A RETIRED doctor fears nature could reclaim the road leading to his house.

Dr Frank Williams claimed Powys council has failed to maintain the single track road which runs from the Dardy, near Llangattock to the Ffawyddog.

"For 30 odd years the council cleared that road very well once a year, it is only the last two years it has left leaves and debris to gather in the road. There were passing places on the road but they are now totally obscured," said the former hospital consultant.

"I think they have abandoned the road from the canal bridge up to the Ffawyddog, if so they need to say they can’t maintain it because they haven’t got the resources. They just won’t say it, it’s very frustrating.

"The council still need to maintain the road or it will return to nature.

"My wife, Ann, and I have cleared leaves with our shovels it is not as if we haven’t bothered and I have gritted a whole hill in the past, but I’m getting a bit past that now."

Dr Williams said as well as debris accumulating on the verges of the steep road he is concerned at the condition of its surface and the number of potholes.

Powys council has cut spending on highway maintenance by £1.5m over the past two years and its highways, transport and recycling service must save a further £5.9m over the next three years.

The doctor said he complained to the council over the condition of the road last summer and has made a number of complaints since February this year.

He said the council had carried out some repairs in March but said it stopped the work after complaints from the owner of a neighbouring property that his wall beside the road had been damaged.

Dr Williams said during this winter there were so many leaves on the road it was almost impassible.

"Vehicles have become stuck and I had to tow a post office van from the mud as it was that thick. I think emergency vehicles would have struggled to reach our property."

A spokesman for Powys council said: "We are aware of Dr Williams’ concerns and have met with him on site. The council is facing considerable financial pressures and has very limited resources to carryout repairs to minor roads, the highways service has to reduce funding by approximately £6m over the next three financial years. Repairs are assessed and ranked in priority order in accordance with the council’s approved policy."