Local councillors are to meet with Natural Resources Wales representatives this week, to look to long term solutions to flooding on the B4318 road by Gumfreston and Tenby.
Cllr Rhys Jordan, county councillor for St Florence ward (as well as St Mary Out Liberty) has highlighted his ongoing concerns and has written to Pembrokeshire County Council’s leader David Simpson to instigate immediate action by the Local Authority to address matters, in light of last week’s flooding, and with the road still impassable days after Storm Henk brought more wet weather to the area.
Cllr Jordan provided an update this morning (January 8) with the road set to finally re-open: “PCC crews are en route to start removing barriers and clear up the road. Based on the current gauge readings, road will be open late this morning.
“Your patience and cooperation during this time are greatly appreciated,” he said.
In recent weeks and months, with heavy rain and storms being a common occurrence, the persistent flooding at Gumfreston causeway, and at times, surrounding areas at the Clicketts, has caused concerns for local councillors, residents and those needing to travel along the route, in and out of Tenby.
“As the local Councillor, I have become an unintentional ‘flood helpline’ for our residents, inundated with countless calls, emails, and messages seeking assistance and guidance during these challenging times - this issue has escalated to a point where immediate action is necessary,” said Cllr Jordan, pointing especially to a recent incident that occurred on December 30, when a resident’s car became stuck in floodwater, leading to a distressing situation, especially for an individual with a disability.
“The fire brigade had to intervene with an inflatable to rescue the person. This event underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential risks to our community’s safety,” continued Cllr Jordan.
“I understand that Pembrokeshire County Council does not control the weather or tides. However, the Council plays a crucial role in managing infrastructure to mitigate such risks.
“The recurrent flooding not only poses a threat to public safety but also disrupts daily life and could have severe long-term impacts on the community’s well-being and the local economy,” continued Cllr Jordan, urging the Local Authority to consider allocating capital funding for infrastructure improvements in the southeast of the county, particularly for this ‘vital road’ in and out of Tenby.
“Such investment is not just about infrastructure; it’s about safeguarding our community and ensuring the resilience of our area against such natural calamities.
“I look forward to a constructive dialogue on how we can collaboratively address this issue and protect the interests of our residents,” he added.
Cllr Jordan, reaffirmed ongoing concerns about the frequency Gumfreston causeway - a vital artery into Tenby from the west and part of the National Express London route - suffers from constant flooding, highlighting the fact that installed flood warning signs are frequently faulty, failing to alert drivers in time.
“This issue disrupts major school routes to Ysgol Hafan Y Mor, Tenby VC, St Teilo’s, Ysgol Preseli, and Greenhill schools - often leaving young people stranded in poor weather,” he explained.
County councillor for Tenby’s North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams who along with Cllr Jordan and Tenby Town Councillor Paul Rapi are meeting to discuss the matter with agencies this Thursday (January 11), stated: “There certainly needs to be a very different approach in an attempt to address the issue - I believe it is time to think outside the box.
“I raised similar concerns a number of years ago and that resulted in the installation of a traffic light warning system which did help, but the current situation demands a far more radical rethink,” he added.