During Business Questions in Parliament, Fay Jones MP spoke of the devastation Storm Christopher had left in Brecon and Radnorshire and her concerns about the condition of the River Wye.
In Brecon and Radnorshire both the River Wye and the River Usk have broken their banks due to heavy rainfall. Over the past 24 hours, Miss Jones has received first-hand reports of homes and businesses flooded, with significant damage caused.
For some months now, Miss Jones has voiced concerns about the rivers in her constituency despite the area being devolved in Wales. With flooding in February 2020 and two separate pollution incidents over the summer, Miss Jones has taken matters into her own hands and has been working to improve the condition of rivers in her constituency.
Miss Jones has been focusing particularly on improving the condition of the River Wye. A Natural Resources Wales report recently found that sections of the Wye are currently failing the Water Framework Directive targets due to high levels of phosphate.
Speaking via video link Miss Jones asked if the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP would grant time for a debate on the condition of the River Wye, stating “we have been talking about this issue long enough and rather than going round in a circle of blame – residents and farmers in Brecon and Radnorshire want to see the health of the river restored urgently”.
Commenting, Miss Jones said:
“I really feel for those who been flooded, many of whom for the second time in under a year after the February 2020 floods.
“Over the past few months, I have heard so many concerns about the rivers in Brecon and Radnorshire from my constituents – from pollution incidents, to flooding.
“I have met with Powys County Council, Herefordshire Council, the Wye and Usk Foundation, fellow MPs, poultry producers, farmers and even Welsh Water – the list is almost endless, but I cannot stress enough that we now need to take action.
“We must agree and implement plans to improve the condition of the River Wye and we must improve our flood defences across Brecon and Radnorshire.
“I will continue my campaign to improve the condition of the River Wye and I have requested a meeting with Natural Resources Wales to discuss further steps we can take protect against future flooding.”