A FLOOD victim who lost his household contents after freak weather conditions devastated parts of Cwmbran warned fresh flooding was “inevitable” in Torfaen.

David Simpson, 49, spoke out after taking part in a community clean-up which saw volunteers remove nearly 50 bags of rubbish from a fly-tipping hotspot near a culvert in Cwmbran.

Mr Simpson maintained council chiefs had not done enough to keep drains and culverts clear since flash floods devastated nearly 200 Cwmbran homes on May 22.

Householders were faced with thousands of pounds of damage while others were sick from the raw sewage that went through their homes.

Mr Simpson, founder of Cwmbran flood awareness group, said: “There is no doubt flooding will occur again.

“It is inevitable we will get flooded. It’s not if, it’s when.”

Members of the awareness group removed rubbish from a woodland area near Fairwater shops in Cwmbran earlier this month.

The group said the rubbish represented a flooding risk due to its proximity to a culvert 10ft to 15ft away.

Torfaen council praised the group for organising community clean-ups but stressed it did not have the resources to inspect every site in particular areas of woodland.

Cllr John Cunningham, executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “All culverts on council land are designed to a national specification and maintained in accordance with council policy to an agreed schedule of inspecting and cleansing.

“If anyone comes across culverts that have been blocked by fly-tipping or debris we urge them to contact us directly to allow us to take action.”

Cllr Cunningham added: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable and incurs significant and unnecessary costs for the council to clear up grot spots around the borough.

“Fairwater shops, car park and former bring bank site are cleansed as part of a schedule for the borough.

“Unfortunately, due to resources, we are unable to inspect all areas of woodland.

“However, we will respond to all reports of fly-tipping and rubbish dumped on council land and will aim to clear up the mess within five working days.

“The volunteer group in Fairwater have done an excellent job in clearing up the woodland near the shops.”