'It's crazy' - villagers mystified as river dramatically changes course

A stretch of river has drastically changed course, leaving residents baffled as to how it came about.

Part of the River Elwy near Llannefydd on the Conwy-Denbighshire border has moved about 50 metres, including around some trees, leaving a "dry, stony riverbed behind", according to Andy Walker.

"It's just totally changed direction and gone round the back of some trees, taking part of a field out," said Walker, from Denbigh.

Although the cause of the change is unknown, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said rivers like the Elwy were sensitive to activities such as gravel removal, bank reshaping or channel straightening, with evidence this type of work had taken place historically.

NRW and Conwy Council have met residents to discuss why it happened and to hear concerns.

The local authority said it would continue to monitor the river in case it moves closer to a nearby road.

Walker visited the site recently and was surprised at how quickly the river had moved.

"The whole River Elwy has changed course and left a dry, stony river bed behind - it's crazy," he said.

An old stone bridge crosses the river near the site where it has changed course.

The council said a meeting had recently been held with local landowners, residents and NRW, adding that it would "continue to monitor the road and bridge".

NRW said the landowner was responsible for maintaining the river in the affected area, adding there was evidence some changes had been made at some point in the past.

"Interventions can create new problems such as increased erosion and flood risk, damage to wildlife and impact on neighbouring land and structures," they said

"Many of the issues identified locally could be avoided if landowners contact us before starting any work - early advice helps ensure works are properly planned, lawful and sustainable."