A new scheme that will help to protect hundreds of Newport homes and businesses from flood damage has been officially opened by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

The £7m Riverside Flood Scheme, which has been built as a result of £4.4m of Welsh Government funding and £2.6m from the European Regional Development Fund, will provide flood protection to 420 homes and businesses in the Riverside area of Newport.

The new scheme, which was managed by the Environment Agency, was developed after Riverside’s existing flood defences showed signs of failure. Indeed modelling suggested that had one of the walls, which was identified as being in particularly poor condition, failed there would have been a 50% chance of the area flooding on an annual basis.

-- Advertisement --

Speaking ahead of the opening, the Minister said: "I am delighted to open this flood defence scheme which will help to reduce flood risk and provide peace of mind for 420 householders and businesses in the Riverside area of Newport.

"The opening of this scheme is all the more poignant as it closely follows the recent events in West Wales which reminded us all just how devastating the effects of flooding can be.

"Here in Wales one in six properties is at risk of flooding. Although we can never totally prevent flooding, the Welsh Government is committed to making Wales more resilient to this problem.

"The Riverside scheme is part of a £100 million programme of work that is supported by almost £50 million from the European Regional Development Fund. This investment demonstrates our commitment to help protect communities, just like this one here in Newport, and to proactively manage the risks they face."

(CD/GK)