THE site in Llanrwst for the National Eisteddfod has been changed because of health and safety concerns.

The Eisteddfod organisers have received a technical report that raise concerns about parts of the site. It also detail risks of flooding on the site and it has become apparent that the Eisteddfod could not be insured on the basis of current plans.

Llanrwst suffered last week from flooding when rains raised the level of the River Conwy.

As a result, over recent days the management board of the Eisteddfod has authorised plans to adapt preparations, emphasising that health and safety is a priority in planning the maes site and its facilities.

Betsan Moses, chief executive of the National Eisteddfod, said: “While these concerns were raised prior to last week's flooding in the area, those floods have illustrated clearly the importance of adapting our plans. We're working hard to formulate new plans to keep the Eisteddfod as close to Llanrwst as possible so all the wonderful hard work that has been done locally can come to fruition this August as intended."

“We’re hopeful that it will be possible to solve the problems but if necessary, we will look beyond the site we have for a solution. That could mean having to move to a completely new site within the Llanrwst area, but we are working hard to avoid that.

“Introducing changes to the Eisteddfod site is not a step we would wish to take at this stage of the preparations of course. However, considering the strength of the health and safety concerns, it is an essential step.

“We are fully determined that the 2019 Conwy County National Eisteddfod will be a great success both for local people and the huge numbers of visitors who will come to the area.”