A Plaid Cymru MS has called on the Labour Government to consider how we can better protect rugby clubs after recent flooding.

In plenary Peredur Owen Griffiths called for a government statement after Storm Bert in November devastated a number of rugby clubs including Blackwood and Newport High School Old Boys. 

The South Wales East MS has previously visited both club houses to see the devastation caused by swollen rivers.

During Business Questions Peredur said: “I'd like a Government statement, please, on how we better protect and future proof our vital community facilities from flooding in future.

“Due to the worsening climate crisis, these freak storms are here to stay, and they're going to become more frequent, so we should prepare accordingly.

“This is in particular reference to rugby clubs that were flooded in November, but applies across the board to all community facilities at risk of flooding.

“I have visited some of the clubs that were devastated by the most recent flooding in November during storm Bert. Both Newport High School Old Boys and Blackwood Rugby Football Club suffered heavy financial cost on top of the losses they had already suffered during storm Dennis in 2020.

“In the case of Blackwood RFC, November's flood cost them £233,260. This does not factor in smaller costs, so the actual cost is likely to be higher. By way of a contrast, the club has obtained £22,099 in grants and donations, less than a tenth of what they have lost.”

Peredur added: “It is not an exaggeration to say that some clubs and some community facilities could not sustain the consequences of another storm Dennis or Bert, having dilapidated their reserves.

“If we could have a statement on how we protect these vital community hubs, with a particular focus on sports clubs, I would be very grateful.”

In reply, Trefnydd Jane Hutt said she would write to Peredur with further details of the support that has been provided by the government.

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