A county councillor and anti-brexit campaigner from Llandrindod Wells has written to Euro-sceptic Brecon and Radnor MP Chris Davies to ask him to reject a 'no-deal' Brexit.

In an open letter posted on social media, Councillor for Llandrindod South Pete Roberts highlighted multi-million pound preparations for a no-deal scenario in contrast with the current funding shortfall at Powys County Council, and called for Mr Davies to rule out the possibility that the UK would leave the European Union without an arrangement.

He made reference to a story circulating in the national press which revealed Mr Grayling has awarded a £13.8m contract ferry contract to transport haulage traffic across the channel in the event of a no-deal Brexit to a company that currently has no ships.

"Last week I spent two days in the council chamber considering first the proposed budget and then chairing a scrutiny session on the School Funding Formula. In the former we were told that some of the £15m shortfall has still to be closed and in the latter we were told that the formula as calculated needs in excess of the current schools delegated budget," he wrote.

"At the same time your Government were announcing £14m expenditure for a ferry company without ships to operate from a ferry port that is currently silted up and without customs facilities or officers just in case there is a No Deal Brexit.

"I know we are and will remain on opposite sides of the Brexit debate but you have now come out in public saying that Mays Deal is better than No Deal. Can I therefore encourage you to take the opportunity this week, now you are back in Westminster, to work to ensure that however the meaningful vote goes the opportunity is taken next Tuesday for Parliament to reject a No Deal outcome once and for all."

Cllr Roberts also hit out at the Government’s plan to use a disused airfield to ease lorry congestion if there is UK border disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit, which last week saw a test event of 100 lorries descend on Manston Airport near Ramsgate in Kent to test out using the runway as an HGV holding bay to prevent traffic jams on roads to channel ports.

"As I look both nationally and locally I am sure I don't need to remind you that the cost of todays "test" at Manston is almost exactly the same as your council colleague claimed last year could be saved by removing Blue badge entitlements in car parks," he added.

"Finally in his last budget the Chancellor announced austerity was over - it seems to me that any dividend for this years has now been blown on unnecessary no deal preparations. I hope and trust you will play your part next week in bringing that sorry chapter to an end."