A bid to get rid of an ugly sewage pipe that villagers felt spoiled their award-winning village has fallen foul of Welsh Water bosses.
Wolfscastle residents called on Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies to help them campaign to get the rusting pipe removed.
The village has won the Wales in Bloom competition five times but locals felt the sewage pipe across the river not only spoiled the village but was also dangerous because youngsters were tempted to walk along it.
After visiting the village and listening to the concerns of the community council, the school and the local Women’s Institute Mr Davies wrote to Welsh Water asking them to consider re-siting the pipe.
“Unfortunately I have now received a reply from Welsh Water and the answer is no,” said Mr Davies.
“They have told me that the pipe is not in need of maintenance and it can’t be moved because it is gravity-fed. They add that it would be too expensive and that the reasons given by the community don’t warrant the work.
“This is a blow for the village but it doesn’t come as a great surprise. Like many other not-for-profit organisations Welsh Water is having to watch its spending and non-vital work such as this has to take a back seat.
“Wolfscastle is due to be judged in the Britain in Bloom finals next year and I am sure it will do well. The competition is not just about immaculate pavements and hanging baskets but about community spirit.
“I think the way the village came together, both young and old, to campaign on this shows that it has that spirit.”
