Work is going on to clear storm damage
WORK is ongoing to clear a trail of destruction left in the wake of Storm Arwen along the A484 between the Carmarthenshire villages of Bronwydd and Cynwyl Elfed.
Carmarthenshire Council has had to bring in specialist contractors to help with the removal of over 60 large trees damaged during the storm which struck overnight on November 27.
A section of road between the two villages will remain closed until next week while the clearance work continues. Specialist equipment is being used to clear and make the area safe.
It is the largest tree clearance operation the council has faced after a high winds storm.
Strong 60mph gusts of wind hit the county, causing extensive damage and left trees on the hillside above the road unusually exposed.
The road closure has meant a lengthy diversion for drivers travelling between Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn.
The council is working closely with contractors to minimise the disruption and to maintain safe access for residents living within the stretch of road which has been closed off.
Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for environment, said: “Storm Arwen resulted in a number of trees being brought down onto our roads throughout the county, but the A484 was particularly affected and a section south of Cynwyl Elfed had to be closed for safety reasons.
“We have two specialist contractors working on site to clear the road and make it safe to reopen as soon as possible, but this will take some time.
“This is a challenging situation and we are working hard to ensure the road is safe to open as soon as possible but please bear with us if there are any delays, we will provide an update as soon as we can.”
Carmarthenshire Council’s highways team recorded 150 fallen trees and 30 other weather-related incidents in just 24 hours during the storm.
The council dealt with hundreds of calls and staff were mobilised throughout the night and day to deal with the damage caused by the high winds.