Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch visited Monmouth to assess flood damage from Storm Claudia, meeting affected residents and business owners, including Bar 125 which had just reopened with limited service after flooding.

During the visit, Badenoch stopped at Bar 125 to speak with local residents, MS Peter Fox, county councillors, and business representatives as part of assessing recovery needs.

Badenoch, accompanied by Welsh Tory leader Darren Millar, underscored that business owners affected by floods need continued support and clearer access to funding.

She criticized perceived gaps in support, noting commitments from Welsh and UK authorities but saying residents have not yet received sufficient help.

Mim Davies is pursuing insurance-related issues for affected residents, while emergency workers were praised for their dedication, often balancing part-time rescue roles with full-time commitments.

Local gratitude was extended to emergency workers and volunteers who worked long hours during the flood weekend.

Emergency crews and fire services were highlighted for their willingness to volunteer locally despite full-time jobs elsewhere.

Badenoch shared a personal anecdote about flash flooding near her Essex home to illustrate the dangers and urgency of support for flood victims.

Gillian Haycock described the devastation at Chippenham Court flats for residents over 60, noting a resident’s terminally ill father-in-law was surrounded by four feet of floodwater and that many residents remain displaced or unemployed due to closures.

Residents and business owners reported the flood’s impact, including the destruction of the elderly retirement flats at Chippenham Court and ongoing displacement.

Gillian Haycock recounted returning from Cambridge to find her father-in-law’s home amid four feet of water and highlighted continuing damage to privately owned flats affecting about 20 residents.

Darren Millar stressed ongoing concerns about access to funding and insurance, while Peter Fox worked with the Welsh Government to secure support, and locals feared future events without adequate help.

Residents and business owners emphasized insurance and funding challenges, with Millar noting efforts by Fox and the Welsh Government but signaling that current support may be insufficient.

Authorities began or planned measures for flood relief and community support, while the UK government’s response remained an open matter at the time of reporting.

Badenoch said the flood event may be unprecedented in 35 years, asking if it was anticipated and stressing the urgency of preparedness and response.

Councilor Martin Newell recalled early flood alerts and described extensive damage on High Street as Badenoch discussed preparedness.

The Welsh Government announced financial relief for residents and businesses, including council tax and business rates relief, delivered through Monmouthshire County Council.

Monmouthshire County Council and local Conservative figures pushed for additional support via the UK Government’s Pride in Place fund beyond the already allocated 1.5 million.

The floods affected local employment, with eight shop staff losing jobs due to closures, and residents facing insurance-related challenges.

Councillor Martin Newell recalled overnight flood alarms, noting extensive damage on High Street and job losses at a nearby chip shop, alongside broader insurance struggles for residents near two rivers.

The visit highlighted Bar 125’s reopening after floods and the evacuation of a retirement flats block on Monnow Street, with some residents evacuated for the second time in 2025.

Bar 125 owners said floods hit eight days after opening, but a rapid volunteer response and council support allowed the kitchen to reopen within ten days.

Bar 125 owners emphasized the swift community response via social media and the timely kitchen reopening with council and environmental health support.

Darren Millar noted expectations of UK government support, which Badenoch said has not materialized.