Protestors have descended on County Hall this morning, hoping to stop the development of a bulk recycling centre in the village of Abermule.

A plan to approve the controversial facility was approved by a single vote at a meeting in August, and since then residents of Abermule have rallied in opposition to the scheme, which they say will be unsightly, create noise pollution, reduce the value of their homes and encourage rat infestation in the area.

Protestors have organised petitions and have conducted an organised campaign of writing to councillors, before heading down to protest outside County Hall this morning ahead of a meeting of Powys County Council's cabinet.

Over 300 residents packed a public meeting to discuss opposition to the plans in September.

Speaking at the meeting, Abermule Communities Together, chairman, Jeff Matthews said: "We will be marching on to the site where they want to put this, to make our feelings known.

"The UK is going through a huge democratic process, called Brexit."

"We can compare that to communities such as Abermule not having a democratic right to overturn a decision that will affect our lives here.

"Many people in the village are feeling anxious, as we've only known about this for three or four weeks."

In response Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Assets, said: “The recycling bulking facility is essential to maximise the efficiency of the collection vehicles and ensure the quality of the material we collect as we continue to increase our recycling rates in line with the Welsh Government’s targets.

"This site is ideally located between the two main population centres of north Powys.”