Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has presented a petition in Parliament this week, signed by residents who are desperate to see a solution to the maintenance issues surrounding Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter.
James started the petition following longstanding concerns over the state of the watercourse, which runs through both towns.
Maintenance of the cut/gutter has always been an issue and James believes a solution needs to be found whereby it is adequately maintained by the state.
Presenting the petition in the House of Commons on Wednesday, he said:
“I rise to present a petition on behalf of residents of the Vale of Clwyd regarding maintenance of the Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter, alongside an online petition on the same topic that has been signed by 606 people.
“The petition states:
“The petition of residents of the constituency of the Vale of Clwyd,
“Declares that the maintenance of the Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter should be the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales, Denbighshire County Council and connected public sector bodies; further that existing riparian ownership should not prevent the creation of an effective system of oversight; and further that the current ineffective management of this local waterway results in significant environmental blight.
“The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take immediate action to ensure that a full public sector maintenance programme is introduced to manage the Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter. And the petitioners remain, etc.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“The Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter has been a cause for concern for many years now and I am hopeful that presenting this petition in the House of Commons will encourage key decision makers within Welsh Government and regionally to take the necessary action and commit to a more regular maintenance schedule for the entire length of the Cut and Gutter.”
James added:
“The UK Government will respond to the petition in due course, and I intend to liaise further with Natural Resources Wales and Denbighshire County Council, and then update residents.”