Over the weekend, Monmouth experienced some of the worst flooding seen in the area for over 40 years. My thoughts are with the residents and businesses that have been impacted by the weekend’s events.

I want to pay tribute to the excellent work of both our emergency services and Monmouthshire County Council staff for their tireless efforts over the weekend in supporting the town of Monmouth and other impacted areas.

On Saturday I visited Monmouth to see the damage for myself, and what I saw was devastating, and upon speaking to affected residents, it’s clear this latest flooding has been one of the hardest knocks they have faced.

Despite some of the flood water draining away, the vast majority of Monnow Street remained under water, with the emergency services using dinghies to navigate it.

Countless businesses have been washed out, others have been left without power, and even more remain under water still, not knowing the extent of the damage they face, it was utterly crushing.

Yet, amid the devastation, I saw a community pulling together. A rest centre had been set up in the Leisure Centre, supporting residents and providing them with a place to rest, whilst alternative accommodation was sorted.

Donations of clothing, food, and toiletries filled the rest centre and Methodist Church, with more arriving every few minutes. That solidarity will have brought comfort to those displaced.

I only dedicated my column to the topic of flooding a few weeks ago, and its awful that I am having to discuss this once again so quickly, especially after such a traumatic incident.

I met with the Deputy First Minster in Monmouth on Saturday and pressed hard the need for funding for businesses within the town, not only to get them through this period, but back on their feet properly. In the run up to Christmas, this was the last thing they needed.

I will also be calling on the Welsh Government to immediately make available whatever support they can for affected residents, businesses and communities. We must support them in every way we can.

The coming days, weeks and months will be very challenging for those affected by Storm Claudia, but I and my office stand ready to help.

I would ask that all residents across the county remain vigilant over the coming weeks, as the winter weather increases. Please keep away from badly affected areas, and don’t put yourselves at any risk, exacerbating pressure on our emergency services.