Ystradgynlais residents scared as gardens crumble into river

Mr Davies, 56, who has lived on Llys Tawel his whole life, said he first reported his concerns, to both the council and NRW, more than a decade ago – after a sinkhole appeared at the bottom of his garden.

He said residents of two houses have had “no help at all” since the wall’s collapse.

“They’re trying to say it’s our responsibility, but all of the evidence we’ve accumulated has pointed to the fact that the council is the owner of the wall,” he said.

Mr Davies said he had looked through archives of council meetings and found the wall was built by Brecon council in 1912 following flooding in the area.

“That’s obviously now Powys council, so it’s still their responsibility,” he said.

“I’ve had many sleepless nights over it. I’ve had ill health, it’s not only a financial worry but it’s affecting our physical and mental health.

“We’re terrified because it’s just a constant worry about what will we’ll see when we wake up in the morning.”