THE VILLAGE of Llanfair Clydogau, near Lampeter has been effectively cut in two following the partial collapse of its historic bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The temporary closure of Llanfair Bridge means residents of the eastern part of the village now face having to make a two-mile detour to get to the general store, post office and newsagents.

Two years ago the 170-year-old bridge was earmarked for a substantial overhaul which was cancelled at the eleventh hour owing to a lack of funds.

And Ceredigion County Council highway engineers have yet to give any indication as to how long the closure will last.

“There was a collapse of the masonry around one of the arches on Saturday afternoon,” local community councillor Alan Leech told the Cambrian News.

“The bridge is single carriageway and links the two halves of the parish of Llanfair, crossing the River Teifi.

“Half the village live on the east side and the other half live on the west. There is currently no way to get from one side of the village to the other without either taking a very long walk or a considerable drive.”

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