A scheme to protect residents in Ruthin who have been flooded out of their homes on numerous occasions has been approved.

The project, which will cost just under �1m, was agreed during a meeting of Denbighshire councillors on Wednesday.

I couldn't see that they would turn it down, the only problem is it'll take five months to complete

June Jones, Mwrog Street resident

The problem will be tackled by diverting water away from houses in Ruthin which were last flooded in October 2001.

Severe flooding has severely affected residential and commercial properties around the Mwrog Street and Borthyn areas of the town.

June Jones, who has lived in Mwrog Street for 14 years, and has been flooded out of her home four times welcomed the council's decision.

"It'll mean that we haven't got to jump out of bed all winter wondering if we've been flooded.

The town was badly effected by the floods

"I couldn't see that they would turn it down, the only problem is it'll take five months to complete."

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

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.

Improve protection

The local authority initiated the prevention project after business owners accused them of not tackling the problem.

The Welsh Assembly and the Environment Agency were drafted in last year to determine a flood alleviation scheme for the town.

Councillors carried out a consultation last year over the plans and more than 90% of the public were in favour of the initiative.

Eryl Williams, leader of the local authority, said the project will help Ruthin households.

"A lot of work has already been carried out to reduce the risks of further problems with flooding in the area.

"This scheme will dramatically improve protection for residential and business properties and we will be pushing ahead with these plans as soon as possible."