Call for more work to solve flood problem

More work is needed to tackle re-occurring flooding on a Mid Wales bridge which causes traffic chaos in the area every time the river floods, according to a leading councillor.

Councillor Michael Williams, Powys County Council member for Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, has been fighting to get flood work carried out on the A487 Dyfi Bridge in Machynlleth for several years.

At the council's Montgomeryshire meeting in Welshpool yesterday, he called upon Mike Steward, from the Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, to do more to help tackle the flooding.

"Traffic chaos is created every time the river floods in Machynlleth because of the problems on Dyfi bridge," said Councillor Williams.

"This causes chaos due to broken down vehicles and people turning around.

"We have been calling on the Welsh Assembly Government for as long as I can remember to get the problem sorted."

Councillor Williams said that despite the excellent work carried out by the agency when problems occur, more long-term work needed to be done.

He said the Welsh Assembly Government was looking into the possibility of widening and strengthening the Grade II-listed bridge over the River Dovey. Councillor Williams said: "The bridge is currently in a poor state.

"One day I fear a vehicle will go through the wall and into the river."

Mr Steward accepted there were problems on the bridge and said everything was being done to ensure things could move forward.