Here's the latest Argus column by Newport West AM Jayne Bryant:

THE recent storms have been devastating for many across Wales and the rest of the UK.

The emergency services and local authorities have worked incredibly hard and the way communities have pulled together has been outstanding.

However the impact of these floods will be felt for months or years.

Lessons need to be learnt and if this is to be the new normal in our weather we must look to strengthen our defences for the future.

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I raised this with the first minister in the Senedd.

While Newport didn’t see the levels of devastation by floods in other parts of Wales, I visited some of the worst parts in Newport West affected by flooding.

The River Ebbw was at worrying levels in Duffryn and at Bassaleg, and whilst the defences mainly held, in many places this was a matter of centimetres.

The Welsh Government has made up to £1,000 available as immediate relief to anyone affected by the recent flooding caused by the storms.

- If you are worried about flooding, there is a free flood warning service which enables you to get warnings if your home or business is at risk by phone, email or text.

To sign up, phone Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or search flood warnings on Natural Resources Wales website.

- One of the blights in our communities is litter.

Over the last few years there have been some great community groups who help clean up our local areas.

These volunteers across our city make a big difference.

Much of what is found is made of plastic.

A Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in Wales is being looked at.

There will be a further consultation to look at the specifics of a scheme - such as what types of containers the scheme will cover; the deposit level and how bottles will be collected - later this year.

In addition the Welsh Government has an ambition to move beyond just recycling and to further phase out single use plastics and reduce all types of waste.

The consultation ‘Beyond Recycling’ is asking for your views about how this can be done.

It closes on April 3.

If you’d like a copy of the consultation please get in touch with me.

- If you live in Newport West and would like to get in touch with me on any issue, you can contact me at Jayne.Bryant@assembly.wales or 01633 376627.