November 4 last week was the fourth anniversary of the rockfall in the Elan Valley that closed the Devil’s Gulch, the very popular walking and cycling route.

It is still closed despite the best efforts of various groups and organisations to get Welsh Water, who own the path, to undertake the necessary works to make the Gulch safe again. Allowances have been made for the inevitable delay arising from Covid but nevertheless 4 years and counting is far too long to wait for it to re-open.

Welsh Water have committed to do the necessary works which, we understand, will cost a £1M plus. Earlier this year they said work would start in September. This was then put back to October and then ‘the autumn’. The latest public note from Welsh Water says “due to delays in securing some of the funding required, unfortunately we are unable to begin this work as soon as we had hoped. We are now hoping to be able to start works early in the New Year.” The note goes on to say they are working with the Council to get funding through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and the Mid Wales Growth Deal.

This is very worrying because previously Welsh Water has said that doing the work was not dependent on this external funding and that they would pick up the full bill if necessary. Welsh Water now appear to be saying that the work cannot go ahead until additional funding becomes available.

What is especially frustrating is that Welsh Water tell us all the design work is completed and specialist contractors have been appointed and works could now be underway

The problem is compounded by the decision to direct walkers and cyclists, who wish to by-pass the closure, onto a long stretch of narrow and windy road where they have to take great care to avoid motorists. This is a particular problem for those with mobility issues and those who use wheelchairs.

The message we are giving Welsh Water now is to please start the work as soon as possible so that the Devil’s Gulch can open again for the enjoyment of local people and visitors.

Graham Taylor

Footpath secretary, Powys Ramblers