Plans have been drawn up to shore up the banks of Llyn Tegid so that it remains safe in the long-term.

Natural Resources Wales is working on strengthening the banks of Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid, Y Bala.

The lake’s embankments, which give the town vital protection from flooding, need strengthening to withstand extreme events, although there are no immediate concerns.

The defences will not be raised as they are already at an appropriate level.

NRW is working with the local community to plan how best to make other local improvements alongside the safety works.

Ideas so far include improving footpaths, creating new seating areas, upgrading car parks, restoring wildlife habitats and planting trees.

Sian Williams, head of operations in north west Wales for NRW, said: “We are committed to keeping communities safe from flooding.

“We appreciate that there is some local concern about the need to remove some of the trees growing in the lake embankments to undertake the safety work.

“We recently surveyed the trees that could be affected and will protect and retain healthy trees, which have a high amenity and ecological value, where possible.

“However, some trees that need removing are already affected by the ash dieback disease.

“We are working alongside the community to develop recreation and environment projects, including significant tree planting, at the same time as the essential safety work.

“This way we hope to minimise the impact along the embankment and deliver a scheme that is not only safe but delivers great benefits to the community and the environment.”

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