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Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David has questioned whether flood defences erected at Ystrad Mynach’s dog track could be affected if it were to close.

The Welsh Government is considering a ban on greyhound racing, which could threaten Valley Greyhound Stadium – Wales’ only licensed track for the sport.

Speaking in the Senedd during the Storm Bert debate on November 26, Dr David said: “The concern that I’ve got is that the greyhound track, which sits in the Islwyn constituency but is adjacent to Ystrad Mynach, was flooded.

“I understand that the track themselves have carried out flood prevention work, and therefore it may have been worse there, and especially on the road above the racetrack adjacent to Ystrad.”

The Labour MS continued: “What assessment has the government made of the flood defences that have been put in place by the track and around that area, and what concerns has the cabinet secretary got should that track become derelict land?”

Responding, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “We don’t as Welsh Government make our own direct assessment in those local areas and so on. We quite properly put that to the risk management authorities, and they look at all the assets within a particular area that can contribute to flood resilience and flood management.

“So rather than fall to Welsh Government, it is those people who know on the ground, much closer to the ground, what contributes to flood management and risk management within their areas.

“So if you or constituents have queries on particular assets and their contribution to it, could I direct you then to that risk management authority, which includes, of course, your local authority there within the area as well?”