A colossal steel fence has sprung up at a picturesque Welsh beauty spot, stirring up a storm of controversy among local villagers who have dubbed it the ‘Great Wall of Clydach’. The imposing 2.1-metre-tall galvanized steel palisade stretches approximately 200 metres along Pwll Du Road, which has been barricaded to traffic for the past five years, snaking its way across Gilwern Mountain in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Residents of the quaint village of Clydach recently gathered at a heated meeting at the local village hall to confront councillors and officials, demanding the removal of the monumental fence. The council’s decision to erect the fence without prior notice over a three-day period has sparked outrage among locals, who feel left in the dark about the future of the road and the sudden appearance of the barrier.
Monmouthshire County Council, responsible for the contentious fence, has committed to addressing the villagers’ concerns swiftly once they establish the community’s preferences. Despite the initial intention for the fence to be a temporary measure lasting nine months, the council is now open to the possibility of taking it down sooner, depending on feedback from the local populace.
The high cost of £40,000 to purchase and install the controversial fence has raised eyebrows among the residents. While the council rationalised the need for the fence citing safety concerns following a previous rockfall, residents have protested its presence, citing visual impact, safety hazards for road users, and the effect on local wildlife, including a breeding pair of peregrine falcons at the nearby quarry.
At the heart of the dispute is the safety of the road, which has been deemed precarious due to its proximity to the cliff edge. Council representatives explained that rockfalls posed a significant threat to road users and highlighted the legal implications of overlooking safety measures, emphasising the need to prevent potential accidents that could lead to prosecution for corporate manslaughter.
Local farmer Wayne Elliot, a vocal critic of the fence, challenged the council’s approach, suggesting alternative solutions such as shifting the road further back into the mountain. However, council officials clarified that the cost and technical challenges associated with such a proposal make it unfeasible, with estimates exceeding £1 million and the necessity for heavy machinery on unstable terrain.
The growing discontent among villagers has prompted calls for improved communication between the council and the community, with assurances from council officers that efforts will be made to engage with residents and find a satisfactory resolution. Despite the council’s assertion that the fence was a necessary safety measure, residents remain adamant about their desire for its removal to restore the natural beauty of the area without compromising safety.
A follow-up public meeting has been scheduled for mid-May to further discuss the future of the fence and explore alternative solutions that address both safety concerns and residents’ preferences. As the debate rages on, the fate of the ‘Great Wall of Clydach’ hangs in the balance, symbolising the delicate balance between preserving safety and protecting the natural landscape in this picturesque corner of Wales.