Prayers for those affected by recent storms

Prayers are being said across the Diocese of St Asaph for towns and villages affected by flooding over two successive weekends of storms.

The town of Llanrwst and the villages of Llanfair Talhaiarn, Llansannan and Llangernyw have been particularly badly affected with homes flooded, businesses closed, and people evacuated to temporary accommodation.

Members of those church congregations worked alongside their friends and neighbours to offer practical help and support to those in need.  All church services were cancelled at the weekend as the roads in and out of the affected towns and villages were closed and people were advised not to travel.  Parts of the city of St Asaph, roads near Bangor on Dee and areas around Corwen were also badly affected by the two storms.  Areas along the Welsh borders in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucester continue to be under threat of further flooding.

The Vicar of Llanfair Talhaiarn, Llansannan and Llangernyw, the Revd Gwenda Cooper said: “The flooding caused by Storm Ciara was the worst I’ve ever seen it.  The main road and fields were like a lake.  The second storm, Dennis, caused problems for the community of Llanfair Talhaiarn and members of the congregation at St Mary’s church joined others from the community in turning the local Memorial Hall into a shelter for those affected. I know some people have had to leave their homes and are staying with family and friends while flood damage is repaired.  I have been remembering all those affected by the flooding in my prayers.”

In Llanrwst, the vicar, the Revd Sarah Hildreth-Osborne, paid tribute to the emergency services and all those in the community who offered practical help and support. She said: “These storms have wreaked havoc in the town with some business owners telling me they won’t be able to re-open. There is a real sense of dis-ease among the whole community but people pulled together and are continuing to help each other.

“During the worst of Storm Ciara, people gathered at midnight to fill sandbags to prevent further flooding to the town. The town’s family centre is offering bedding, clothing and toys to people whose homes and possessions have been destroyed.”

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, expressed his concern for all those displaced from their homes by the flooding or whose business has been closed.  He said: “I have watched with dismay the disruption and devastation suffered in many parts of our Diocese and in other parts of the country.

“At times like this it can be hard to see beyond the distress, but there are some wonderful stories of community spirit; people filling sand bags, rescuing neighbours, shoring up defences with tractors, offering shelter to those displaced and coming together to help those in greatest need, responding with generosity and kindness.

“I wish to assure you of my prayers for those who have tragically lost their homes and businesses as a result of the recent storms.”

More heavy rain is forecast for north Wales over the coming days and communities continue to be on high alert for further flooding.

The Diocese of St Asaph is one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales, an independent Province of the Anglican Communion.  Regular services and activities take place in 216 churches and the diocese looks after 50 Church in Wales Schools across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and parts of Powys and Gwynedd.