THERE’S still no end in sight for Cardigan residents at risk of flooding along the Teifi estuary.

Welsh Government recently announced a £56m programme to benefit eight communities with flood defence work but Cardigan again missed out.

Natural Resources Wales has been discussing a design-scheme/proposal for Cardigan with Welsh Water and Ceredigion County Council for the past four years following serious flooding in the town.

It is considering an 18-month, £14m scheme but as yet there is no prospect of a confirmed starting date.

Lower Teifi Flood Awareness Group co-ordinator Kathleen Martin, whose home has been hit by flooding in the past, said: “Only recently we had three flood alert warnings in a week from NRW but fortunately we escaped on each occasion.

“The water simply comes up the slipway but there are ways this can be combated. It is awful for people in this situation and time is of the essence.”

Elin Jones AM has been involved in putting the case for Cardigan and said: “I’m disappointed to see Cardigan missing out on this scheme for flood prevention. Flooding along the river Teifi is a serious concern for many residents and businesses in the area and funding for improving flood defences would make a real difference.

“Cardigan should be a priority for funding after repeated flooding incidents.

“I have raised the need to strengthen flood defences in Cardigan and in several locations in Ceredigion with several Welsh Government environment ministers.

“I will be contacting Natural Resources Wales once again for clarification on the timescale for their flooding prevention work in Cardigan.”

A meeting of the Lower Teifi Flood Awareness Group was held earlier this month, with representatives from the various agencies, local councillors and MP Ben Lake all involved. The meeting was told the Cardigan scheme is still at the appraisal stage.

This will end in September, when it is hoped the scheme will receive project approval leading into the design stage with plans made available to the public.

In the meantime, Welsh Water, NRW and CCC have been carrying out other works in the area (non-return valves, highways drainage-clearance etc).

Mandy Richards, project manager for the Cardigan tidal scheme for NRW said: “We work to protect communities like Cardigan from environmental risks such as flooding.

“This is a particularly complicated project because it must consider the many important historical features of Cardigan, and the impact of any works on the bay which is special area of conservation.

“We are currently working on the project appraisal – an important milestone for any potential scheme to reduce flood risk. This will set out in detail the different options for how to progress and should be completed by the end of the year.

“The best option will then be developed into a more detailed design before we can apply for funding and, if successful, begin construction.”

A spokesperson for Welsh Water said: “Within the next few years, we will be upgrading our waste water network in Cardigan. This will ensure that we continue to provide key waste water services and further reduce any risk of sewer flooding and will complement the work proposed by NRW.

“We are currently undertaking a detailed survey which will help us determine the necessary investment in our network. We are also working with NRW to ensure that any proposed designs for their flood defence scheme supplement the investment we are making in the area.”

Teifi ward councillor Catrin Miles said: “I can quite understand the frustration of residents who have suffered personally from flooding on several occasions but the current group is working well and getting everyone around the table.”