Dredging work has begun on the River Monnow at the town's historic bridge as councillors unveil a new flood risk strategy aimed at preventing a repeat of the devastating floods that submerged parts of the town last November.

Natural Resources Wales has begun removing a build-up of silt from the river channel around the flood arches to improve the water flow of the River Monnow through to the Wye.

The work comes just days after Monmouthshire County Council approved a new flood risk strategy drawn up in response to the widespread flooding that struck the county during Storm Claudia in November 2025.

Councillor Catrin Maby, the Labour cabinet member for the environment, said the new plan was drafted last year and reviewed following November’s flooding with the public also consulted.

The plan divides the county into nine areas, based on river catchments, which she said is a strategic approach as the council is responsible for the risk from surface water, groundwater and what are called “ordinary watercourses” such as smaller rivers. It has joint responsibility for coastal flooding.

Environmental body Natural Resources Wales has responsibility for main rivers and the plan is intended to help authorities work together.

Cllr Maby added: “It is taking a more strategic approach and not ignoring the risk that rests with other authorities.”

The six year plan also addresses flood prevention such as how land management can be used to hold water.

The flooding left parts of Monmouth town centre and outlying residential areas underwater, forcing residents from their homes and causing significant disruption to businesses, with Monnow Street among the areas hardest hit. The newly-adopted strategy is aimed at reducing the likelihood and impact of future flooding through a combination of prevention measures, improved planning and closer working between agencies responsible for different watercourses.

Natural Resources Wales said the dredging operation will remove accumulated sediment that has built up beneath the bridge, helping water move more freely through the narrow section of river. Preparation work, including vegetation clearance, began earlier this month, with heavy machinery expected to operate in the river for around two weeks.

The environmental body stressed that measures are being taken to minimise disruption to the river environment and protect water quality while the work is carried out.

The timing of the scheme is likely to attract attention from residents still recovering from the impact of last November's floods with some still waiting to move back into their homes. While the dredging is a maintenance operation rather than a major flood defence project, it coincides with a renewed political focus on improving resilience to extreme weather events.

Councillors backing the new flood risk strategy have warned that significantly greater investment will be required from Welsh Government and flood management bodies if communities are to be protected from future storms.

Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby said the plan could be a “reference document for everybody who has a concern and interest in the state of our rivers and how we manage flooding locally.”

The cabinet agreed to submit the plan to the Welsh Government for approval before it can be officially adopted by the council.