Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, recently met with residents from Forge Road and Osbaston, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Monmouthshire County Council to discuss the devastating flooding that affected the area and the action needed to better protect homes in the future.

Councillors Catrin Maby and Jane Lucas also attended the meeting, where residents shared their experiences of the recent flooding and highlighted the ongoing impact it has had on their lives.

Catherine Fookes MP said: "Storm Claudia was so ferocious that one resident said that the rescue charity SARA had told them they could not get their boat up Forge Road to rescue them as the force and volume of the water was too great; another resident shared the challenges they have had as they have been out of their house since August 2025 due to a previous flood; another woman shared that the water had come half way up her stairs."

Following the meeting, several commitments were made by Natural Resources Wales. Flooded properties will receive individual flood protection measures such as pumps, and amongst other things, NRW will share the flood water modelling and carry out a site visit with residents.

Catherine added: "The commitments from NRW are positive steps forward. However, I think this does fall short of what is required. As I have done in Skenfrith, I will continue to press authorities for further action for the houses and residents who flood all too regularly.”

Catherine said she will continue working with residents, Monmouthshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales to ensure the commitments made at the meeting are delivered and to press for longer-term flood prevention measures for the area.

Following the extensive flooding that affected the north of the county during Storm Claudia in November 2025, Monmouthshire County Council is preparing a ‘Section 19 Flood Report’ in line with the requirements of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.