A NEW inspection regime has been introduced for a culvert beneath the M4 at Caldicot following concerns over flooding linked to a debris screen on the Nedern Brook.

The trash screen, which sits beneath the motorway, is designed to stop debris being washed into the Severn Estuary. However, it has previously been identified as a contributing factor in flooding incidents in the area.

Monmouthshire County Council flood risk manager Ross Price said National Highways, which owns the structure, has strengthened its inspection routine following recommendations from the council.

Mr Price was presenting the latest draft of the authority's Flood Risk Management Strategy when Severn ward councillor Maria Stevens raised concerns about previous flooding around the Severn Bridge Industrial Estate.

She claimed part of the estate had flooded because sluice gates at Deepweir had not been opened and asked whether a dispute over ownership of the gates between the council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had been resolved.

Mr Price said NRW is responsible for the Nedern Brook because it is a main river, while the council manages flood risk from smaller watercourses.

He said previous flood investigations had highlighted issues with the trash screen. The council recommended National Highways install a camera to monitor debris remotely, but the agency instead adopted a more robust inspection programme.

Mr Price said the screen is now inspected more frequently, with additional checks during amber weather warnings.

The council has also recommended introducing a manual method of opening the screen after its hydraulic system previously failed because pressure from debris prevented it operating correctly.

NRW has also agreed to stop leaving debris from annual brook clearance works beside the watercourse.

The revised Flood Risk Management Strategy, delayed by widespread flooding last winter, including Storm Claudia, is expected to be considered by Monmouthshire County Council's Labour-Green cabinet in September before being submitted to the Welsh Government for approval.