A popular country park on the Denbighshire-Flintshire border has been forced to shut its gates after being hit by severe flooding. Loggerheads Country Park near Mold has fast-flowing water running through it following a full day of relentless rain. The park’s visitor centre and Caffi Florence were closed, with access to the tea gardens also cut off.
Efforts to bolster flood defences at Loggerheads following significant flooding in 2023 were not completed in time to prevent the latest deluge. Catherine Metcalfe, head chef at Caffi Florence, discovered the flooding upon her arrival for work. She noted that certain areas, including the mill and Oriel Gallery, had been flooded. Sandbags were being prepared as a precaution.
Last October, Loggerheads Country Park faced a temporary closure due to devastating floods following Storm Babet. Repair work was carried out swiftly, with plans to enhance flood defences by mid-October. However, the autumn rain arrived early this year, causing flooding once again. The alert warned about potential flooding in surrounding areas due to the River Alyn swelling.
Natural Resources Wales issued flood alerts for various areas, including the River Alyn near Mold and the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen. Property flooding is possible, and flood defences have been activated. The warnings advised against travelling through affected areas.
The community rallied to manage the situation, with residents being vigilant and authorities monitoring the flood levels closely. Although facing challenges, the park staff and local authorities were prepared to handle the flooding and mitigate further damage. The resilience shown in the face of adversity highlights the community’s strength and unity during times of crisis.