24 November 2022

Work to introduce an improved walking and cycling route between Llanelwedd and Builth Wells will begin early next month (5 December).

The route for the shared use path was identified and agreed during previous public consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps. To be funded by the Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities Grant, this scheme will mark the first phase of establishing an active travel route connecting Builth Wells and Llanelwedd, and the beginning of a local active travel network.

Expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks, the scheme will consist of two safe highways crossings, one crossing the A483 on the corner from the Llanelwedd Arms Hotel across to the Jewson’s entrance, and the other crossing the A483 from Station Yard across to the showground side of the road.

The path between through Station Yard will be renewed with an improved surface accessible for pedestrians and cyclists and the path between the crossing opposite the showground and Llanelwedd primary school will be widened.

“Following consultation and the development of the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, it is great to see plans for these safer routes for communities being implemented.” Says Cllr Jackie Carlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation. These routes within our local areas will improve road, pedestrian, and cyclist safety. This is particularly true for families walking to and from school and this route between Llanellwedd and Builth Wells provides a direct safe route between the two communities and Llanellwedd primary school.

“We appreciate that any roadworks can be frustrating at times, especially on busy trunk roads, but the creation of these accessible shared-use routes will ultimately encourage more of us to make shorter journeys, such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling, meaning less cars on the road.

“On completion, the route will allow people to confidently choose to walk or cycle rather than using the car, improving our health and wellbeing as well as reducing our carbon footprint and going someway to help tackle the climate emergency.”

24 November 2022

Developing connections along the two canal corridors within Powys is the focus of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project and, whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Powys, we’d love to know what you think about our canals.

Until 11 January 2023 we’re gathering your thoughts and comments so that we can shape our future plans around your ideas and needs. Whether that’s what you’d like to see improved, or what currently prevents you from making the most of the canals and their surrounding areas.

Working within a corridor of 5km along each side of the Montgomery and Monmouthshire and Brecon canals, the aim of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project is to increase opportunities for public access, recreation and rural active travel to support enhanced wellbeing. But we need your views on how to do this. It could be improvements to the towpaths, canal access and public rights of way, creating or enhancing wildlife areas, providing opportunities for people to connect with nature along our canals or simply adding more seating or picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.

“We are extremely lucky here is Powys to have two historically important and beautiful canals running through our county.” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. “Not only do they play a crucial role in creating incredible nature-rich habitats for all kinds of wildlife, but they also provide a unique place for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“By joining forces with other key partners as part of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project, we are determined to make sure that these remarkable waterways are accessible for all and can provide opportunities for everyone to experience.

“In order to do this, it is important to us to find out what you think. What is it that makes these spaces special for you? Is there anything that stops you from visiting the canals? What could be done to encourage more people to use the outdoor space along the canal corridor? Have your say and share your thoughts with us through our online survey.”

Running until May 2023, this collaborative project is being led by Powys County Council’s Countryside Access and Recreation Team, working in partnership with Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The activity will complement other initiatives being delivered by the partner organisations and is supported through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Please share your thoughts and ideas online: www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/canals-communities-and-well-being

Image: Pencelli, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

21 November 2022

A team of senior education officers will work with a Powys secondary school following a disappointing Estyn inspection, the county council has confirmed.

Officers from Powys County Council, including school improvement officers, will support Gwernyfed High School after it was placed in ‘special measures’ by Estyn following a recent inspection.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This is extremely disappointing but not unexpected news.

“A new management team joined the school this term who know the steps that need to be taken to ensure rapid improvement and they have already started work to make that happen.

“We now have even clearer guidance on what is needed and the council will be providing all necessary support for the school as it begins its improvement journey.”

The report and recommendations, which have been accepted by the school’s governing body senior leadership team, will form the basis of a detailed action plan to address key areas requiring improvement.

Officers will work with the school and its governing body to identify reasons for the inspection outcome and work together to deliver significant and rapid improvement. Staff, pupils and parents will be fully supported during the improvement journey.

Geoff Mesher, Chair of Governors at Gwernyfed High School, said: “The Governors are naturally disappointed with the outcome of the follow up visit. We appreciate that there is a significant amount of work to do.

“Changes have been made at top of the school’s senior leadership team and we are confident that these will enable the school to make positive progress going forwards.

“We are committed to ensuring that every pupil gets the best education possible at Gwernyfed.”

To view the inspection report visit www.estyn.gov.wales

17 November 2022

Latest data published by Stats Wales confirms that Powys has once again exceeded the Welsh Government statutory recycling target of 64%, with an impressive recycling rate of 66.8% for 2021/22.

Wales outperforms other UK home nations when it comes to recycling and is currently one of the best recycling countries in the world with an average recycling rate of 65.2%. As a country our recycling efforts already make a significant difference to help reduce the effects of climate change, saving around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from being released into the atmosphere.

“Already recycling above the national average, Powys people are up there with the best of them when it comes to recycling, with county-wide rates continuing to rise each year.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“These official figures have confirmed that the hard work and commitment of our residents and crews is paying off. However, there is still more to do in the bid to tackle the climate emergency and to reach the next Welsh Government target of recycling, reusing, or composting 70% of our waste by 2025.

“We already know that we are a county of conscientious recyclers who take great pride in doing our bit for the environment, and we have no doubt that together we will continue to make every effort to increase our recycling further and build a more sustainable future for the generations to come.”

For more details of what can and can’t be recycled through your weekly recycling collections and at our Household Waste Recycling Centres, please visit Bins, Rubbish and Recycling

14 November 2022

Two men who carried out substandard drainage work at a property near Llandrindod Wells have each received a 12-month community order after they were prosecuted by Powys County Council.

John Everitt Dixon of Rye Leaze, Bristol and Benjamin Michael Gracie of Roman Close, Lentwardine, were prosecuted by the council’s Trading Standards Service after carrying out the work at a property in Howey.

Dixon and Gracie pleaded guilty to unfair trading and fraud charges including:

• knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice, namely undertaking drainage works which were substandard,
• failed to provide the consumer with mandatory paperwork,
• failed to provide details of a waste transfer not when requested by the consumer,
• knowingly carrying on of a business, namely drainage works, with the intention of defrauding creditors.

An investigation was undertaken by trading standards officers into the work carried out by Dixon and Gracie, along with other individuals employed by the pair, at the property in Howey in July 2021.

On July 21, 2021, Gracie gave the property owner an estimate for the work of £1,900. However, the final price rose to £2,600, which was paid to Dixon in two amounts – a cash payment of £1,000 and a £1,600 bank transfer payment.

However, no paperwork was provided by the defendants, no plans were drawn up and neither appeared to have a licence to clear the rubble at the property from the excavation work, the investigation revealed.

The investigation found that the drainage system installed at the property was totally unfit for purpose. An inspection by a drainage engineer, at the request of trading standards officers, found that none of the drainage system was connected, interconnection pipework was missing and incomplete so the system would not work as intended and that the works were not carried out by a competent drainage contractor.

The investigation also found that the defendants did everything they could to try and deny liability for the work they carried out, constantly avoiding phone calls and when they did answer, they denied the job was theirs and tried to pass the blame to someone else.

Gracie and Dixon each received a 12-month community order and were ordered by magistrates to also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.  Gracie was given 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and with Dixon receiving 10 RAR days.

Both defendants were also ordered to each pay £1,300 compensation to their victims in addition to a £95 surcharge and £85 for the council’s costs.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The conclusion of this case sends out a clear message that trading practices such as these will not be tolerated.

“This case should serve as a reminder to our residents to be vigilant of these crimes and scams to avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader. I would urge residents to do their research on a business before entering into an agreement and to be cautious when paying money upfront.

“For work carried out at a resident’s home that is more than £42 in value, traders are required by law to provide cancellation rights. This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled.

“Under the regulations, traders are required to exercise professional diligence in the work they carry out. If the council receives reports of particularly bad workmanship or work not as described, then this could lead to an investigation by our Trading Standards team.”

14 November 2022

A couple from Powys have won a Fostering Excellence Award, the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolade, recognising their exceptional contribution to foster care.

Karen and Danny Sherwood won the Outstanding Contribution by a Foster Carer award at The Fostering Network’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday 10 November.

The couple have been foster carers for over 25 years, providing a welcoming and settled home for local babies and children during this time. Their nomination described them as “exceptional advocates for all children in their care, whatever their background, age or culture”.

Their positive and supportive role within the Powys fostering community was also acknowledged. This includes their help to mentor and advise prospective adopters to support them through the process. 

Karen and Danny’s enthusiasm and commitment to Powys has rubbed off on their daughter and her family, as well as their granddaughter and her family, all of whom are now active Foster Carers and follow in the couple’s footsteps to support and provide opportunities to the children in their care.

Cabinet Member for Future Generations Cllr Sandra Davies said: “I’m delighted that this national award recognises the positive impact that Karen and Danny have made over the years to the children in their care, to Children’s Services, and to our family of foster carers across the county.”

She added: “Their commitment to children looked after, energy and motivation is outstanding and humbling. As they celebrate 25 years of fostering we are truly grateful for all they have done, and for all they continue to do.”

Elaborating on this, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, says: ‘Congratulations to Karen and Danny on winning their award. Every year it’s a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of those within the fostering community. We are delighted to shine a light on these incredible people, celebrate their achievements and show our appreciation for them.  

‘Our winners and everyone else involved in foster care should be extremely proud of themselves. Their contribution makes a vital difference to the lives of children and young people, and they are the bedrock of children’s social care – thank you for all that you do.’

The awards event, in Birmingham was attended by members of the fostering community from Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  All across the UK, more foster carers are needed. Foster carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and are crucial in transforming young people’s lives.

Find out how more about becoming a foster carer in Powys visit www.powys.fosterwales.gov.wales or call 0800 22 30 627

14 November 2022

Powys County Council highways staff are having to deal with increasing numbers of drivers jumping temporary red lights, ignoring stop signs, and speeding through road works. Not only is this driving behaviour illegal, but it is also putting the hardworking highways teams at risk of serious injury.

To encourage drivers to slow down, obey temporary traffic notices and respect staff working on the roads, Powys County Council will be supporting this year’s national Road Safety Week (14-20 November 2022).

Throughout the week, the council will highlight the risks that the highways teams must deal with on a daily basis, with staff sharing their experiences of dangerous situations caused by inconsiderate driving.

“Our highways teams work really hard, often in very difficult conditions, to ensure that the thousands of miles of roads in Powys are maintained, repaired and improved.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“I was shocked to hear of some of the ‘near misses’ that have happened at roadworks throughout the county due to the carelessness of some drivers. Our highways teams need your help to stay safe, so please drive carefully so they can get home to their families.

“This Road Safety Week, we want to actively encourage road users to consider the safety of our highways teams. They are only doing their job. We understand that road works can be frustrating, but that is no excuse to disobey traffic notices, jump red lights or be rude to the workers.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and dangerous driving through roadworks must stop.”

You can keep up to date with the plight of our highways teams during Road Safety Week, by following the council’s social media pages:

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11 November 2022

Poultry owners in Powys are being reminded by the county council to ensure they have enhanced biosecurity measures in place to minimise the spread of Avian Influenza.

Last month (October), the Welsh Govermnent declared an all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone to protect poultry and captive birds from a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Now Powys County Council’s Animal Health Team are reminding keepers of poultry and other captive birds that the prevention zone requires them to take appropriate and practicable steps including:

• Keeping kept birds off land that is known to be, or at high risk of being, frequented by wild waterfowl, or contaminated by their droppings or feathers
• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, especially waterfowl, for example, by netting ponds and surrounding areas and by removing wild bird food sources;
• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
• Minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures;
• Clean and disinfect footwear, use foot dips before entering poultry enclosures, and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
• Ensure that all bedding, equipment, clothing and anything else that enters the areas where birds are kept are free of direct or indirect contamination with HPAI, which is mainly spread through bird droppings.
• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.

These requirements apply to all kept birds, including small flocks with fewer than 50 birds.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take extra biosecurity measures, including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.

The council’s Animal Welfare Team are also asking members to reporting findings of dead birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 so that it can be monitored by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Some of these wild birds will be collected by the APHA for surveillance purposes but not all birds will be collected.

If dead wild birds are not needed for avian influenza surveillance purposes and landowners have taken the decision to remove carcasses, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely arrange disposal. The council also recommends that consideration is given to removing carcasses at residential premises, in particular areas which may be accessed by children or pets.

Carcasses of dead wild birds should be disposed of in accordance with the relevant Animal By Products (ABP) requirements. If it is suspected that birds are infected with a disease which can spread to people or animals, such as avian influenza, the carcases should be disposed of as a category 1 ABP.

If dead birds are found on public land, it is the council’s responsibly to arrange the disposal or carcasses. Members of the public are encouraged to report any dead birds found on public land by calling 01597 826031 or email [email protected]

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The prevention zone was declared to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds so poultry and captive bird keepers must have the appropriate biosecurity measures in place.

“Poultry keepers should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds or any wild birds and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.

“The UK is currently in the midst of an unprecedented outbreak of Avian Influenza and the winter migration of wild birds to our shores means that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

“It’s important that the public report any dead wild birds to the Defra helpline for surveillance purposes and I would urge them to do so.”

To find how to dispose dead wild bird carcasses correctly, visit https://www.gov.uk/animal-by-product-categories-site-approval-hygiene-and-disposal

Further information on AI can be found on the Welsh Governments website at https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu

10 November 2022

A long-awaited business park in Powys has now been handed over by the contractor with tenants moving in shortly to a number of the units and others ready for other businesses to make use of the state-of-the-art sustainable facilities.

Nine new units have been designed and created at Abermule Business Park on a greenfield site in the village between Welshpool and Newtown.

The site was acquired from the Welsh Government and the council is grateful for the financial support provided by them to bring the development to completion.

Powys-based company SWG Group has been on site for ten months, creating the units and associated infrastructure.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys, said: “Having been earmarked for employment uses within the Local Development Plan for over 20 years, it is very exciting to see these new business units being provided in an area with strong demand for employment premises.”

“The Abermule Business Park is a high-quality development which will positively contribute to the economy in Powys. The location will capitalise on the county’s main road and transport infrastructure, with the site also contributing towards the council’s climate change resilience through the use of renewable and low carbon energy sources.”

Jacqui Gough, director of SWG Group, said: “This business park has been a huge project for us and one we are delighted to deliver for the council and see come to fruition.”

“The design and build process for this project had many aspects to consider, and environmental sustainability was one of the critical elements.”

“The business park is an effective and efficient facility, as sustainable as possible while taking into consideration the surrounding area and building on and increasing the native species planting on the site.”

“Our staff and contractors have worked hard to provide flexible options for business start-ups and local companies, boosting the local economy and improving local employment prospects.”

Each unit benefits from the ability to utilise electric vehicle charging infrastructure and their own kitchen and welfare facilities.

The remaining units are available for rent from the council, for more details, please contact a member of the commercial letting team on 01597 826773 or alternatively email [email protected]. The properties are also advertised on Zoopla Commercial.

8 November 2022

A footbridge near Machynlleth temporarily closed during COVID is to be closed permanently for public safety, Powys County Council has confirmed.

The bridge over Afon Hengwm on footpath 260/40/1 at Hengwm Cyfeiliog near Machynlleth was closed during the COVID pandemic with the hope that it would re-open after repairs. But damage to bridge supports is so bad the structure could collapse, and the bridge must close permanently for public safety.

Walkers will be diverted to another bridge crossing approximately 500m upstream along adjacent footpaths – the diversion will add approximately 890m onto the route.

Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton said: “We understand concerns about the closure of the footbridge, which is particularly well used, and we appreciate how important it is to the local economy, local walkers and local people.

“However, our priority has to be public safety. The bridge was closed during the pandemic and barriers put in place. It was inspected regularly but no work could take place.

“We have become increasingly concerned about its condition, as the structure supporting the bridge is deteriorating and it could collapse. We need to take action to remove the bridge as a matter of urgency in the interests of public safety and ask the walkers to use the alternative crossing.

“River and site conditions mean a replacement bridge at the same location is not feasible so the closure will not influence any replacement plans as a new location will be needed.

“The cost of replacing the footbridge will be considerable and work could only be considered when resources are available and it will have to compete with other maintenance priorities,” she added.

“We appreciate the closure is disappointing to many but public safety has to be our priority and there is no alternative.”