Remembering the floods of 1968 which devastated Powys town

Thankfully improvements to flood defences have improved our town's and village's safety.

One particular flood endured long into the memories of Welshpool residents.

On July 1st, 1968 a devastating flood wrought havoc to the town and tragically claimed the life of one man who was swept away when his garden collapsed into Lledan Brook near Raven Square.

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July 1st was market day in Welshpool, then one of the busiest days of the week, but trade was called off as river levels rose and culminated in 18 inches of water pouring through the streets.

The force of the current even ripped manhole covers from the street.

Here we share pictures from the day which would be etched into the history of the Powys town for decades to come and even today some residents will evoke tales of the two days of devastation.

Residents on Stanley Street in Welshpool during the 1968 flood.

Residents in Brook Street, Welshpool during the 1968 flood.

A near-flooded home on Welshpool's Brook Street in 1968.

Floodwater in Welshpool's Union Street in 1968.

Residents of Stanley Street in Welshpool during the 1968 flood.

Nelson Place in Welshpool during the flood of July 1968.