A petition calling for a new crossing of the River Severn at a village near Welshpool in Powys has been handed over to the councillor responsible for roads and bridges in the county. The petition was created by village resident and former Powys council deputy leader Graham Brown, says the Shropshire Star.

The bridge has suffered significant damage on several occasions which has led to prolonged road closures.

Mr Brown said:

“These disruptions have caused considerable inconvenience to the local community, hindering businesses and posing challenges for families reliant on school transport.

“A new bridge would ensure a reliable transport route that accommodates the contemporary traffic demands of our community, preserves the historical integrity of the existing bridge, and most importantly, safeguards the everyday lives of countless residents.”

It followed an incident which saw the bridge damaged and B4393 road which it carries closed for several weeks from the end of October 2025.

Part of the parapet was struck by a vehicle, with a chunk of masonry falling into the River Severn which flows below the Grade I listed bridge, which was built between 1769 and 1775. Last month the road was again closed for a period overnight to allow Powys council to recover the stone from the river.

Following Powys County Councils annual meeting last week, local councillor for an area that spans both sides of the bridge, Cllr Lucy Roberts, presented the petition to cabinet member for Highways Transport and Recycling, Cllr Jackie Charlton.

Cllr Roberts said:

“I presented Cllr Charlton, with a petition asking for funding to be allocated by Powys County Council and the Welsh Government for the construction of a new bridge over the River Severn at Llandrinio. I will also be presenting copies to our new Senedd Members.

“The petition will help to support the business case for a new bridge which is being developed by a working group representing Community Councils from both sides of the bridge.”

(Picture: Mapillary)