A DROP in session to explain plans to strengthen flood defences at Llyn Tegid will be held this week.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said its planned work will ensure the lake can withstand extreme weather in the long-term.

The session will be held at Penllyn Leisure Centre, on Wednesday, July 18 between 2pm and 7.30pm.

The work will strengthen the embankments and improve the lakeshore stone wave protection. But it will involve the removal of self-seeded trees, mainly ash, which are growing in the embankments and weakening them.

There have been some local objections to the removal of the trees.

However, the overall project would also include planting trees elsewhere in the vicinity to mitigate for the loss of trees alongside the lake.

At NRW’s last inspection of the banks, some issues were raised, although there are no immediate concerns.

The environmental management body has said the huge environmental value of the area and its importance to Bala’s community, recreation and tourism will be fully considered as the plans are developed.

The lake’s embankments, which give vital protection from flooding to the town, are regularly inspected by NRW to make sure they remain safe.

Matthew Jenkins, NRW project manager for Llyn Tegid said: “It’s early days for the project. But we are committed to keeping communities safe from flooding and are eager to work with the community and listen to their views as we design the proposed scheme.

“Opportunities to improve the environment and recreation opportunities would also be explored.

“Construction is extremely unlikely to start until 2019 and will be managed to minimise disruption to the local community.”