18 August 2022

Consultations to look at ways to improve the public spaces within Brecon and Crickhowell town centres will begin this week.

Working together with Amey Consulting and LDA Design, Powys County Council are looking at ways to improve the public spaces within Brecon and Crickhowell town centres and are keen to hear the thoughts, experiences and concerns of local people, businesses and visitors on how they use the town centres and how they could be improved.

In Brecon the focus is on improving pedestrian priority and experience, improving connections and biodiversity and creating a safe, accessible public areas that enhances the unique qualities of the town along the length of the High Street; including the Struet, High Street Superior, High Street Inferior and the Bulwark.

In Crickhowell, the focus is on improving pedestrian priority and experience, considering drainage issues, and enhancing identity along the length of the High Street.

“These projects originated from the installation of the temporary Covid interventions for social distancing in 2020 which created additional spill out space for pedestrians and reduced the number of parking spaces” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a Greener Powys.

“The temporary measures highlighted how our town centres can evolve and make use of space differently. The pandemic gave rise to an element of café culture being experienced within our towns and an enthusiasm for embracing our outside areas, which is something that many thought they would like to see retained into the future.

“Following an initial informal engagement exercise with the local communities back in June 2021, we have considered peoples view and taken the opportunity to look at how and if the temporary interventions may become permanent and what other opportunities and benefits could be achieved at the same time.

“It is important to balance the views of all users of the town centres; visitors, residents and businesses. These place specific consultations will provide valuable feedback which will be used to shape how the town centres look, work, and feel in the future.”

To view and have your say on the proposals for improving the public spaces within both Brecon and Crickhowell town centres, please visit: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/transforming-towns

18 August 2022

A safety warning for the use of gas grills on certain gas range cookers has been issued, Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service has said.

The safety warning relates to certain Belling Stoves and New World gas range cookers manufactured by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA).

The safety warning has been issued by the Office of Product Safety (OPSS).

The warning reminds consumers that if the gas grill is used with the door closed, then there is a risk that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up, posing a risk of serious injury or death to those within the immediate environment.

OPSS has issued safety requirements to GDHA, who are writing to all consumers reminding them to only use their gas grill with the grill door fully open.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “I urge consumers who have these appliances to ensure the door is always kept fully open when the grill is in operation and remind all consumers of the importance of following the safety instructions for their gas cookers.”

For further information, consumers should contact GDHA on 0800 110 5728 or via their website:

17 August 2022

Motorcyclists are invited to sign up to a free enhanced riders training course to help improve their riding skills and the safety of Powys roads.

Powys County Council’s Road Safety team are providing these courses free of charge to any motorcyclists who live in Powys or use Powys’ roads, with funding from the Welsh Government.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Enhanced Rider Scheme is suitable for full motorbike licence holders who want to improve their riding skills, for those returning to riding after a break, riders who have just passed their test, people upgrading to a more powerful motorcycle and/or those who want to check their riding standard.

The course consists of a short online theory session and a half-day practical on-road session (on a weekend) with an experienced trainer. There is no test, but riding will be assessed, and appropriate training given to each participant who, all being well, will receive a DVSA certificate of competence on completion of the scheme.

Dates for up-coming courses are:

South-Powys
Online theory: 1 September, On-road rides: 3 and 4 September
Online theory: 29 September, On-road rides: 1 and 2 October

Mid-Powys
Online theory: 15 September, On-road rides: 17 and 18 September
Online theory: 13 October, On-road rides: 15 and 16 October

Spaces for these free courses are limited and fill up quickly. Please get in touch to reserve your places as soon as possible: 01597 826924 or [email protected]

Please see this video for more information on the DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme: https://youtu.be/9OjLHO-ASmk

15 August 2022

Work to construct a storm water pumping station to alleviate flooding on the A44 in Penybont, mid Powys, is finished ahead of schedule.

Completed with a grant from the Welsh Government Resilient Roads Fund, the main purpose of the works was to prevent major routes, such as the A44, from flooding so often during storms. The existing highways drainage system will continue to work in normal weather conditions. However, in storm conditions and when the river is high an automatic sensor will close the valve to the river and direct the water into the newly constructed pumping station which is 6m deep. This water will continue to be pumped over the flood bund and into the river until levels allow the system to outfall as normal by gravity.

Not only will the pumping station help keep the A44 open during storms, but it also has the added benefit of alleviating the risk of flooding to four residential properties on Ithon Terrace during the worst of the weather conditions.

“The scheme in Penybont is the first in a programme of planned highway flood relief projects due to take place across Powys.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a Greener Powys.

“We have worked closely with Atkins (Principal Designer), NRW, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and the local residents in order to come up with the best solution to the flooding of the road running though the village. This scheme will help ensure the A44 will remain open during storms as well as mitigating potential flooding to the adjacent properties from storm water run-off.

“Local contractor, P J Martin and Son have done a fantastic job in constructing the pumping station. Working in a very tight space, health and safety and environmental considerations needed to be at the fore front due to the deep excavation and proximity to the watercourse, but the works have been completed a month ahead of its scheduled date of September.

“Although a great asset for the community, this scheme will address the flooding issues on the main road and for the houses immediately adjacent to the new storm water pumping station, it may not, unfortunately, solve all the flooding problems within Penybont.”

15 August 2022

In a bid to halt and reverse the declines in biodiversity across the county, the Powys Nature Partnership have developed and published the first Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan.

The Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan (PNRAP) takes the objectives from the Welsh Government’s Nature Recovery Action Plan for Wales and sets them in the context of local priorities. The plan has been developed by the Powys Nature Partnership (PNP), a group of organisations and individuals committed to reversing the declines in biodiversity across Powys and of which Powys County Council is a part.

At the heart of the Powys Nature Recovery Action plan is the ambition to reverse the declines in biodiversity in Powys by focussing on developing resilient nature recovery networks. The plan aims to guide the work of the Powys Nature Partnership, to stimulate project ideas, to target nature conservation efforts, and to provide a rationale for local action to achieve national objectives.

“Powys is a beautiful county with an abundance of varied and beautiful landscapes, but we can’t ignore that even in our idyllic and rural part of the world, the decline in nature and wildlife is still a huge issue.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“In Wales, the 2019 State of Nature report estimated that 1 in 6 of Wales’ species are at risk of extinction and that over the past 50 years 73 species have already become extinct and a further 666 species are threatened with extinction.

“We cannot sit back on our laurels, we must take action, and the development of the Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan and the collaboration of all the organisations and individuals working together in the Powys Nature Partnership is a great start.”

The Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan is informed by and contributes towards the goals and duties set out in recent legislation such as the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) and the Environment (Wales) Act (2016). The plan will be subject to continual review by the Powys Nature Partnership and will evolve over time in response to new information, future consultations and changes in legislation, policy, and funding opportunities.

The Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan can be viewed here: Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan 

More information on the Powys Nature Partnership can be found here: Powys Nature Partnership

Photo credit: Keith Noble

15 August 2022

An engagement exercise to gauge local opinion of proposals to improve the conditions of the street trees along Heol Maengwyn (A489), Penrallt St and Pentrehedyn St (A487), and the additional planting of a further 12 trees within Machynlleth town centre, is now open until 16 September 2022.

In the 1980s, thirty street trees were planted along the town centre roads, within the conservation area. However, lack of foresight and the unfavourable urban conditions has meant that many of the original trees do not have sufficient space or correct conditions to thrive. In some instances, this has resulted in unstable or poorly grown trees, dead branches, roots lifting pavements and compromising nearby buildings and poorly placed trees causing obstructions.

Being on busy trunk roads (the A487 and the A489) the regular safety inspections of these trees has already resulted in the inevitable removal of some of the worst specimens. Further inspections have identified another seven trees which will need to be felled this winter.

North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) and the Welsh Government are proposing that once these additional trees are removed, a new replanting scheme is adopted to enhance Machynlleth town centre and provide improved planting conditions for replacement trees as well as potentially increasing the number of street trees from the original 30 to 42.

“Losing trees can be emotive and although at first this appears to be sad news, it provides an ideal opportunity to improve the conditions of the remaining trees and a chance replant the felled trees in a more appropriate way – ensuring we choose the right locations, tree species and method of planting to guarantee their survival and presence within Machynlleth for years to come.” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“We are aware of the many benefits of urban planting. Trees not only improve our environments by looking beautiful, but they can also play a vital role in combatting the climate and nature emergencies we are currently facing by providing a haven for wildlife, offering shade, absorbing excess water, and improving air quality.

“Having been planted within the town’s conservation area, there is a legal obligation to replace the trees which have already been, or are planned to be, removed. But we want to make sure this is done correctly so future generations can reap the benefits and enjoy the trees for many years to come.”

Locals are invited to share their thoughts on the proposals to replace the old trees and plant an additional 12 trees within Machynlleth town centre. The proposals can be viewed online or in person at Y Plas Machynlleth, the Machynlleth Library, Caffi Alys and the Bowling Club. There will also be a drop-in session at the Bowling Club on Monday 5 September at 3-7:30pm, with a presentation at 6pm.

For more information and to have your say, please visit: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/machynlleth-street-trees-consultation

10 August 2022

Work is underway to provide a phased re-opening of some of the county’s day centres, the county council has confirmed.

A limited number of centres have opened, and Social Services officers will be meeting with independent day centre providers in the near future to discuss particular service needs.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has stopped our older residents from getting out and about, meeting with friends and doing many of the things that they enjoy. We understand the role that day centres can have in creating a space for connection and occupation for the people who use them, and how important they can be to carers, allowing them time to work, or to give them a break from their caring work” said Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys

“We recognise the tremendous contribution to the community made by unpaid carers throughout the county, and how much they need to have time for rest and recuperation, or for doing other things.

“Our re-opening of Day Centres is phased, because the pandemic has reduced how many staff we have, and placed restrictions on their return to work following illness; and we have to make sure each centre that re-opens has enough staff to run it safely.  So far, our Day Centres are open in Brecon, Ystradgynlais and Llanidloes. 

“The Park Day Centre in North Powys is leased to Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) until February 2023 and PTHB will be using it as a vaccination centre until then. We will work alongside the people affected by this to work out how we can provide as much as possible of what the Day Centre provided them with, but in other ways.

“The day services in Llandrindod Wells do not have an opening date because some of our staff there are supporting other crucial services, like the reablement service, and we don’t yet have enough staff to run the Day Centre safely.

“Our staff work alongside people to understand what matters to them; and so we are talking to older residents and working in partnership with them and others to work out how, as well as re-opening Day Centres, we can help them connect with friends, do the things they enjoy and take part in other opportunities in their communities” she added.

9 August 2022

Carl Cooper has been elected as the Chair of Powys Regional Partnership Board (RPB). Carl, who is Chief Executive of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), took up the role as Chair during a recent board meeting.

The RPB brings together a number of public service representatives including the Powys Teaching Health Board, Powys County Council and the Third Sector. It also includes members that represent the interests of citizens and unpaid carers.

The purpose of the RPB is to set strategy and establish plans for the delivery of health, care and wellbeing services. Importantly, these services are focused on achieving what matters to people and communities. They ensure a collaborative, multi-agency approach that improves efficiency and effectiveness, thereby delivering good outcomes for our Powys population.

The Board is also responsible for investing the county’s allocation of the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Funding to support a wide range of initiatives such as Community Connectors, Powys Befriending Service and Young Carers.

Carl Cooper will serve as Chair for the year ahead. He is joined by two Vice Chairs, Cllr Sian Cox, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys and Kirsty Williams, Vice Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board.

Carl said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking up this role at a time when working together for Powys is more important than ever. I take this opportunity to thank all partners for their diligence and dedication as we seek to work together to improve things for the people of Powys.”

For more information about the Powys Regional Partnership Board and the work it does, please visit https://www.powysrpb.org/

PICTURE: Powys RPB Vice Chair – Cllr Sian Cox, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys; Powys RPB Chair – Carl Cooper, Chief Executive of PAVO; Powys RPB Vice Chair – Kirsty Williams, Vice Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board.

9 August 2022

Powys County Council’s performance in the first quarter of 2022/23 has been largely positive, despite challenging circumstances, Cabinet has been told.

The council collects and reports a wide range of service information to gauge performance against the delivery of national and local priorities. The latest 2022/23 quarter one performance information was considered by Cabinet on Tuesday, July 26.

Overall, 69% of the 55 reportable Corporate Improvement Plan (CIP) objectives were on track and 64% of the 65 reportable CIP measures met their target.

During 2022-2023, the Council’s performance will be reported against the ‘Vision 2025: Corporate Improvement Plan’, which was lightly updated in April 2022 prior to the Local Government Elections.

A new Corporate Improvement Plan is under development for 2023 onwards to support the new Cabinet’s vision: To build a stronger, fairer, greener Powys.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader and Cabinet Member for an Open and Transparent Powys, said: “Despite challenging circumstances and the need to manage Council resources within the context of ‘business as usual’ activities and the COVID-19 and ‘cost of living’ response, performance against the Council’s usual monitoring framework has been largely positive.

“We are on target for 50 plus affordable housing completions by quarter 4 2022-2023, however, due to COVID related delays with materials and workforce, the intended completion of two sites in quarter one, has been revised for completion in quarter 2.

“A private sector investment strategy has been drafted within the Mid Wales Growth Deal proposals. The aim of this strategy is to outline the principles and approach to attracting investment in Growth Deal projects alongside the Growth Deal funding to provide a more comprehensive package of investment into the region.

“A further 15 individuals have been signed onto theCommunities for Work Plusprogramme funded by the Welsh Government, with 11 job entries.

“The Welshpool Transport Interchange work was progressed well and was fully operational by the end of May 2022.

“The Chweched Powys Sixth will be launched in September 2022 to the Post -16 transformation. The offer will continue to be developed to improve the educational offer to include vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and work-based placements.

“The CLA (Children Looked After) virtual school has been launched this term to support our Children that are Looked After. Brynllwarch Hall School, Ysgol Cefnllys and Ysgol Golwg y Cwm achieved Trauma Informed Schools status. The Powys Inclusion Platform, as well as Powys Early Years ALN systems and joint working have been identified by Welsh Government as practice worth sharing.

“Welshpool hosted the finish of stage 4 the Women’s Cycling Tour of Britain on 09 June. Sport Powys were highly involved in the planning and delivery of cycling/sporting activities at the finish line. Working with Welsh Cycling and Hafren Cycling Club, over 60 Year 6 pupils from local primary schools were able to participate in a cycling coaching clinic and a finish line sprint.

“The county road network has 127 Roadside Verge Nature Reserves. The Council and its contractors work hard to conserve the wildlife inhabiting the roadsides of the county. A number of initiatives are underway to leave whole sections of verges uncut or with their own individual management plans to benefit the species present on that site.”

2022/2023 Quarter one performance highlights

• Foster carers in Powys have increased to 72
• 509 adults are receiving regular direct payments
• 3 new communities have begun their journey to receive superfast broadband
• 3 Powys towns have been installed with Free Wi-Fi routers and statistical capacity
• £5 million over 3 years has been approved for a Transforming Towns application
• 45 homeless households were successfully rehoused
• 39 households that were threatened with homelessness had their homelessness successfully prevented
• £10,220 was successfully awarded to 4 Powys clubs/organisations through the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Funding application
• 2,746 new My Powys accounts were created
• 4,067 residents now on Council Tax paperless billing