QUESTIONS have been raised over the effectiveness of Dolgellau’s multi-million pound flood defe­nce scheme as heavy rainfall hit the town this week.

Marian Mawr and its adjacent car parks were covered with flood water after the swollen river Wnion rose to dramatic levels.

Torrential rain has ensured that many of the river systems in north-west Wales are carrying huge volumes of water which can lead to localised surface flooding.

Dolgellau was one of the worst-affected areas, with the town’s new £5.5m flood prevention scheme tested to capacity.

Keith Ivens, area flood risk manager for Natural Resources Wales, said he was happy with the performance of the defences.

He said: “Both the Afon Aran and Wnion were contained within the channel and all different sections of the improvement works came into play when required.

“The Flood Protection Scheme was designed to ensure that properties and people are protected, sending the water through a safe relief channel and away from flood risk areas.

”There are still some minor surface water issu­es that need to be reviewed but overall we are pleased with the works and are confident that Dolgellau is now benefitting from an improved flood defence.”

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