Going batty over Cilgwrgan Bridge repairs

Bats could prevent work from starting on the Cilgwrgan Bridge, Aberbechan, near Newtown, it has emerged.

It is understood that bats living under the structure might mean work strengthening it will have to be delayed until conservation officials give it the go ahead.

The bridge was closed last year after structural defects were found in it. The route links the main A483 to Aberbechan and forms a back route to Newtown, as well as Bettws and Tregynon. Montgomeryshire AM Russell George has said he understands bats could cause a delay.

He said in a Facebook post: "Well I understand that the bridge is infested with bats. We already knew that the Environment Agency would not allow work to start as that would upset the fish. We also know that a lot of people are not happy with all the inconvenience. So the question is, who is more important: fish, bats or people?"

MyNewtown has asked Powys County Council for an update on the bridge and whether the bat infestation is causing a delay to possible works starting.