Cardigan residents are being asked to give their views on three options to reduce the risk of tidal flooding in The Strand area of the town.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched a public consultation to gather views as part of the Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme.

The consultation asks for views on options for the placement of a flood defence that is proposed for the north bank of the Afon Teifi between Gloster Row Car Park and Cardigan Bridge.

Working with its consultants - Binnies UK – NRW’s scheme aims to reduce the flood risk to approximately 90 properties and takes into account the anticipated impact of climate change.

Outline designs have been put together for three options. One option would see a flood wall built approximately 5m out into the Afon Teifi; another would see a wall built mostly in line with the current riverbank, and the final option would entail building the wall inland of the riverbank where businesses and property currently stand. A final solution could involve a combination of elements from the proposed options.

NRW is also looking to incorporate community and biodiversity benefits into any scheme that is built. The consultation will also ask residents for their views on what kind of improvements could be made in and around the development area.

Chris Pratt, NRW’s Project Manager for the Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme said: “Many Cardigan residents are all too familiar with the impacts of tidal flooding. The town has suffered flooding caused by the tide four times since 2007, and in the face of the climate crisis, we have to act to reduce the flood risk exacerbated by more frequent extreme weather events.

“Not only do we want to reduce the risk to people and properties in the town, we want to use this scheme as an opportunity to make Cardigan an even better place to live.

“We need the feedback of residents to help us find the best way forward to help us achieve this.”

The consultation launches on 11 November and can be accessed by visiting https://bit.ly/CardianTidalFRMS

A public drop-in session will be held at the Tower Room in Cardigan Castle on 23 November between 1pm-7pm. Residents will be able to view the plans, discuss them with NRW officers and give their feedback at the drop-in session.

Residents can give their views by paper by requesting hard copies of the consultation by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 065 3000. All feedback must be returned by 22 December.