Answers demanded after injured cyclist left for hours on Borfa Green
The man was discovered by passers-by with injuries that later needed surgery, but calls to the emergency services fell on deaf ears with volunteers on site having to provide care to the cyclist and also managing traffic on the scene on the dangerous stretch of road during heavy rain.
It is understood that three off-duty fire officers were at the scene and were later joined by a medically trained member of the public. Local residents also stepped in to help make the man comfortable and protect him from passing vehicles.
Despite this, no police officers were sent, and no fire appliance was deployed, even though trained fire personnel were already on site, there was a potential six-hour delay for an ambulance, and the location posed a significant ongoing hazard.
Welshpool county councillor Graham Breeze has slammed both services, calling the situation “unacceptable” and demanding answers.
He told us that an ambulance eventually arrived around two hours after the initial 999 call, though witnesses were initially told the response time could be as long as six hours.
Cllr Breeze said: “Residents and off‑duty officers did everything possible to protect and support this injured gentleman, but they should not have been left to manage such a serious incident alone.
“We must understand why police did not attend, why the fire service was not deployed, and why an elderly man was left lying in the roadway for so long.
“I have requested full enquiries from both services. Welshpool residents deserve answers - and reassurance that if such an incident occurs again, the response will be timely, coordinated, and appropriate.”
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns and are conducting a full review into the issues raised.”
MAWWFRS are yet to respond to our request for information, but it is believed that they too have opened an investigation.
PICTURE: Borfa Green courtesy of Google Street View
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