Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones has demanded action after authorities dithered over a river wall collapse in Ystradgynlais.
Last Wednesday night, the wall surrounding the river Tawe in Ystradgynlais collapsed into the river, leaving homes exposed to the river without protection. Since 2020, Mrs Jones has approached a number of different agencies for support however requests for repair work have been ignored due to an argument over responsibility.
The wall was built in 1912 by Brecknock County Council. This was then subsumed into Powys County Council. However, Powys argues that the damage is caused by the flow of the water and is therefore the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales. NRW has deflected this by arguing that there is no need for action as this is not a flood plain.
Mrs Jones has visited the site several times after cracks and sinkholes appeared in gardens. Each time she has approached different bodies asking for help but no action has been taken. With the enormity of the river wall collapse, remedial work must now take place – whatever the cost.
Mrs Jones said:
“Last week’s collapse is the final straw for residents in Llys Tawel who have been trying to get help for years. It’s completely unacceptable that their requests for support should be ignored in this way.
All agencies need to get around the table immediately and work out a way forward. Residents don’t care who is responsible. They need to see urgent action before more of their homes slide into the river.
NRW and Powys County Council need to pull their finger out, come and see the damage and get on with the job. It is long past time that action should be taken.”