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Charles and Patricia Lester MBE, renowned British fashion designers, purchased Llanfoist House in Wales for £9,000 in 1971. Today, the 20-bedroom Grade II listed mansion is valued at approximately £1.2 million. However, the couple, now aged 84 and 83, say they are unable to sell the property due to recurring landslides and persistent water leakage from the adjacent Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
🏚️ A Home Beneath a Threatening Waterway
The mansion sits roughly 70 feet below the canal towpath, at the base of a steep embankment. Since acquiring the property, the Lesters have endured multiple landslides, the most severe occurring in 1975 when a torrent of water and debris nearly claimed their lives. Another major incident followed in 2014. These events have left the couple living in fear and have significantly impacted their health and quality of life.
🚧 Repair Efforts and Ongoing Failures
The Canal & River Trust (CRT), responsible for maintaining the UK’s waterways, has undertaken various repair initiatives over the years. However, these efforts have not yielded lasting results:
- 1975 Landslide Response: Following the catastrophic breach above Llanfoist, British Waterways (predecessor to CRT) repaired the canal and lined a four-mile stretch of the canal bed with concrete.
- 2014 Embankment Collapse: A further embankment failure at Talybont-on-Usk led to flooding of homes and a local inn. Repairs took several months, but similar vulnerabilities remain.
- Recent Inspections: In 2024, CRT conducted safety inspections at Llanfoist Embankment and manufactured new gates for installation. However, residents claim these measures have not addressed the root causes of leakage and instability.
🐌 Slow Response and Lack of Compensation
The Lesters allege that CRT’s response has been slow and inadequate. They report:
- Persistent Leaks: Water continues to seep into their land, keeping an unlined pond full even during dry spells.
- No Compensation: Despite damage to gas mains and sewer systems, the couple received no financial support and had to fund repairs themselves.
- Legal Limitations: Modern legislation requires disclosure of subsidence and flood risks, making the property virtually unsellable.
🏛️ Historical Context and Structural Concerns
The canal, originally clay-lined in the 18th century, was dredged deeper in the 20th century to accommodate modern boating. This process removed much of the original clay lining, increasing the risk of leaks. Restoration projects have included PVC liners and reinforced concrete walls, but none have provided a permanent fix.
