Calls for Dyfi bridge replacement to take priority

The bridge on the A487 is hit by localised flooding and has been damaged when struck by lorries

A 200-year-old Grade II-listed, flood-hit bridge between Powys and Gwynedd must be replaced, a former Gwynedd council leader says.

Morgan Vaughan says the Dyfi Bridge at Machynlleth is an essential link between north Wales and Aberystwyth.

Four options for the Dyfi Bridge have been unveiled by the Welsh government.

Campaigners in Machynlleth have long complained that residents face a 20-mile detour when Dyfi bridge is closed by floods or damaged by vehicles.

The options include raising the road or a new bridge either up or down stream of the existing crossing.

On Friday a Llanrwst councillor appealed for action to safeguard a 400-year-old bridge there.

In Llanrwst Pont Fawr (big bridge), built in 1636, is the main route between Trefriw, Dolgarrog and Llanrwst in Conwy.

It has in recent years suffered damage from lorries and buses using the crossing and town councillor Baroness Christine Humphreys wants it to be better protected.