FLOODING concerns and community pressure have led to a river being cleared out.

Residents in Llandderfel have welcomed emergency collaboration between Gwynedd Council and Natural Resources Wales to clear and clean up a local river before the wet winter weather interrupts potential maintenance.

The village has been concerned for many years that there was a high risk that the Hafesb River would flood and damage properties as has happened in the village in the past.

Residents believed there was a serious risk to the river flooding during wet weather because the national habit of clearing rivers of branches, stones and mud over the summer months has expired for several years.

According to the county councillor for the area, Elwyn Edwards, they have been fighting for this to be done for a long time: “We have been pressing officers, by telephone, correspondence and an onsite visit to discuss the situation for a number of months.

“The residents of Llandderfel knew the flow of the river was blocked and that the riverbed had not been cleaned.

“There was a discussion for some time to establish who was responsible for undertaking the work because parts of the Hafesb River are owned by a private landowner, Natural Resources Wales and Gwynedd Council. Unfortunately, this led to a delay before starting or planning any work in the area.

“It’s a great relief to see the work being done this week especially with winter fast approaching us. The work will ensure that there is sufficient space for the water to go under the Hafesb River Bridge and the bridge that people use to cross over to the houses and Neuadd Derfel when the water level rises over the winter.“