A PUBLIC meeting to discuss new plans to strengthen the embankments at Llyn Tegid was held in Bala last week.

More than 60 people attended a drop-in session organised by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on Wednesday, July 18 to hear more about the environmental management company's plans to strengthen the embankments on the lake shore.

The event offered the community a chance to learn more about the work to make sure Llyn Tegid can continue to withstand extreme weather in the future.

It was also an opportunity for NRW to listen to the community’s views and suggestions as it designs the scheme.

The lake’s embankments give vital flood protection for people in Bala, and the work is needed to strengthen the embankments so they can continue to withstand the large waves generated during storms.

Angela Gray, project manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “We had a great session with the people of Bala – I’d like to thank them for their willingness to share their views on the scheme.

“It’s fair to say that there were two main subjects they wanted to discuss.

“One was whether the embankments will be raised as a result of this work, meaning the lake could store more water. It was good to reassure them that this was not the case and that the newly-strengthened embankment will be no higher than what’s there at the moment.

“The other main concern was around the need to cut the self-seeded trees which are now growing in the embankment.

“These trees are mainly Ash, most of which have contracted a disease called Chalara, or Ash Dieback, and are dying in any case.

“We can’t do this work without removing these trees, but we’ll be trying to save every single tree that we can - particularly those on the town side of the embankment.

“We’ll also be planting trees to replace those which will have to be cut, and a couple of good suggestions cropped up during the day about how we could do this.

“It was great to hear people talk with such passion about their local environment and the value they get from it.

“It’s clear that this area is well used and valued by local people and visitors alike and we’ll continue to work with them as we prepare our detailed plans for the scheme to make sure their views are taken on board wherever we can.”

NRW said the huge environmental value of the area and its importance to the local community, recreation and tourism will be fully considered as the work is planned.

Building work is not expected to start for another year and will take around two years to complete.