Llanrwst residents discuss flood concerns after Storm Ciara

Roads were flooded in Llanrwst caused by Storm Ciara on 9 February

About 100 people attended a public meeting to discuss concerns in the wake of damage caused by Storm Ciara.

Some residents and traders have been counting the cost of flooding in the storm's aftermath in Llanrwst, Conwy.

Saturday's meeting included rail officials as services have been hit.

Resident Samantha Egelstaff said: "There needs to be more communication, more working together and more focus on vulnerable people."

She told the meeting at the town's Eagles Hotel that a local flood action group was set up to bring people together in the wake of the flooding.

"We created that group because of the total lack of action and lack of preparedness when that storm hit," she said.

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Conwy council deputy leader Goronwy Edwards defended the local authority's response to the flooding, saying: "All of our staff we put on call 24/7".

Aberconwy AM Janet Finch-Saunders set up the meeting and she reiterated calls for an independent inquiry into the flood risk around the town.

She said that major flooding incidents have caused "devastation" three times since 2015.

"It's just happening too often," she said.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said the Conwy valley flood scheme "successfully defended" properties in Llanrwst and Trefriw from flooding from the Conwy River and flood barriers were also used during Storm Ciara.

About 100 people attended the meeting

Sian Williams, NRW's head of operations in north west Wales, said: "Flooding can devastate communities and whilst flooding can never be completely avoided, we work to reduce the risk to people and property.

"Following storms of this magnitude, there are always questions to answer.

"We will now work closely with Conwy County Borough Council as they prepare a flood investigation report."

Network Rail operation manager Alvan Jones said the storm damage had been "horrendous" for the community and had closed the rail line.

"We are working tirelessly at the moment to ensure that the railway reopens as soon as possible," he said.

Conwy council is hosting a drop-in session at Llanrwst Family Centre on Monday to discuss financial help available to people affected by the floods.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "The environment minister recently visited Llanrwst to see the flood damage first-hand, and had reports from local residents, Conwy council and town councillors.

"It's crucial we learn from the experiences of the recent flooding to increase the protection of our communities in future.

"We have already committed £350m to flood protection during this assembly term and are already assessing applications to fully fund emergency repairs."