Residents of Barmouth, a charming Welsh seaside town, are raising the alarm over a new flood defence scheme that’s got people comparing their beloved town to a ‘maximum security prison.’ The plan involves erecting a huge new wall to keep floodwaters at bay, but locals aren’t thrilled. Imagine this: Kye Smith, a local construction worker, went the extra mile to showcase the impending height of this wall. He laid planks against the current wall and took photos to highlight how this towering barrier could block light and views that locals cherish. This plan involves a secondary wall ranging from 1.55 to 1.7 metres tall. Kye feels this will encourage graffiti and make driving unappealing with a wall you can’t see behind.
The new defences aim to offer better flood protection after a partial promenade collapse spotlighted the urgent need for upgrades. Cyngor Gwynedd’s consultants are finalising designs to keep Barmouth safe, yet the proposed solution isn’t sitting well with everyone. Some fear the imposing walls will shut them off while blocking Barmouth’s storied views. Current suggestions lean toward allowing parts of the town to flood as a buffer, but are locals willing to buy into this idea?
Kye’s been vocal, even setting up a Facebook group to amplify community voices, and he’s floating an alternative: an offshore reef to absorb waves naturally, along with groyne restoration to address issues of sand drift and beach loss.
Let’s not ignore the safety concerns around the proposed rock armour, either. Families who frequent Barmouth for its sandy allure are worried the new structure could be risky. Kye highlights past incidents where kids got stuck between rocks—a scenario no parent wants.
There’s time yet for the community to press for changes. With work starting this summer and set to go on till 2028, many in the town are hoping balance can be found between effective flood management and preserving Barmouth’s unique charm. 🌊🏖️