A flood warning remains in force for the River Ritec in Tenby, with the road outside Kiln Park caravan site remaining closed this evening (January 4).

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “The level of the River Ritec is no longer rising but remains significantly high, and will remain high for several days.

“The Severe Flood Warning has been removed as evacuation of the Kiln Park caravan park has taken place and road closures are in force.

“Flooding is extensive within Kiln Park and some roads in this area are closed or affected by floodwater.

“There have been reports of raw sewage in the floodwater and cautions should be taken to avoid contact with the water.

“Although the weather forecast shows an improving situation, the saturated catchment of the River Ritec will take several days to drain and therefore further disruption is to be expected,” they added.

With flooding blocking two of the roads into Tenby’s South Ward county councillor Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall met with the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson, accompanied by Chief Executive Mr. Will Bramble in Tenby today to witness the effect of the floods on local people.

They were joined by officers from PCC and Natural Resources Wales, who reported that the Ritec levels were the highest on record.

After a brief meeting to discuss immediate action required, short term measures and possible long term flood management options, they visited the major affected areas including - Lower Park Road, Quarry Cottages, The Clicketts and Marsh Road by Kiln Park Garage.

They were able to see for themselves the difficulties caused by the flooding and in particular the problems with access at the Clicketts and on Marsh Road.

Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall said the meeting had been focused on solutions.

“With historic high-water levels and the third serious flooding in as many months, it is clear that this is an ongoing issue,” she said.

“We need a combination of managing the problems and developing long term solutions.

“I stressed the importance of getting the roads re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

“I also asked for urgent inspection and works of all drains, drainage channels and culverts.

“In addition, I have asked the authority to create an emergency access point between the Clicketts and the Leisure Centre car park so that residents can get in and out when the road is flooded.”

Temporary options for keeping Marsh Road open when future flooding occurs was discussed and PCC are going to prepare some options and proposals.

The meeting also discussed realistic longer-term solutions. The greatest of these is increasing the outflow from the Ritec.

Cllr. Skyrme-Blackhall added: “The long-term ideas will take time to develop and will be expensive, however, I am pleased that PCC and NRW are going to be working closely together to try and make this happen.”

Police have urged motorists in Tenby to abide with a road closure in place outside Kiln Park after receiving a number of complaints that drivers are ignoring the signage and attempting to travel through and around the floodwater.

An emergency full road closure was put in place outside Kiln Park on Tuesday evening and along Marsh Road, with routes through to Penally and Gumfreston shut off.

With the floodwater rising and spreading across the road, the road still remains shut, with diversions in place via Devonshire Drive and the Ridgeway for motorists.

The B4318 road at Clicketts Lane, Gumfreston Road and the minor road Trefloyne Lane also remains closed-off.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We have received a number of complaints regarding motorists contravening the road closures along the A4139 by Kiln Park, which were implemented for public safety following the unprecedented, localised flooding in the area.

“Motorists have been driving along grass verges, pavements, and driving into the heavily flooded area.

“This necessitates emergency service call outs, using valuable, limited resources which are needed elsewhere.

“Please abide by the road closures and use the diversions put in place,” they added.