CONFUSION has arisen over whether a drainage system played a major part in January's severe flooding in Sandycroft.

Last week, Jack Sargeant, the Member of the Senedd for Alyn and Deeside, said that investigations found the Pentre drain from Chemistry Lane to The Bridge Inn was a "major factor" in flooding in the area during Storm Christoph.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), however, says there is "no evidence" that the Pentre drain was blocked during the flooding.

A number of homes in the Sandycroft area were devastated by flooding during the storm - some for the second time in under two years, leading to local calls for action on the issue.

Jack Sargeant MS, who has been a key voice on the issue, said that Welsh Government funding has been made available - and that repair and maintenance work is due to start shortly.

He said: "I am contacting NRW for confirmation of timescales and will continue to monitor progress.

"Once work is done, I expect regular checks and maintenance to be carried out."

Operations manager at Natural Resources Wales, Keith Ivens, said: “Storm Christoph brought a band of persistent rain affecting many areas across North East Wales and we sympathise with all those that were affected.

“NRW carry out routine maintenance on the open sections of Pentre drain and flood embankments protecting the community of Sandycroft from the River Dee. Debris screens were inspected regularly during Storm Christoph and are routinely inspected on a weekly basis along this watercourse.

“We have no evidence to suggest that the Pentre Drain from Chemistry Lane to The Bridge Inn was blocked in the recent flooding. Following this event NRW has been working closely with Flintshire County Council to investigate and identify the measures that can be carried to reduce the risk of future flooding.”

Mr Sargeant's office told the Leader that he was supplied the information on the drainage by Flintshire Council.

Andy Farrow, the council's chief officer for planning, environment and economy said: “We are working with Natural Resources Wales on local drainage solutions and will be issuing a community statement shortly.”