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Twenty-mile diversion as mine collapse shuts road

BBC Workmen and vehicles on the closed A4069 between Lower and Upper Brynamman, CarmarthenshireBBC
The A4069 between Lower and Upper Brynamman will stay shut for three weeks

Drivers are facing a 20-mile round trip after the main road connecting two villages was closed.

The A4069 is shut for maintenance work between Upper and Lower Brynamman in Carmarthenshire after disused mine workings collapsed.

There is a B-road between the villages, but since the main road closure on Tuesday, there have been vehicle collisions and larger vehicles have become stuck on the narrow lane.

The Coal Authority apologised for "any wider inconvenience", said its priority was public safety and the closure will be in place for three weeks.

A temporary bridge has been put in place for possible use by emergency services and the pavement remains passable for pedestrians.

Several residents told Newyddion S4C of their frustration at the disruption caused by the work.

On Monday, pupils will return to schools after the Easter holidays.

Aranwen Thomas said her 16-year-old son, Cai, will now have to catch the bus at 07:00 BST.

He and fellow pupils from Upper Brynamman who attend Amman Valley Comprehensive School will face an hour-and-a-half journey both ways to get to lessons.

With GCSE exams approaching, his mother is concerned.

Cars queuing on the A4069
Motorists are facing a long detour to get between the two villages

"These pupils are going to be at a disadvantage, arriving back later in the evening, and just the impact of a three-hour daily bus journey on them during an important period.

"It will affect these pupils as they prepare and revise for the exams which are fast approaching."

Scott Davies, who works at the Black Mountain Centre in Upper Brynamman, said businesses in the village have also been affected: "It's been a difficult period and we're only on day two.

"Businesses haven't been getting deliveries - we've had two deliveries today which haven't turned up."

Plaid Cymru councillor Glynoog Davies, who represents the Cwarter Bach ward, said the road closure has caused "significant disruption" but was "absolutely necessary".