ST ASAPH came within “inches” of seeing a repeat of 2012’s devastating floods as communities across the region had close calls after enduring heavy rainfall on Boxing Day.

Flooding in St Asaph three years ago led to one person dying and the city was close to devastation.

Heavy rain on Christmas Day and Boxing Day caused the River Elwy to rise and temporary defences were set up to give protection to homes in the Roe Park area.

St Asaph county councillor and flood warden Bill Cowie said: “It was a very close call, we were just inches away from overtopping and I was very concerned on Boxing Day.

“I was out most of the day trying to reassure people.”

But one city business was not so lucky as the New Inn pub on Lower Denbigh Road has been closed since Boxing Day.

Landlady Michelle Hargreaves said: “It started to flood and came through fields and then into our cellar, it was three feet deep. We lost our electricity, heating and hot water. We also lost quite a bit of stock and everything in them.”

This was a first Christmas in the pub for the Hargreaves family and the loss of trade has been a blow.

Barmaid Leanne Hargreaves said: “This was our first Christmas here and we had been looking forward to it. Boxing Day was going to be busy and I had to tell people that we were closing but they were lovely about it.”

Cllr Cowie said this should be a wake-up call for the authorities to improve flood defences.

“The emergency services were very good and there were at least three members of Natural Resources Wales out. Everything worked as well as it could but more needs to be done. There is money promised to improve the flood defences but people have to jump through all sorts of hoops to get it.

“This last week should make it clear to the powers that be that this is an urgent matter and they need to get funding for improved defences to make people feel more secure,” he said.

City mayor Peter Scott paid tribute to the emergency services and the flood wardens who volunteered throughout Christmas and Cllr Cowie added that it was time the government started work on their promise of £3 million flood defences.

Parts of Ruthin also suffered in 2012 and there were worries that the town could see similar flooding, but thankfully it did not happen.

Ruthin mayor Anne Roberts said: “I was in touch with the council lead cabinet member during the day who gave me an update and used social media to keep people updated to try to alleviate peoples' fears.

“I would like to thank all those who worked tirelessly during the period in atrocious conditions, the council and fire and rescue in particular. We in Ruthin were very fortunate.”

There will be no let up for North Wales as the region was getting ready for Storm Frank to hit the UK last night (Tuesday).

If you are concerned by the possibility of flooding in your area, or if you require information and advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.