Ruthin was flooded four times in four years

North Wales AM Brynle Williams has made the claims in a letter to Welsh Environment Minister Carwyn Jones.

He has asked to see a written report about the scheme sent from Denbighshire Council to Mr Jones in Cardiff.

Denbighshire Council say the scheme, which has received 85% funding from the Assembly, has risen to �3.2m so far, but this is due to increased costs.

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

I believe the cost will rise to about �4m when it's all finished Brynle Williams AM

The figure has increased because initial tenders were sought before costs 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 is re-directed to join the River Clwyd.

The water is then be carried away from the town.

A council spokesman claims the figure is expected to rise to �3.4 m and not �4m, this is because contractors bills are still coming in and landowners need compensation for inconvenience caused.

Flood prevention

"I believe the cost will rise to about �4m when it's all finished," said AM Brynle Williams.

"I want to know why this scheme has escalated to �3.2m and I believe it will now go nearer to �4m."

Mr Williams claims constituents he has spoken to are "up in arms because other jobs need doing, equally seriously in the county".

"Council houses in Denbighshire want renovating, schools are in need of repair and need decoration," he said.

However, the local authority say the majority of the money they are spending has come from the Welsh assembly.

They have already granted �2.25m towards the scheme and the council say they will ask for extra money again.

The flood defence scheme began operating in October 2003 and many residents believe it has prevented their homes from any further flooding.