Residents who have campaigned against the removal of their flowerbeds in front of their flats in Llanidloes have been told by council officers that it will not go-ahead as planned.

People living in the flats at Hafrenydd were left "desperately hurt" after receiving letters through their doors that a decision had been made by Powys County Council's housing services that the flowerbeds would be removed without reason and consultation.

The flowerbeds have brightened up the area with colourful floral displays which were planted voluntarily four years ago by resident Ruth bought with her own money who said gardening was an important part to her wellbeing during the Covid lockdown.

"Very cross" residents gathered for a meeting with Powys County Council officers to raise their concerns days following a petition was signed by 20 people who live at the flats. People have said the removal would be "unfair" and "out of the blue" after the flowerbeds had been featured in Powys County Council's Tenants' Magazine as good practice.

County Times: Residents Ruth and Margaret Owen stand near the flowerbeds outside the flats at Hafrenydd.

Residents Ruth and Margaret Owen stand near the flowerbeds outside the flats at Hafrenydd.

Margaret Owen, who has been a Hafrenydd resident for 39 years, said she's hopeful that the council will leave the garden as it is.

"They just came and decided themselves that they would take it down without asking anybody’s opinion about it.

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"We’re not happy about it. We’re very cross about it."

Margaret added: "We held a meeting to sort it out because it can’t carry on like it has.

"If they keep to what they’ve said, yes we will be happy. They said they would get it sorted and keep the garden. I’m hopeful but do I believe it? I don’t know but we’ll have to see."

Residents raised their concerns with local Liberal Democrat county councillors Gareth Morgan and Glyn Preston.

Councillor Morgan said: "I feel that it was a very worthwhile meeting and I am optimistic that we’ve pointed out to Powys County Council that they are seriously to blame over this and its their actions that have created this feeling of major upset and disaffection amongst the residents of Hafrenydd.

"We have this lady Ruth who has for the last four years kept this flower bed in immaculate condition and it enhances the whole area for all of the residents. You have to admit it, it is beautiful. And she does it all out of her own pocket, she buys the plants, and looks after them then she cuts the grass in front of them. She’s a gold sovereign in this development and I’m sure there are many other developments that would love to have a Ruth but they don’t come that often.

"To have received a letter from Powys County Council telling you an ultimatum, coming around to rip the flowerbed up, no ifs no buts. They are desperately hurt but we have been reassured and I feel certain now that we’re back to normality hopefully.

"To have created this disaffection and never consulted the residents and they listened to two people and created this dreadful upset which has meant calling in the county councillors. It’s not our role to sort out major issues like this. But I have to say thank you to the two officers who turned up. They were conciliatory and helpful and I'm going away that it was very worthwhile and we can look forward to the reinstatement of the flowers."

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We can confirm that the flower beds to the front of Hafrenydd flats will not be removed and apologise for any distress caused by inadvertently sending out correspondence which indicated that they would be.

“The work of residents in helping to maintain these flower beds and other gardening work that they undertake in Hafrenydd is very much appreciated as it complements the estate works undertaken by the Council in helping to create a safe and attractive local environment.”