A Talgarth welcome sign is believed to have been thrown into a river after it was found face down in the water adjacent to the A479 on Bronllys Road.

Talgarth local and Chair of Powys County Council, William Powell, reported the incident to the police on Sunday, 23 November. He said: “This afternoon I had cause to report a curious and disturbing incident, which resulted in the Talgarth Welcome Signage alongside the A479 on Bronllys Road, Talgarth being thrown into the adjacent river, just near the bridge which leads to the Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water treatment works.

“One of the two support posts remained in location, but the other had evidently been worked free and removed from the scene.”

He then pointed to other possible vandalism cases: “The 101 operative was extremely helpful and supportive when I made the report - and I would like my thanks to be extended to her.

“During the call, I referred to previous incidents of tampering or sabotage along the A479, that have previously been reported to the Police or the Trunk Road Agency, respectively. These involved damage to the Trunk Road Agency Wall adjacent to the A479 at Trefecca Road and elements of the wall and other items being strewn on the carriageway. This was reported by local resident, Mrs Jacqueline Wilding, as long ago as April 2025 - but has gone unsolved.

“More recently in late September, there was a similar theft of a support post and evidence of tampering with signage - again involving welcome signage - adjacent to the A479 at Pengenffordd. On that occasion, I reported the incident to Dean Williams of the Trunk Road Agency, who put in hand early replacement of the missing sign strut.

“Whilst mentioning these previous incidents might appear futile, I think it could be relevant in establishing a pattern of behaviour/sabotage locally, which needs to be investigated, addressed and potentially punished.”

The sign has since been removed from the river using gloves to protect any forensic evidence.

Police have been contacted for a comment.