Council workers praised for response to flooding and disruption caused by Storm Dennis

A month's rainfall fell on south Wales on the weekend, leading to torrents of muddy water pouring down valleys, closing roads and causing landslides.

The water levels in the Afon Lwyd rose drastically, and it burst its banks in Cwmbran. There was also a landslide near Blaenavon, and the cycle track from Blaenavon to Shop Road, Varteg, was been closed on Monday after the path was blocked by a landslide causing fallen trees and debris.

(The Afon Lwyd in Cwmbran burst its banks. Picture: Richard Edwards)

Cwmbran Drive was closed on Sunday due to flooding, and all sports pitch bookings were cancelled over the weekend due to the weather.

"Thankfully, in advance of the storm, our crews were out checking and clearing culvert entrances and gulleys to ensure they were running clear and free," Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen's executive member for the environment, said on Monday.

(The view from the Keepers showing the extent of the flooding. Picture: Leanne Preece)

"We also had extra crews on standby and teams worked around the clock responding to flooding, road closures, fallen trees, landslides and closely monitoring rising river levels."

Cllr Cross said no one needed to be evacuated from their homes.

"However, the sheer volume of rain meant a number of roads were closed at the height of the storm, and Cwmbran Drive had several vehicles abandoned in the water," she added.

(Riverside cottages on School Lane, Abersychan, as the Nant Ffrwd flooded. Picture: Chris Tew.)

"Wherever this occurred, the crews were out to quickly remove debris and clear drains."

Torfaen's council leader, Anthony Hunt, had a message of gratitude for all the council and emergency services workers who were out during the storm, keeping the public safe.

"I would like to thank all the council workers and staff from public services partners who were working in the most atrocious weather and thank residents who kept an eye out for their neighbours," he said.

(Water cascading in Pontnewydd after Storm Dennis. Picture: Richard Hughes)

Cllr Cross added: "On this occasion, Torfaen escaped the worst of the flooding, but our thoughts are with everyone in the region hit by the extreme weather, and hopefully affected communities can recover quickly."