MAJOR flood alleviation work which was expected to start this week causing seven months of disruption in Beaumaris is being delayed until after the Christmas festivities.

The work to replace the town’s drainage system will initially focus on Wexham Street, Stanley Street and Maes Hyfryd.

The council carpark near Beaumaris Castle will also be closed, dates to be confirmed, though access will be maintained for allotment holders.

Contractors Dawnus, who are carrying out the drain repairs, were contracted to start work from Tuesday, December 4, with a summer, 2019, completion date. But now, the main disruptive work will start from Monday, January 7.

The multi-million pound overhaul of the town's drainage system is part of a massive flood alleviation scheme, a long term project between the Welsh Assembly Government, Beaumaris Town Council and Anglesey County Council.

According to Beaumaris Town Mayor, Councillor Jason Zalot, contractors Dawnus have agreed to hold off any major disruption until Christmas is over.

Cllr Zalot, who is also the town's flood warden, said: “The flood alleviation work is desperately needed.

"It is going to be a pain for people in the short term, but the long term benefits will be well worth it.

"We hope it will solve 99 percent of the town’s drainage problems, it won't ever solve them all, but it is going to make a huge difference to the town. ”

“We don’t want Beaumaris to be always known as the place that always floods. I have had a meeting with Dawnus, they are being very professional about things and have decided not to do anything big until January.

“We are working with them to make sure that any vulnerable people in the town will not be adversely affected, and have taken note of routes to make sure ambulances and emergency vehicles have access.

"There is also a drop in session on Tuesday, at the Canolfan, for anyone with questions or problems, and to find out what is happening."

“The contractors and councils are doing everything they can to alleviate disruption. So far, the flood work carried out has been fantastic. I take my hat off to them, especially with regard to the seawall they have built,” Cllr Zalot added.

A spokesperson for Anglesey County Council said: "Our contractor will carry out some works before Christmas, with a minimal disruption for the public. The main works are due to start on Monday, January 7."

A drop-in session to give the community more information on the work, has been arranged from 3-6pm, at the Canolfan (the Beaumaris Leisure Centre), on Tuesday, December 4.