Plans to fell more than twenty trees in Roath Brook Gardens as part of the Roath flood defence scheme have been put on hold.
Natural Resources Wales said they’ve stopped the work for further discussions with the Welsh Government.
But campaigners who want the trees to stay are worried the stop is only temporary and said they’ve heard nothing from Minister for the Environment, Hannah Blythyn.
Natural Resources Wales said the scheme is designed to improve the protection of three hundred and sixty homes and forty-five businesses in the area from floods.
The scheme was approved in 2012 by Cardiff Council but works didn’t begin until January of this year.
Roath Brook Gardens is the latest in the scheme of works, where NRW have said they need to widen the river channel in Roath Brook Gardens and enhance a number of bridges to increase the brook’s flow capacity.
NRW said they understand the concerns of the community, “this is a great part of Roath, with a strong community that we want to help protect from the devastating effects of flooding.”
But they called off the tree felling at Roath Brook Gardens less than twenty-four hours before it was due to start on 10th December.
Campaigners for Roath Brook Gardens said they hope the pause will give them time to meet with Minister Blythyn and Natural Resources Wales to discuss alternatives to felling the trees.
Dr Siôn Edwards, lead campaigner said they feel the tree felling is extensive and unnecessary.
He said they are not against the flood scheme itself but don’t believe residents near Roath Brook Gardens are extremely at risk.
Campaigner and geologist Dr Melissa Johansson said she doesn’t think the plans have been well thought through.
NRW said they remain confident in the scheme but it’s unclear when the works will start again.
