Ruthin has been flooded on several occasions

Denbighshire County Council has confirmed that measures to protect Ruthin from further floods will now cost �3m - twice the original �1.5m estimate.

Since 1998, there have been a number of separate floods resulting from problems with a culvert, which runs from Mwrog Street to the River Clwyd.

Following a recent visit by members of the assembly, they agreed to give Denbighshire County Council the requested �300,000.

"This is very welcome news," said councillor Eryl Williams.

"We have provided information on the first round of the contract variations and they are prepared to give grant support to all of these costs."

Costs

Although not fully complete, the works could, if necessary, deal with a flooding emergency.

It is expected to be fully operational by the end of November.

People living in Ruthin had been promised defences to prevent further damage to their homes after the area flooded four times in four years.

It is believed the project cost increased because initial tenders were sought before prices were finalised to ensure the scheme was completed as soon as possible.

When the final costs were added up, variations to contracts, compensation, land acquisition prices and changes to the scheme from outside agencies pushed the bill up.

Under the new project a brook which runs under the street and along farmland to Denbigh Road will be re-directed to join the River Clwyd.

The water will then be carried away from the town.