The Elan Valley reservoirs cost �6m to build at early 1900s prices

The city council has refused to donate money towards the building in the Elan Valley to commemorate its flooding 101 years ago.

It said it would provide no benefits to the people of Birmingham.

Council deputy leader Paul Tilsley acknowledged, however, that water from Wales had helped "make the city great".

Its six reservoirs send 360m gallons of water a day along a 70-mile pipeline to Birmingham and also to parts of south Powys and south Wales.

To reflect this link, Community Arts Rhayader And District (Carad), the group behind the museum, had asked the council for a donation towards its cost.

Coverage of the refusal on BBC radio and TV programmes Midlands Today and Radio WM has prompted support for Carad campaign from Birmingham people, said chairman Peter Cox. More than 80% of text voters on Radio WM were in favour of donating money.

Mr Cox said: "We've had a very positive and solid response in Birmingham in our bid for a donation.

I do recognise the benefits the Elan Valley has made to the health of people in Birmingham Birmingham Council deputy leader Paul Tilsley

"People have been phoning us from Birmingham in support."

But Mr Tilsley said although he recognised the sacrifice made by people in the Elan Valley, the council could not help.

He added: "The reservoirs were built over 100 years ago, but over 30 years ago the old Birmingham City Water Corporation was handed to Severn Trent and the city received no compensation.

"I think Severn Trent would be in a better position to make a contribution towards the museum.

"As a local authority we face financial and legal restrictions and this prevents us from donating money to the museum."

He added: "I do recognise the benefits the Elan Valley has made to the health of people in Birmingham and we are extremely grateful for the water because it has helped make the city great."