WORK on a scheme aimed at protecting Cardigan residents from floodwaters from the River Teifi is expected to start next year, the Tivyside can reveal.

Back in November 2022 townspeople were asked to consider three options to reduce the risk of tidal flooding in The Strand area as part of The Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme when environmental watchdogs Natural Resources Wales launched a public consultation at Cardigan Castle.

It sought views on options for the placement of a flood defence aimed at reducing the flood risk to around ninety properties proposed for the north bank of the Teifi between Gloster Row Car Park and Cardigan Bridge.

One option would see a flood wall built approximately 5m out into the river; another would see a wall built mostly in line with the current riverbank, and the final option would entail building the wall inland of the riverbank where businesses and property currently stand.

A final suggested solution would involve a combination of elements from the proposed options.

Cllr Clive Davies said this week that NRW were expected to reveal which option had been decided upon in the coming months.

“They have completed the outline design phase for the project,” he said. “The preferred alignment for the proposed defence is based on feedback received during the public engagement event held in Cardigan Castle and subsequent online meeting with officers from Ceredigion County Council.

“As part of the outline design phase they have also been undertaking ecological surveys for bats, overwintering birds etc. and environmental and archaeological scoping to inform the next stage of the project.

“Subject to funding and gaining planning permission and environmental consents, they envisage construction commencing in 2025. These timelines are provisional at this stage.”

Speaking at the onset of the consultation, Chris Pratt, NRW’s Project Manager for the Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme, said the town had suffered flooding caused by the tide four times since 2007.

“In the face of the climate crisis, we have to act to reduce the flood risk exacerbated by more frequent extreme weather events,” he added.

“Not only do we want to reduce the risk to people and properties in the town, we want to use this scheme as an opportunity to make Cardigan an even better place to live.”