RESIDENTS of Lower Town Fishguard are being urged to get ready for the winter.

It is after up to 14 properties suffered flooding during the severe weather of January and February this year.

Pembrokeshire County Council - along with other agencies - is organising a special event later this month to give the people of Lower Town the chance to meet emergency responders and discuss their preparations for the winter weather.

“Last winter an exceptionally high tide combined with storm surge and wave action resulted in widespread coastal flooding along the whole of the Pembrokeshire coast,” said Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.

“With spring tides at their highest over the next 18 months, there is a small but elevated increase in risk of coastal flooding again and so we would urge people to get ready.”

Simone Eade, Flood Incident Officer at Natural Resources Wales said: “The storms we saw earlier this year caused widespread damage and disruption across many coastal communities.

“Lower Town Fishguard has a history of flooding, and in the wake of this we have worked with the community to install individual flood gates to 45 homes to provide improved protection from the tide.

“As winter approaches, we’re also encouraging people to think about other small steps they can take to prepare, such as drawing up an emergency flood plan. Taking small actions now could lessen the impact of a flood on your home in the future.”

The drop-in surgery will be held between 4.30pm and 6.30pm at Fishguard Yacht Club on Tuesday, October 21.

It will be attended by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Natural Resources Wales, South Wales Trunk Road Agent and Welsh Water.

Officers will be available to listen to residents’ experiences and answer questions, as well as share information and advice.