has provided an update on recurring flooding issues affecting the B4318 at Gumfreston - which affects the route in and out of Tenby, with a detailed appraisal expected from Natural Resources Wales by summer 2026.

Tenby’s longstanding flooding issue on the B4318, connecting the seaside town to St Florence and Carew, and routes beyond, leading to Pembroke, was recently raised at the Senedd.

County councillor for the wards of Gumfreston and St Florence, Cllr Rhys Jordan has long shared his frustrations over the situation, and has now provided a fresh update on matters, stating: “I’ve now received a final response from Welsh Government, and while it doesn’t give us the solution residents want, it does confirm that Natural Resources Wales is carrying out a detailed appraisal of flood risk management options, with an Outline Business Case expected in summer 2026.

“My next steps are clear - I will continue to pursue Pembrokeshire County Council locally and I have written to the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services.

“We now await the outcome of NRW’s appraisal.”

In the response, which came from Wales’ Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, the complexities of flooding in this location, including river capacity, local drainage and coastal discharge was noted.

“The scheme does not currently meet Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FERM) capital funding criteria. The B4318 is a is a local highway authority operated and maintained road, therefore it is the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council to determine if they wish to apply for additional transportation funding for this location,” stated Mr Irranca-Davies.

“Natural Resources Wales is currently undertaking a detailed appraisal of future flood risk management options for the River Ritec catchment. This includes assessing both fluvial flood risk and the impact of the tidal outfall.

“A shortlist of options is being developed, with an Outline Business Case (OBC) expected in summer 2026.

“Officials within Pembrokeshire County Council are aware of the OBC being undertaken by NRW and they have confirmed their commitment to continue to support NRW with their optioneering work and assist where appropriate.

“My officials have discussed this issue with PCC officials. It was noted that the flooding at this location is primarily as a result of significant storm events, often coupled with high tides and tide locking the NRW culvert.

“PCC officials noted that the flooding remains infrequent and for relatively short periods. With other access roads being available,” he continued.

Cllr Jordan said that he’ll also be pushing for improvements to Devonshire Drive, which has effectively become the unofficial ‘relief road’ whenever Gumfreston floods.

“I’ll keep banging the drum for residents, not only in my ward, but across the whole area affected when flooding hits. People deserve more than road signs, temperamental gauges and a shrug of the shoulders. They deserve action, joined-up thinking, and a serious long-term plan,” continued Cllr Jordan.

“Residents deserve better, and I’ll keep making that point until somebody finally listens!”