RESIDENTS have expressed fears that bridges blocked with timber debris by recent high water are creating a risk of damage to river crossings and further flooding.

Large amounts of wood have blocked arches on Skenfrith bridge over the Monnow on the Wales-England border, where villagers saw horrendous flooding last February, and Llanfoist Bridge over the Usk in Abergavenny.

In Skenfrith five miles north of Monmouth, Helen and Rod Wyatt, whose home flooded in October 2019 and last February, posted photos of the village’s blocked bridge between the castle and the Bell Inn.

They said: “After the heavy rainfall on the 23rd December when some of the houses in our beautiful village flooded again for the third time in 14 months we are now left with huge fallen trees and branches partially blocking the arches of the bridge.

“This puts us at significant risk of a fourth flood when the next heavy rain descends on us.

“We have reported this problem several times to NRW… Natural Resources Wales… who are responsible for the maintenance of the river but still the river is blocked.

“Please SHARE and help us raise awareness for our village. The forgotten village of Skenfrith.”

Kathy Medlicott advised: “Contact your MP and the media. Trees blocking the arches caused a terrible flood in Crickhowell in 1980/81. They create a dam effect.”

Lesley O’Connell added: “It’s the same at Llanfoist bridge, NRW need to get moving them.”

And Ems Atai advised: “Write to head of fire service, head of emergency planning at MCC, your MP, and chief of police; we had to contact everyone when we formed the emergency response team in Crickhowell last February, and copy in the NRW so they see who you are complaining to.”

Clare Westbrook posted about clearing the blockage: “The river is still flowing strongly and there has been a sad accidental drowning in the river there previously, so it’s far more dangerous than it may appear.

“It needs the right equipment and experience.”

Sue Ashley posted pictures of the Llanfoist Bridge blockage beside Castle Meadows on the Abergavenny Voice Facebook page.

Derrick Giles warned: “If it really rains here in Aber and they haven’t cleared that, more will be added to it and it will form a dam resulting in the bridge being washed away.”

Kayleigh Whiteman asked: “Has any of that been cleared away yet? That causes risk to more flooding!… Will see whether council will permit work there for Road2Rail Access Ltd to clear it.”

In a statement issued last night a Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “Following the widespread flooding across the county, the council’s operations teams have been working to remove debris and clean up the affected areas.

’’Teams are prioritising drainage, carriageway and the structural damage that occurred across the whole of Monmouthshire.

’’Colleagues will be visiting Magor as soon as possible this week with jetting equipment and will investigate if further works are required.

’’The council is also continuing to work with Natural Resources Wales to remove debris from the rivers and our teams are scheduled to attend Skenfrith and Llanfoist this Friday.

’’Alongside the flooding response, operation teams are continuing to deal with other winter pressures such as gritting roads which means resources are stretched. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation.”