NEWS
Flooding at The Groe – What We Are Doing and What’s Next
Author: Cllr Mike Bugler
Flooding at The Gro has been a real headache for residents and businesses, and we know how disruptive and worrying it can be. Gwernyfed Community Council has been working hard behind the scenes to push for solutions and keep things moving. Here’s what’s been happening and what we’re doing next.
Over many years the river has shifted towards the Gwernyfed side (right hand bank), and heavy rainfall can push water levels up beyond 4 metres. When that happens, the earthen bund gets overwhelmed, stormwater enters the sewers, and sewage can force its way out of manholes. It’s not just unpleasant, it’s a serious health risk and makes access impossible for some residents, including an elderly lady who relies on home care.
One of the most vulnerable residents is an elderly lady who depends on daily home care. Although her property sits on slightly higher ground, flooding has repeatedly made it impossible for her care team to reach her. Other homes and local businesses have also suffered significant disruption.
In recent years, Gwernyfed Council has joined affected residents, business owners, and County Councillor in discussions with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Welsh Water and Powys County Council in trying to determine the exact issues (flood defence defects, sewage network defects or surface water drain defects) and find potential solutions. NRW is responsible for managing flood defences on designated main rivers, such as the River Wye. PCC is responsible for managing surface water and the drain network, while Welsh Water manages the sewer network and works to prevent sewage flooding during extreme weather.
What We’ve Achieved So Far:
– Powys County Council have cleared the culvert which drains rainwater into the river when it is low enough and there is a non-return valve to stop the flow of water backfilling the access to the Gro when the river level is higher than the pipe discharging into it. Presently, they are being chased to do this on a much more regular basis.
– Welsh Water has tried sealing manholes without much success and further measures have been instituted. Alan Griffith Contractors have been appointed to carry out works by Welsh Water which is hoped will deal with sewerage discharges in the Groe.
– Since the original meeting several years ago, the short-term solution has been to employ a local contractor to pump the excess water back into the river. Gwernyfed Community Council has paid for this for an average of approximately £1,000 on each occasion.
What We Are Working On:
- Affected local residents and businesses, with ourselves, are engaging in ongoing discussions with all key partners—including Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Powys County Council, and Welsh Water—to identify a sustainable, long-term solution to flooding in our area.
- While funding and priorities present challenges, we are committed to keeping Gwernyfed’s needs on the agenda and working together toward practical improvements.
- Exploring opportunities to incorporate flood alleviation measures into the upcoming Glasbury Bridge project. This major scheme offers a chance for meaningful progress if all stakeholders can align on feasible options.
Looking Ahead:
There is some light on the matter in the medium term, in as much as Glasbury bridge is due to have major construction work carried out on it, and it is hoped that, with many contributing partners in the project, the necessary works can be included in the multimillion-pound project.
This isn’t a quick fix, but we’re not giving up. Pressure from residents, businesses, and the Council continues, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
How You Can Help:
If you’re affected by flooding or have ideas for solutions, please get in touch. Your input matters and strengthens our case for action.
Contact Us:
Email: clerk@gwernyfed.co.uk
Together, we can make a difference.
Mike