Angry residents in Brecon have said they are considering referring Powys County Council to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales as a fence which was damaged during storms last year remains un-repaired.

The group from the Watton have said they are worried that if repairs are not completed before the winter this year, that further damage could cause a health and safety risk to drivers who use the car park.

The fence was damaged during the February storms last year which saw parts of the country battered by heavy rain and wind as well as flooding.

Several panels of the car park fence were torn down by the wind leaving “gaping unsightly spaces” which the residents say they have asked the council to repair as they have done in the past.

Photos of the fencing show a gaping hole which is metres long and filled only with a yellow piece of tape revealing the Coronavirus testing centre behind.

However, a spokesperson speaking on behalf of the group said that after they went to the council, no conclusion was reached as they were initially told that the residents were responsible for the repairs.

They said: "Earlier last year during February storms, several panels of the car park fence off the Watton blew down leaving gaping unsightly spaces, which the residents asked the Council to repair, as they had in the past.

"As well as looking unsightly at the rear of their premises, residents considered the gaps created a security risk, especially since the establishment of the Covid Testing Station on the car park with much increased pedestrian traffic. Electric car charging points had also been constructed nearby.

“Upon raising the issue with the Council it was suggested that residents themselves were responsible for the repairs, despite Powys having previously effected them.

“Subsequent communications between residents and the council failed to reach a conclusion for many months, with the council referring matters to their legal and other departments regarding boundary etc considerations.”

Powys council has acknowledged that the fence is the responsibility of the council, however the group said it has claimed that they cannot repair it this year as their budget has been directed to repairing other car park surfaces which are considered to be dangerous.

The group said that while the council put forward erecting a new fence for around £30,000, they estimate the current fence could be repaired for less than two thirds of the cost - around £18,000.

The spokesperson said: “It was also suggested that rather than fixing the few new panels affected, it would be better to erect a completely new fence around the car park which would cost some £30,000, with no guarantee when the money could be found.

“Some residents sought an estimate from a local contractor who suggested a more realistic cost would be £18,000.

“Residents fear that if repairs are not effected before the winter, further damage could pose a health and safety risk to users of the car park and their vehicles along with the continuing security risk.”

When approached for a comment about the car park fence, a Powys County Council spokesman said: “The council has agreed that although the fence is not a legal boundary and that there is no obligation for repairs, it will repair the fence.

“Estimates for the cost have been sought and work will be carried out when budgets are available.”