Flooding associated with Manthrig Brook has been a long-standing concern for residents of Caersws. The brook, which flows through the eastern side of the village before joining the River Severn, has historically contributed to local flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and when high water levels in the Severn restrict its ability to drain freely.
Recognising these concerns, Caersws Community Council has continued to support the work of the local Flood Action Group (FLAG) and has worked closely with local residents, landowners and partner organisations to explore practical measures that could help reduce flood risk.
Supporting the Flood Action Group
During 2025, Councillor Malcolm Carroll, the Council’s representative on the Flood Action Group, regularly updated the Council on discussions taking place with residents and partner organisations.
As part of this work, the Council considered a proposal to undertake maintenance along approximately 303 metres of the Manthrig Brook. The aim was to remove accumulated vegetation and debris that had built up over time and may have been restricting the natural flow of the watercourse.
The proposal recognised that any work would require the appropriate permissions, environmental considerations and funding before it could proceed.
Balancing Flood Management with Biodiversity
The Community Council was keen to ensure that any work carried out respected the natural environment.
An independent ecological assessment was commissioned before work commenced, helping to identify any environmental constraints and ensuring that maintenance could be undertaken responsibly.
Following the ecological advice, the Council secured the necessary permissions from Powys County Council and the relevant landowners before agreeing to fund the work. ECOLOGY REPORT
At its meeting in February 2026, councillors formally approved the maintenance works, together with the ecological assessment and permit costs, with the intention of reviewing whether the intervention improved water flow through this section of the bro
Working Together
This project demonstrates how local flood resilience often relies on partnership working.
The maintenance was only possible through the combined efforts of:
- the Flood Action Group;
- local landowners;
- Powys County Council;
- the independent ecologist;
- local contractors; and
- Caersws Community Council, which provided funding and oversight.
While no single maintenance project can eliminate flooding, improving the condition of ordinary watercourses can help reduce local restrictions to flow and forms one part of a wider approach to flood management.
A One-Off Community Council Initiative
It is important to note that this work does not mean that Caersws Community Council has become responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Manthrig Brook.
Responsibility for ordinary watercourses rests with the relevant riparian landowners, with regulatory responsibilities remaining with the appropriate authorities.
The Council’s decision to fund this work was a one-off community initiative, undertaken in response to local flooding concerns, with the aim of supporting the Flood Action Group and assessing whether targeted maintenance could make a positive difference.
Future maintenance of the brook will continue to be the responsibility of those with the relevant legal duties.
Looking Ahead
The Community Council will continue to support initiatives that improve community resilience while protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Projects such as this demonstrate that careful environmental management and biodiversity can go hand in hand with practical measures that benefit residents and help safeguard our community for the future.
Any queries please contact clerk@caerswscommunitycouncil.gov.uk
