Wales and West Utilities have earmarked a field at the end of Bron-y-Gaer housing estate for the construction of a 75-metre-by-45-metre compound to site LPG storage tanks with vehicular access to serve Llanfyllin.

The residents were advised of the proposal to expand the town's gas supply in a letter from Powys County Council on July 31, which stated they have 21 days to put forward any opposition towards the plans. As a result the residents of the estate have arranged a petition to fight the proposal.

"The council wants to build these monstrosities in the field next to my house," said Mr Neil Butler, a resident at number 18 Bron-y-Gaer.

"About 80 per cent of the houses on Bron-y-Gaer are owned by residents. If Powys County Council goes ahead with these plans then the value of our properties will fall dramatically! Who wants to live next to a gas works? Nobody!

"We understand that the influx of people into Llanfyllin has seen a need for a larger supply of gas in the town, but why have they got to site them on this field next to so many people's homes?

"There are lots of better places to locate the gas storage tanks, by putting them next to where we live will not only make our houses worthless but I for one won't be able to sleep at night for fear they're not safe.

"I have been completely blown out of the water by these proposals!"

The concerns of the people living on the Bron-y-Gaer estate have been supported by members of Llanfyllin Town Council, who have held a meeting to discuss the best possible way of fighting the proposal.

Peter Lewis, county councillor for the Llanfyllin Ward, said: "Planning to put such a huge development of gas storage tanks on this field is quite ridiculous and I can fully appreciate where the residents of Bron-y-Gaer are coming from. There's already gas tanks on the industrial estate so why not, if they need more, build them next to those?

"Some of the houses on the estate are really close to the proposed development. If it went ahead it would have a huge visual impact on what is a lovely field, and one that is used by lots of the children in the area.

"Members of Llanfyllin Town Council have already met especially to discuss the situation and a letter has been sent to the relevant people highlighting our views.

"We now have until the end of August to lobby this proposal, and as county councillor for the area I will be doing all that I can to fight the proposal."

On the day the residents of Bron-y-Gaer, Llanfyllin, showed a united front against the proposed development of a huge compound to site LPG storage tanks, thousands of people fled their homes in Toronto, Canada, following a massive propane explosion.

Glen Sears, who live about 100 metres away from where Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases stood, told the Canadian Press: "We are upset that a propane depot was allowed to be built so close to a residential area. We didn't like it from day one. It's an accident waiting to happen."

Sheila Morgan, who lives at 12 Bron-y-Gaer, approximately 100 metres from the field where LPG storage tanks could be placed, said: "These things are not safe, we have just read what has happened in Canada and now we are all terrified it could happen here."

A spokesperson for Powys County Council added: "It is to early to say when the application will be determined."