Waterfall to stay shut for months

Sgwd yr Eira falls attract visitors from around the world

Walkers have said it is "appalling" a popular waterfall tourist attraction will remain closed until next year.

In May, the Brecon Beacons National Park said that Sgwd yr Eira had to be fenced off for safety reasons amid concerns over unstable rocks.

The park now says work will not start until at least January, which brought criticism from The Ramblers in Wales.

As one of the few waterfalls which people are able to walk behind, it used to attract 160,000 visitors a year.

Earlier this year, health and safety officials were called in amid concerns about rocks above the waterfall, which is in an area known as waterfall country near Ystradfellte, in the upper Neath valley.

Their inspection led to people being barred two months ago from the waterfall and the path leading to it.

They need to get their fingers out and step things up a bit Mike Mills, rambler

The national park said, until the area was deemed safe, it would remain "fenced off in the interests of visitor safety".

It has now emerged that remedial work will not start for another six months at the earliest.

Mike Mills, of The Ramblers in Wales, said: "That's appalling, bearing in mind this is one of the key tourist attractions in the Brecon Beacons.

"There are obviously health and safety concerns, but I'm very disappointed the work is taking so long. They need to get their fingers out and step things up a bit."

The Forestry Commission, which owns the land around the falls, applied for the closure order and has since held talks with the national park and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Sam Games of the Brecon Beacons National Park said: "We can appreciate that this has disappointed visitors who enjoy and love the unique experience of Sgwd yr Eira.

"But it goes without saying that the health and safety of visitors is of paramount importance."

The wildlife in the area, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and a European special area of conservation, is described as "unique".