Promise made to finish up workings

Flood defence engineers investigating how Builth Wells can be protected have assured residents work will be completed in time for the Royal Welsh Show.

Welsh Water experts started exploratory work in Builth Wells six weeks ago, as part of its planning to alleviate the flooding risk .

Strand Street was closed on July 3 and was due to reopen today.

Engineers have been digging into the road to carry out ground investigations and have assured residents the work will be completed in time for the next week's event.

Gwyn Thomas, for Welsh Water, said: "We have been working closely with Powys County Council highways authority to ensure the work is carried out safely and quickly.

"Investigation work has been necessary to understand the ground conditions in the area for the proposed route of the new waste water pipes and associated apparatus to deal with flooding issues and future growth."

He said the River Wye, which runs through Builth Wells, had been placed on various flood warnings and flood watches by the Environmental Agency over the last few years.

Mr Thomas said: "We will definitely have completed the work on time for the opening of the Royal Welsh Show.

"And we hope to have the results of our investigation within the next few months."