PROACTIVE steps to deal with potential flooding in Bangor have been welcomed by an Assembly Member.

Arfon AM Siân Gwenllian joined Cllr Keith Jones at a public consultation in Hirael, an area identified at risk of floods due to climate change.

The low-lying area faces a combination of risk factors including a rise in sea level, ground water caused by a high-water table, rainwater, surface water and water from Afon Adda that discharges into the sea.

The Beach Road area previously suffered severe flooding in 1923 and 1973.

In 2008, major flood alleviation work was completed, but now climate change is predicted to cause a rise of up to 1.2m in the level of the sea by the end of the century.

The AM believes without further flood defence work the consequences for Hirael residents and businesses could be severe. A rise of 12-13cm already occurred between 1991 and 2015.

A Plaid Cymru-led debate in the Senedd called on the Welsh Government to declare a climate emergency.

Siân Gwenllian AM said: "I know the devastating impact flooding has had on my constituents.

"I want to make sure that homeowners and local businesses at risk from flooding do not suffer from these destructive events in the future.’

"We need ambitious long-term solutions to ensure that our local communities are protected from threats posed by climate change.’

"The threat facing Hirael is a local example of what could potentially happen if climate change is not addressed and sufficient prevention measures are not taken now.

"I am encouraged to see proactive steps being taken by local partner organisations to identify and address the threat posed by coastal flooding and the range of options available to best manage these challenges.’

"No one is immune from the effects of climate change, but it is future generations that will face its worst consequences. Without fast, meaningful and intensive climate action on a global scale we will soon be facing a real and immediate crisis."