A CEREDIGION business is “fearing the worst” ahead of September high tides, after Natural Resources Wales failed to find a permanent solution to a breach in the Afon Leri embankment.

Cwtch-ni Dog Hotel and Greenacre Nursery, in Ynyslas, was bought by Nia and Wayne Edwards around two years ago and is on Cors Fochno; a raised peat bog.

Wayne said Natural Resources Wales has allowed the Leri, which runs through the bog, to fall into a “state of disrepair” after the bank breached three times in the past 11 months alone.

While the couple have managed to “dodge the bullet” and avoid the flooding of their home and business so far, Nia and Wayne fear the high tides this weekend will flood their home and business.

Martin Cox, head of Mid Wales Operations for NRW, said: “We have installed a temporary barrier that will protect properties ahead of the next high tide on 16 September.

“We also have staff on standby to assist with pumps if necessary.”

NRW added: “The temporary repair [of the breach] was made of the peat and other material that was readily available from the site of the breach having been washed out from the embankment.”

Wayne expressed frustration at NRW for using peat, which has not been successful in maintaining the embankment previously, and has instead suggested clay and stone as a permanent and durable solution.

He claims he has been told by NRW workers that a repair with stone and clay could be done in a couple of days, but that their “hands were tied” by the management.

NRW said it is looking to implement a “medium-term repair as soon as possible”, but that this will entail a “considerable cost” and importing large quantities of material.

However, Nia suggested it would cost NRW more if all the businesses and homes flooded on Cors Fochno.

Wayne said: “We fear a tsunami of salt-water cascading out of the riverbed, down into the parallel Pwll Du drainage ditch, which has been neglected by NRW and is now chocked with weeds and mud.”

Nia added: “It poses a risk to us, our home, our livelihood, our business reputation. We feel anger and frustration that they could have done something to help.

“We’ve exhausted every avenue. Nobody is telling us anything. If we could see they were doing something, that would be fine.”

Nia and Wayne also expressed concern for the wildlife of the bog.

The Countryside Council for Wales’ Core Management Plan for Cors Fochno said of raised bogs: “Flooding with sea water (or groundwater) has the potential to destroy the site conservation features.”

The couple, who have lost £19,000 in dog kennel bookings alone due to the pandemic, fear they may have to close until after Christmas: “Coronavirus was difficult enough for a two-year business. We used the grant to reroof the kennels. We can’t be out of business for months.”