Community & Civic Life

Birmingham Corporation Water Works Scheme

Craig Coch Reservoir Caban Coch or Graig Coch Reservoir, Elan Valley, 1908
Craig Goch Reservoir and Careg-Ddu Dam, Elan Valley, 1908
Powys County Archives

On 6th November 1891, the Radnorshire County Council meeting decided to set up a special committee to protect the interests of Radnorshire during the Elan Valley waterworks. This scheme was being undertaken by Birmingham Corporation. There was concern that the County would be put to a great deal of extra expense due to increased traffic and the effect it would have on the County's highways. Also of concern was the large workforce to be brought in to build the reservoirs and water works, and, in particula,r the cost of extra policing that would be necessary.

A report was read which dealt with the effects a similar scheme had had at Lake Vyrnwy in the north of Montgomeryshire:

Report re Lake Vyrnwy
Powys County Archives

It was concluded that:

It will also be necessary to make provision for payment . . .
Powys County Archives

Radnorshire County Council