Green solutions may be key to strengthening defences around high-risk Whitchurch Brook
CARDIFF councilllors are developing a plan they hope will lead to the strengthening of the flood defences around Whitchurch Brook, a high risk area.
Greener Whitchurch hopes to mirror a similar scheme in Grangetown, which the council labelled a success after it introduced new street drainage systems.
Whitchurch has been hit by floods several times over the past decade.
“Traffic gets really bad and this has been a nightmare for years. Something has to be done,” said one concerned worker in Whitchurch who wished to remain anonymous.
“The council come and clear out the drains, but the next time it rains the problem comes back. I know people who have had water up to their back door,” said another.
Councillor Caro Wild, cabinet member for climate change, said: “We empathise with local residents and businesses who have been affected by the recent flood events in Whitchurch and recognise that it is likely to get worse as a result of climate change.
“We need well-designed sustainable urban drainage to improve this community’s resilience to these extreme weather events”
I know people who have had water up to their back door”
Whitchurch resident
Greener Whitchurch is being run by councillors Simon Dooley, David James and Michelle Barker in partnership with environmental consultants Arup.
The team aims to use a mixture of traditional and natural flood defences to keep the area as green as possible.
A public meeting was held on January 16 at Whitchurch Hub to ask residents what action they would like to see taken. The next stage of the project involves conducting surveys and surveying the area.
A public meeting was held on January 16 at Whitchurch Hub to ask residents what action they would like to see taken. The next stage of the project involves conducting surveys and surveying the area.
