A RESIDENT from Bangor on Dee is calling on Natural Resources Wales to "address the serious matter" of pollution, debris and waste in the river. 

Last week, the Leader reported that work was set to take place at the site in Bangor on Dee following concerns over waste and storm damage. 

Following Storm Babet in November, village councillor Robert Williams voiced concerns that the 17th-century bridge was "in danger", fearing it could be damaged.

Since then, Storms Ciaran, Debi, and Henk have resulted in heavy rainfall impacting the River Dee running through the village. 

The riverside village in Wrexham regularly floods following heavy rainfall, with the A525 link road to Wrexham often closed due to the higher water levels. 

As masses of driftwood continue to collate at the bridge, along with the hundreds of cars that use the bridge daily, Cllr Williams' concerns persist. 

While discussions remain ongoing between NRW and Wrexham Council, David Morgan, a Bangor on Dee resident has called for work to start as soon as possible. 

He said: "The biggest concern in the 12 years we've been here has been the total lack of maintenance of the river. 

"For the last six months at the old bridge at Bangor on Dee, there has been a serious build-up of old trees, wood debris and worst of all an incredible build-up of plastics, polystyrene and glass.

"Natural Resources Wales have been informed about this pollution problem but have yet to attempt to clear it up.

"The plastics will eventually enter the Dee estuary and the North Wales coast polluting the beaches there causing a threat to wildlife and the environment. Nobody, it appears wants to address this serious matter.

"The area has a long history of flooding and many years ago embankments were created to help protect the village from floods. These have proved to be successful too.

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"To experience times of high water levels in the village is something quite scary, especially around the old bridge where the water comes within a foot or so of breaching the walls.

"Large trees, masses of branches and rubbish accumulate against the arches of the bridge during this time and slow the progress of water.  When the river subsides, the amount of rubbish is very obvious, piled high against the bridge.

"I have not seen any effort by Natural Resources to clear this build up."

A Natural Resources Wales spokesperson said: “NRW officers are aware of reports of debris in the river at Bangor-on-Dee Bridge and are currently liaising with colleagues at Wrexham County Borough Council to discuss the effects of this debris.”