THE Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, visited Monmouth to see firsthand the ongoing clean-up efforts following the severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia.

The Secretary of State was welcomed by Monmouthshire MP, Catherine Fookes, and the Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, before meeting with council teams, volunteers, residents and local businesses.

During the visit, they attended the Humanitarian Centre at the Shire Hall, which is open from 9am to 5pm daily to provide practical support, advice, and supplies to residents impacted by the flooding.

The Secretary of State, Catherine Fookes MP, Cllr Brocklesby, and the Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr Jackie Atkin, then walked down Monnow Street to speak with businesses, including Adrian Gaunt Jewellers and Little India, both of which were flooded.

Little India opened only recently, and despite their basement being completely flooded, they’ve made a heroic effort to reopen. They’re encouraging everyone to come in and enjoy curry.

The group also visited Forge Road, Osbaston, where residents have flooded annually for the past four years.

The Secretary of State, Jo Stevens MP, said: “Today I was able to visit Monmouthshire to thank the local residents and emergency services for their heroic efforts responding to the damage caused by Storm Claudia.

My thanks go also to Catherine Fookes who, as the local MP, has worked non-stop to support the community during this difficult time.

The Welsh Government are working round-the-clock with the council and community to ensure that the people and businesses affected by the storm get the help they need and the Prime Minister has reiterated that the UK Government stands ready to support the Welsh Government with that crucial work.”

Catherine Fookes MP said: “I met with the flooding minister in Parliament yesterday, and now I am pleased to be back home, welcoming the Secretary of State for Wales to Monmouth, to see the incredible clean-up operation underway.

“Monmouth Town Council have been heroes. With support from Monmouthshire County Council, and the local community, everyone is working tirelessly to clean up Monmouth.

“While I have been on the ground as much as possible in areas across Monmouth, Skenfrith, Abergavenny, and Grosmont, my team and I. have also been working on a large volume of flooding-related casework, prioritising urgent situations such as homelessness and power outages.

“I want everyone to know across the county and beyond that Monmouth is open for business. Please remember that not all businesses are flooded. Please remember that they are already open. Now more than ever we all need to shop local.”

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “Following discussions with Welsh Government ministers, we are developing a scheme for council tax relief for residents, Non-Domestic Rates relief for businesses, and grants to help compensate for costs incurred due to the floods.

“Further details on this support will be provided by the end of the week.

“We will also review flood protection measures in each community to develop improved protections, given the increasing frequency of severe weather events.”