MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones has demanded action and accused authorities of ‘dithering’ following a river wall collapse in Ystradgynlais.

Last Wednesday night/Thursday morning, the wall surrounding the River Tawe in Ystradgynlais collapsed into the river, leaving homes exposed to the river without protection.

Photos and videos taken by a local resident reveal a large part of gardens, along with debris and a crumbling boundary wall in the river.

Last week, Powys County Council said the lead authority for the case is Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as the River Tawe is designated as a main river.

"We have passed details on to them and they should be contacted for further information,” said a council spokesperson.

The MP has now said NRW has deflected this by arguing that there is no need for action as this is not a flood plain.

The Brecon & Radnor Express has approached NRW for comment regarding this claim.

Since 2020, Mrs Jones has approached a number of different agencies for support, but says her 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.

The MP 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. She says that 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.”

The Brecon & Radnor Express has approached both Powys County Council and Natural Resources Wales for further comment.