Visitor Experience Project gets Brilliant Basics boost

8 July 2022

Three key visitor locations in Powys are set for boost after the county council secured Welsh Government funding to carry out improvement works.

Powys County Council has been successful in securing £210,400 from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basic scheme for its Powys Visitor Experience Project, which will see a total of £268,000 spent improving the visitor welcome in Powys.

The project focuses on key visitor locations in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Lake Vyrnwy. The council has recently completed visitor experience development plans to assess the impact of existing infrastructure on the current visitor offer and wider experience.

The improvements will enable visitors to orientate themselves more effectively when they arrive at location and locate and access key visitor assets more easily. The project will enable improved visitor management and increased enjoyment and visitor satisfaction at these key visitor locations.

The council has worked close with key partners in developing the project including Brecon Buzz, Brecon Town Council, Hafren Dyfrdwy and RSPB Lake Vyrnwy.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “I’m delighted that we have received this important funding from the Welsh Government.

“We understand that local tourism amenities are vital to someone’s overall experience whether on a day trip or on holiday. They are an important element of our local economy and vital both for visitors and residents.

“Improving the infrastructure at these locations will further enhance visitor’s experience and enjoyment and this could see them return to Powys for future day trips or holidays.

“I would also like to thank our partners whose support and match funding will help deliver the Powys Visitor Experience Project.”

Brecon Town Centre Visitor Experience Scheme – £48,000

This scheme will see new town maps, pedestrian finger posts, heritage plaques, updated signage, welcome banners, QR codes for circular walks around town and from the town centre into surrounding countryside.

Llandrindod Wells Visitor Experience Scheme – £125,000

This scheme will focus on the visitor experience around the Lake and Boathouse and will include opening up a slipway access point near the boathouse for water activity access, a new oak shelter/seating area, resurfacing the area around the boathouse to improve disabled access, and create a beachside area and wildlife viewpoint.

A new disabled access footbridge will also be installed in the nearby Rock Park.

Lake Vyrnwy Visitor Experience Scheme – £95,000

This scheme will see car park improvements at Old Village and Rhiwagor, installation of picnic benches and cycle racks, Lakeside bird hide access improvement and interpretation, walking route improvements to two trails to enhance access, upgrading of Llechwedd-du picnic area as well as the restoration of iconic metal railings around the lake.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “We’re very aware of the important part that local tourism amenities have on someone’s overall experience when on a day trip or on holiday. These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales, while also benefit those who live in the area.

“The £2.9 million in new funding will go to projects which will help us make our destinations more accessible and more sustainable, and to grow tourism for the good of Wales.”

Education – cost per child in Wales.

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8 July 2022

Louise Thomas (Conservative counsellor, Mumbles) has questioned the budget allocated per school pupil in Wales for 2022 and 2023.
When asked about the disparity between the costs, Louise stated: “I really don’t know, but I think its very unfair, and especially for Swansea, we seem to be worse off by quite a bit”

In regards to the disparity of spending per child, Ioan Richard stated the following:

“Sometimes it’s down to political decisions and budget cuttings. Sometimes it’s down to political priorities with other departments e.g. Social services or Highways – they differ by regional poverty and geography.

Sometimes it’s down to what is devolved from County Hall down to School Budget e.g. Legal Advice on Pupil issues of Music Instrument Teaching or Psychology service etc to schools or not.

It’s all very complicated without knowing the comparison figures and the REASONS.

My prejudiced instinct – right or wrong – is to blame Labour in Swansea and Cardiff and Conservative in Westminster. A difficult one to make any political capital out of unless it is extremely blatant.”

So there we have it, right or wrong, labour is to blame. Independents (who are usually secretly Conservative) as well as Conservative counsellor rely on blaming labour, whether that blame is right or wrong.

This is a stub article – further updates to follow.

Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge – Powys County Council

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7 July 2022

Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge – Powys County Council

07 July 2022

Image of Councillor David Selby and and Tracey Cavender, Library assistant at Newtown Library

Children across Powys are encouraged to join the Summer Reading Challenge and spark their curiosity about the world around them.

This year, The Reading Agency have partnered with the Science Museum Group to create a challenge that is all about science and innovation.

To get involved:

Visit your local library: Register for the challenge and choose your six books from the wide selection available
Sign up online for the digital challenge: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Choose six books you are going to read. These can be your own books at home or e-books/e-audio books from Powys Library’s Borrowbox site: https://powys.borrowbox.com

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays whilst also building their skills and conﬁdence before the new school year.

“This year’s theme focuses on inspiring children to see the science and innovation behind everyday objects, showing that reading and science are for everyone and can be fun.”

The summer reading challenge is aimed at children aged between four and 11 years and runs from Saturday 9 July until mid-September.

Powys Libraries have a variety of books available for the challenge, in English and Welsh, including picture books, quick reads, story books, information books and comics.

Once signed up to the challenge, each child will receive a free collector’s folder and then read any book to collect special stickers along the way.

Everyone who completes their personal reading challenge at the end of the summer, will receive a certificate and medal, a free family swim voucher courtesy of Freedom Leisure, and will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/buddingreaders or contact the library service on [email protected] or 01874 612394.

Hackney carriage tariffs – Powys County Council

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6 July 2022

Hackney carriage tariffs – Powys County Council

A consultation on proposals to increase Hackney Carriage tariffs in Powys will start later this week, the county council has said.

Powys County Council are proposing an increase in the tariffs after receiving requests from the county’s Hackney Carriage Vehicle operators.

A consultation exercise was held with Powys Licensed Taxi Drivers back in the Spring, with 31 out of the 33 responses in favour of increased tariffs.

Currently, the Powys two-mile tariff equates to £5.40 but the proposal is to increase the tariff to £6.

The council will now consult on the proposed increases to the Hackney Carriage tariffs, with the consultation starting Friday 8 July. It will last 14 days and will close on Friday 22 July.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “We are well aware that increased fuel costs are having an impact on the county’s taxi drivers.

“The current tariff has been in place since 2018 but taxi fares need to be fair to both the drivers and vehicle owners in order to make a living but also affordable for the travelling public.

“The proposed increase is approximately 11 per cent, this would bring fares in Powys up to comparable to the Welsh average.”

Any objection to the proposed fares must be made within 14 days from Friday 8 July in writing to:

Licensing Team Manager, Powys County Council, The Gwalia, Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6AA or email [email protected]

Proposed fares

Vehicles up to 4 passengers

TARIFF 1 (DAY) 6.00 to 23.00

Flag & First Mile or 9min initial waiting time – £4.00
For each 176 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 20p | £2/mile
Waiting time – 20p/min

TARIFF 2 (NIGHT) 23.00 to 06.00 & Bank Holidays

Flag & First Mile or 11min initial waiting time – £4.50
For each 160 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 25p | £2.75/mile
Waiting time – 25p/min

TARIFF 3 (XMAS & NEW YEAR) 19.00 24^thDec – 06.00 27^th Dec | 19.00 31^stDec – 06.00 2^nd Jan

Flag & First Mile or 10min initial waiting time – £6.00
For each 176 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 30p | £3/mile
Waiting time – 30p/min

Vehicles with capacity of more than 4 passengers

TARIFF 4 (DAY)06.00 to 23.00

Flag & First Mile or 11min initial waiting time – £4.50
For each 160 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 25p | £2.75/mile
Waiting time – 20p/min

TARIFF 5 (NIGHT) 23.00 to 06.00 & bank holidays

Flag & First Mile or 10min initial waiting time – £6.00
For each 176 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 30p | £3/mile
Waiting time – 30p/min

TARIFF 6 (XMAS & NEW YEAR) 19.00 24^thDec – 06.00 27^th Dec | 19.00 31^stDec – 06.00 2^nd Jan

Flag & 1st mile or 10min initial waiting time – £7.50
For each 176 yards or uncompleted part thereof – 40p | £4/mile
Waiting time – 40p/min

Soiling Charge £50 Maximum

Cabinet approved Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme

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6 July 2022

Cabinet approved Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme

Thousands of vulnerable residents in Powys are set to receive financial help after Cabinet decided how funding to support those most impacted by the cost of living crisis will be spent.

Powys County Council has received £924,373 from the Welsh Government to provide discretionary support over the cost of living crisis.

On Tuesday, 5 July, Cabinet approved the Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme which will see the funds being used to potential support up to 3,000 of the county’s vulnerable residents who haven’t been eligible to get help through the main Cost of Living Support Scheme.

The discretionary scheme includes:

£150 to residents in receipt of Disabled Band Reduction who do not get help in the main scheme
£150 to residents in occupied properties that are currently exempt from Council Tax
£150 to families of children on Free School Meals who do not get help in the main scheme
£150 to vulnerable young people
£150 to residents who have care needs in the community and have undergone a means test assessment and who did not get help in the main scheme
£150 to vulnerable residents who live in homes that have off-grid fuel supply and did not get help in the main scheme.

Other elements of the support scheme will see:

A Home Loss Prevention Scheme to directly prevent homelessness with help for rent arrears and support those in who have mortgages and at threat of losing their home
A £5,000 grant given to each foodbank in Powys
Up to £1,000 grant given to all breakfast clubs attached to schools
Up to £5,000 grants to support local groups and agencies working directly with customers in need through this current crisis

A fund will also be set up to allow those in the council who work directly with vulnerable residents to alleviate cost of living crisis needs as they come across it.

£250,000 of the funding will also go towards energy efficient work for the homes of vulnerable residents to help reduce their energy costs as well as providing longer term solutions to the fuel cost crisis.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “We are taking action to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis and support people in Powys. At the petrol pump, in gas bills and at the supermarket, residents are feeling the effects of this crisis and we will do all we can to support them.

“I’m pleased that Cabinet has put this scheme in place to support those most in need in Powys and we are grateful to the Welsh Government for this funding.”

Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, said: “We have carefully identified those groups of residents who most need our help right now but we have also focussed on the longer term by providing funding to foodbanks, breakfast clubs as well as other support agencies.”

As with the main Cost of Living Support Scheme, which is currently being rolled out, where the council holds bank details for eligible people in identified categories it will automatically issue the £150 payments. Where the details are not held, the council will make contact with eligible households to apply for the grant.

Have Fun, Take Care and Stay Safe during Royal Welsh Show week

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5 July 2022

A campaign encouraging people to Have Fun, Take Care and Stay Safe during Royal Welsh Show week has been launched.

The Builth Wells Event Safety Group has launched the campaign ahead of the return of Wales’ premier agricultural show later this month (July).

The campaign will see a series of posters and banners displayed at licenced premises during Royal Welsh Show week, encouraging people to behave responsibly in a creative and humorous way.

It is one of a series of measures that will be introduced by the safety group, which was formed in 2017 and led by Powys County Council. The measures aim to reduce public risk and improve the safety of those in and around Builth Wells during the period of Royal Welsh Show.

Other safety measures that will also be in place includes:

Safe walking route known as the Green Route
Drug amnesty boxes will be placed on approaches to venues in and around Builth Wells
Welfare support to be provided by Street Pastors at night during Royal Welsh Show week
Medical and wellbeing centre operated by St John Cymru from the Strand Hall.

Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The return of the Royal Welsh Show after three years will undoubtedly draw tens of thousands of visitors to Builth Wells and the surrounding area.

“While we welcome the show’s return, it’s important that visitors and residents enjoy the annual agricultural event safely. Although this campaign is humorous in its approach it does have important safety messages for those in and around Builth Wells during Royal Welsh Show week.

“We want people to drink and behave responsibly and to look after themselves and their friends. As long as people Have Fun, Take Care and Stay Safe then they will have a memorable time during Royal Welsh Show week.

“We understand that some of the measures that will be in place may cause some disruption for residents living in Builth Wells. However, they are necessary to ensure to keep visitors and residents safe throughout Royal Welsh Show week.”

Steve Hughson, Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “The Royal Welsh has played a leading role in helping to improve safety inside and outside our perimeter fence. We applaud the success of the Builth Wells Event Safety Group in extending safety measures into the town and bringing all the various events that take place in Show week together in one place.

“The measures will improve the safety of everyone coming to Builth and we encourage visitors to follow the guidance, act responsibly and look after each other. Have a great show.”

Silver Kite Award for litter picking champion

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4 July 2022

Silver Kite Award for litter picking champion

>Keep Wales Tidy’s Project Officer for Powys, Rachel Palmer, has been presented with a Silver Kite Award in recognition of her years of dedication in championing volunteers to care for their local environment.

The Powys County Council Silver Kite Award is a civic award presented by the Chair of Council, Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, to recognise outstanding commitment to the community. As well as being a Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer for Powys for 15 years, the award is also in recognition of Rachel’s earlier career in the council’s museums service.

Rachel was nominated for her award James Thompson, the council’s Waste Awareness and Enforcement Manager, as a thank you for all her hard work over the years. Throughout her time as the Keep Wales Tidy’s Project Officer for Powys, Rachel has dedicated herself to supporting community and environmental projects in the county. She has supported schools, community groups, charities, businesses, councillors and local individuals to take direct action to help make their communities cleaner and greener.

“I am delighted to officially recognise Rachel’s dedication and commitment to the county of Powys,” said Cllr Ratcliffe, “and although the award is made to Rachel personally, it also reflects on the hard work of so many of the local volunteers across Powys who do so much to help keep our county free of litter.

“Rachel and her volunteers have done so much for Powys, not just litter picking but also championing environmental projects, encouraging wildlife and nature habitats and gardening ventures across the county.

“I know first-hand from volunteering with local environmental tasks just how much this improves the physical and mental health of those partaking, as well as improving the local environment for the whole community.”

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said “I’m delighted that Rachel’s outstanding contribution in Powys over the past 15 years has been recognised by Powys County Council. Rachel has worked closely with our local authority partner and so many others in Powys to protect and improve the local environment which has made a huge difference to communities across the county.”

From powys.gov.uk

Staff shortages causing disruption to bin collections

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4 July 2022

Staff shortages causing disruption to bin collections

Front line workers, such as the waste and recycling crews, have been relied upon to continue working hard throughout the chaos of the past couple of years. Despite the strains of a global pandemic and budget pressures, the council’s key workers have worked tirelessly to ensure services are maintained and resident’s needs are met.

However, the current national recruitment crisis is now taking its toll and the waste and recycling service are suffering a staff shortage. At times this is resulting in missed collections and delays to emptying litter bins and the banks at community recycling sites. We are working hard to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys says: “We understand that missed or delayed collections can be very frustrating to everyone including our crews, residents, and commercial customers.

“We would like to thank our crews for their continued commitment and hard work and the residents and commercial customers for their understanding. Please be assured that we are working hard to keep the service going as effectively as possible and actively recruiting additional staff to help relieve the pressures on the current team.”

Residents are advised to keep an eye on the councils Powys Recycles social media pages and the council website for any updates to collection arrangements:

Facebook: @recycleforpowys / https://www.facebook.com/recycleforpowys
Twitter: @PowysRecycles / https://twitter.com/PowysRecycles
Bin collection details: Bin collection day

“Despite the hard work, being part of the waste and recycling team can be a very rewarding job” added Cllr Charlton. “We would encourage anyone looking for a job in their local area to consider applying to become part of our team.

“It is important to us to employ local people and we would especially welcome applications from women wanting to take advantage of the good work-life balance. As well as friendly and committed colleagues, you will also have the satisfaction of helping the council to become a top preforming recycling authority and contributing to the county’s climate change agenda.”

For more information on the current vacancies within the waste and recycling service, please visit: Search and Apply for Jobs

Free sporting activities for Powys children

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4 July 2022

Free sporting activities for Powys children

Children across Powys are invited to attend free sporting activities this summer.

Powys County Council, in partnership with Freedom have arranged free sporting activity sessions in nine different locations across the county. These sessions are for children and young people aged 6 to 12 across Powys is part of Welsh Government’s Playworks Holiday funded project.

Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Generations, Cllr Susan McNicolas said: “We are delighted that we are able to provide summer holiday activities for children across the county, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government. These sessions will provide an opportunity for children to take part in fun outdoor activities and make new friends at the same time!”

Places will be limited so parents must book their child’s place online.

Applications will open on Friday 8th of July onwards for 5 weeks of the summer holidays. For your child to attend, you must book a place online by Wednesday 12 noon for the following weeks sessions.

Families will be notified of confirmed places a week in advance for activities the following week.

If you have any questions, please contact us on [email protected].

For more information visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/11259/Holiday-Playworks-Summer-Sessions-with-Freedom-Leisure

Article from Powys Council

Powys to become a Proud Council

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4 July 2022

A local government partnership that supports and actively champions LGBTQ+ inclusion in Welsh communities will have a new member.
Powys County Council is to become a ‘Proud Council’ and will be first rural authority in Wales to join the partnership.

Proud Councils is a voluntary partnership of Welsh local authorities who are proactive in the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. It was formed in 2015 to ensure that local government across Wales is a visible leader in the field of LGBTQ+ rights and actively championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in communities across Wales.

The partnership aims to create a unified and collaborative approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion across Wales, supporting member local authorities with their commitment towards creating equal, diverse, and inclusive workplaces and communities, where the LGBTQ+ community can be free from discrimination or prejudice.

The decision to become a Proud Council was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 28 June.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “I’m delighted that Powys County Council will become a Proud Council. It’s especially pleasing that the decision to join this partnership was taken during Pride Month.

“The decision to become a Proud Council sends a very clear signal that we are a welcoming and inclusive employer that supports and promotes diversity across our workforce while supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Powys.

“It is important that the council does more to support our LGBTQ+ staff and residents. Our ambition is to build a Fairer Powys, becoming a Proud Council is an important step in achieving this.”

The other Welsh local authorities that are Proud Councils are:

Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff; Merthyr Tydfil; Newport; Rhondda Cynon Taf; Swansea; Torfaen.

Article from Powys Council

1...232425...37 Page 24 of 37

Visitor Experience Project gets Brilliant Basics boost

Education – cost per child in Wales.

Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge – Powys County Council

Hackney carriage tariffs – Powys County Council

Cabinet approved Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme

Have Fun, Take Care and Stay Safe during Royal Welsh Show week

Silver Kite Award for litter picking champion

Staff shortages causing disruption to bin collections

Free sporting activities for Powys children

Powys to become a Proud Council

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