JUST two days before Christmas, the Vale saw several houses and roads flooded.

Dozens of flood warnings were in place last Wednesday night after heavy rain fell across Wales – with a yellow weather warning from the Met Office starting at 6am.

The main road between Penarth and Sully, Lavernock Road, and the B4367 were particularly impacted.

Areas of Dinas Powys, such as Cardiff Road, were also affected by the severe weather with Cardiff Bus having to divert services around the area. Other areas hit by flooding include Culverhouse Cross, St Athan and Llantwit Major.

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Max Wallis, of Friends of the Earth Barry and Vale, said: “Last Wednesday’s rain showed the problem when run-off from roadways and housing areas exceeds the sewer capacity.

“Nothing has been done in Lower Penarth to create permeable areas to divert some run-off into soakaways; nor has the Vale Council encouraged permeable instead of paved driveways, though sustainable drainage systems date back over 20 years”.

Community Councillor Richard Grigg, chairman of Dinas Powys Community Council, said there must be a full inquiry set up to examine the causes behind the Dinas Powys floods.

“It is extremely distressing that so many people’s lives were been devastated on 23 December,” he added.

“It is important that any investigation is not left to the Vale Council or Natural Resources Wales to undertake. It must an impartial organisation or individuals. Residents must be a part of any investigations.”

The next day, the community stepped up to help people who have had their houses ruined by the flooding – especially those in Sully and Dinas Powys.

Two crowdfunding pages were set up, and so far, they have raised a combined total of over £15,000.

Jessica Watts, who started the crowdfunding for Dinas Powys residents, wrote on the page: “I couldn’t begin to imagine the pain and upset this has and is causing families that have been affected so close to Christmas and under circumstances with Covid. Any donation would be greatly appreciated to go to the people whose lives have been turned upside down”.

To find out more about donating head to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hanbevmoh and/or justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jessica-watts-3.