Warning on council tax phone scam

Powys residents are being warned of a potential scam involving people claiming to be from the local council tax office.

Powys County Council is issuing the warning following reports from other parts of Wales where people are making unsolicited telephone calls to householders asking for their bank account details. Householders were asked to hand over their details under the pretence they were due a council tax refund.

Tony Price from Powys County Council, explains: "This scam has now been reported in other parts of the Wales and UK so we want to ensure residents are aware of it.

"We do not make unsolicited calls to householders to ask for their bank account details. Only Powys County Council has the ability to arrange a council tax refund and we ask people to fill in specific forms in order to arrange this.

"Don’t give out your personal or private details unless you have instigated the call and are sure that the person you are speaking to is completely genuine."

The council advises that if you are uncertain if any caller is genuine, ask for the person's name and extension number, then call the council tax switchboard on 01597 827463 or 0845 602 7033 and ask to be put through to them.

read more... “Warning on council tax phone scam”

SPecial measures for Powys primary

Penycae Community Primary School, near Ystradgynlais, has been placed in special measures by Estyn following its inspection in July 2009.

The Estyn report acknowledges that the school has many good features, but there are shortcomings in important areas and it does not provide value for money. Estyn have come up with nine recommendations in order for the school to improve in the areas inspected.

Senior officers from Powys County Council will be working in close partnership with the school in order to secure this improvement.

The school and the council will produce action plans, detailing steps to be taken to address the shortcomings identified by Estyn.

Alun Thomas, Chair of Governors for Penycae C.P.School, said: "Estyn has identified a number of shortcomings that we have to address if we are to improve the standard of education for our pupils. We have a lot of hard work in front of us, but with the support of staff, pupils, parents, governors and the council, I am confident that we will succeed.

"The governing body has already recognised the shortcomings and has acted proactively. A change in strategic leadership was implemented at the beginning of the academic year.

"This has resulted in immediate and significant improvements of opportunities for our children at Penycae School and this will continue until we are removed from special measures."

Cllr David Jones, Board Member for Schools and Inclusion, said: "We know what needs to be done to ensure that Penycae C.P. School is removed from the category of special measures as soon as possible and we will be working closely with the school and governing body to secure improvements.

"A project team of senior officers, school staff and the governing body has been established in order for this to happen."

Estyn will monitor the school on a termly basis until it is satisfied that the category of special measures no longer applies.

A copy of the inspection report can be found at www.estyn.gov.uk

read more... “SPecial measures for Powys primary”

Celebrating the Shakespearean sonnet in pictures

There's currently an exhibition in Builth Wells library of Photographs taken at the Sonnet Festival held at Living Willow Theatre by Builth Wells Photographic Club.

There are some fantastic shots of the festival, held in Penlanole to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first edition of Shakespeare's Sonnets last June.

The exhibition is in the library from Tuesday, November 10 to Tuesday, December 1.

Library opening times are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am – 1pm and 2 – 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 12.30pm.

read more... “Celebrating the Shakespearean sonnet in pictures”

Police Organise Football Competition

Thanks to the Brecon Neighbourhood Policing Team, children from five local schools took part in a successful inter-school football competition, which was held at Christ College Sports facility.

The tournament involved teams from local primary schools; Priory Church in Wales, Ysgol-y-Bannau, Mount Street, St Josephs and Llanfaes School.

Ysgol-y-Bannau won the competition and lifted the shield after they beat reigning champions Mount Street 3:2.

Brecon’s Matthew’s Jewellers kindly sponsored the event and ensured each participant received a medal and the shield for the triumphant team – while Owen Sports provided Gift Voucher’s for the best player awards.

PCSO Mark Ponting, who helped organise the event, said: “Sport is an effective way to gain the interest of children, especially if you include the competitive element and a prize for the winners.

“I was really pleased with the tournament and I would like to thank the schools and teachers for allowing the children to take part. We hope to repeat it again next year and maybe involve schools from further afield. We would like to thank the local businesses and Christ College for their support of the tournament and for investing in the young people.”

Powys Chief Superintendent Steve Hughson added: “It is really important that our Police Officers involve themselves with young people to ensure that we are engaged with all sections of the community. What better forum for this than through sport. I was really encouraged with the numbers of children taking part and my congratulations go to the winning team.”

read more... “Police Organise Football Competition”

Powys AMs support Tenovus showcase Mobile Cancer Support Unit

Powys Liberal Democrats Kirsty Williams AM and Mick Bates AM have given their support for the Tenovus Mobile Cancer Support Unit, which parked up at the doors of the National Assembly for Wales to welcome Assembly Members on board and raise awareness of the services it delivers across Wales.

Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity, launched the Mobile Cancer Support Unit nine months ago and has so far had 3,000 people on board in 24 locations across Wales. Innovatively designed to deliver cancer services to patients, it is a World’s first, bringing care and support to people in their communities in the form of chemotherapy, practical advice on welfare rights, bereavement support and counselling, health awareness and nutritional advice.

Commenting, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates states:

“It is a sad fact that each day 46 people in Wales will be told they have cancer. Of that number, 64% of all newly diagnosed cancers occur in people aged 65 years or more, so in rural areas like Montgomeryshire where we have a much older and less mobile population, improving access to primary health care is crucial.

“Against the backdrop of a poor infrastructure and a longer journey to access services, we must look at innovative ways of delivering key services in rural areas to address these growing needs. The Mobile Cancer Support Unit offers an excellent model to provide for an equitable service to rural areas, providing care, support and information as well as treatment at times and locations convenient to patients.”

Brecon and Radnorshire AM, Kirsty Williams, said:

"After months of discussions with Tenovus about the mobile unit it was great to finally get on board and see this amazing bus first hand. The unit is an incredible facility and is very different to what would be expected of a medical treatment centre - it is a much more comforting and relaxed setting, which truly benefits patients going through a very traumatic time. I am determined that Powys benefits from this great provision - even more so now that I have seen it first hand.

“It is terrible that between 2003 and 2007 only 7 of the 671 Powys residents needing chemotherapy received it in county and that the majority of patients had to across the border, travelling on average a 75 mile round trip. The mobile clinic addresses many of the particular challenges facing health provision in rural areas such as ours and I will be working with stakeholders and Tenovus to find ways to fund such a service in Powys."

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus said:

“We are delighted to take the mobile unit to the National Assembly for Wales. It will give Assembly Members an opportunity to see for themselves the breadth of services we offer. At a very difficult time for patients, the mobile unit takes the extra strain of accessing treatment for patients that can involve making long distance journeys, which can be tiring and difficult. It has proved to be an invaluable support service for the patients that use the facility.

“Tenovus is the first to deliver this service to patients, we have single handedly raised the funds for the Mobile Unit and have received excellent feedback from patients and nurses who deliver the services on board. We currently bring care, support and treatment to patients along the M4 corridor; some are in the hardest to reach areas. Tenovus hope to increase the number of units on the road to reach those in rural areas and target Mid and North Wales too, perhaps one day we will have a fleet caring for patients in their communities.”

read more... “Powys AMs support Tenovus showcase Mobile Cancer Support Unit”

Wyeside Arts Centre seeks new trustees to join its Council of Management

Wyeside is an independent arts charity based in an historic listed building in the heart of rural Mid Wales in Builth Wells with a turnover of over £300,000. The building has been home to one of Wales longest running cinemas for over ninety years and the arts centre has just finished celebrating its thirtieth birthday.

Wyeside CEO and Artistic Director, Guy Roderick said, "We're all really proud of Wyeside. It has a fantastic history of enabling access to the arts for the wide geographical area of communities that it serves. Some of the famous stars that have appeared on the Wyeside stage over the years include the top names in all fields of arts and entertainment from jazz and comedy legends Ronnie Scott, and Eddie Izzard, to literary giants like Carol Anne Duffy and Germaine Greer.

Famous visiting companies have included the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Welsh National Opera. More local community arts activity has seen the arts centre hosting annual performances by Builth Wells Community Arts, Mid Powys Youth Theatre and the Young Farmer's Clubs. It is an enormously valuable and important cultural asset in Mid Powys."

Over the past few years Wyeside has faced potential closure a number of times but in the face of real adversity the staff and volunteers have repeatedly rallied round to keep this well loved venue open to the public and have continued to deliver a great programme of events that is renowned for its breadth and quality.

Last year they were hugely strengthened in their efforts by the extraordinary public petition to the Heritage Minister that gathered over eight thousand signatures - all determined to 'Save Wyeside' - the second largest petition ever received by the Welsh Assembly Government. Any prospective Trustees will be very interested to note that Wyeside is one of only three arts venues in Wales to have secured the coveted Investors in People status, has a dedicated and committed active Friends group and its record of promoting opportunities for volunteering has been recognised by the Prime Minister's Office.

Equally worthy of note is the support that Wyeside gets from its key main funders, the Arts Council of Wales and Powys County Council, alongside equally vital support from Builth Wells Town Council and a wide range of fundraising activities.

Over the course of a typical year Wyeside presents more than 1000 events ranging from classical music, theatre, film, community plays and youth theatre to comedy nights, contemporary music and arts workshops.

Chair of Wyeside Council of Management, Julian Gibson Watt said, "Wyeside has been well served over a long period by a Board who have steered the company through some very difficult times. It is an important duty of every Board of Trustees, though, to build Board Succession Planning into their long-term strategy. Although we know that there are significant challenges ahead we recognise that adding new and highly motivated Trustees to our Board will bring great benefit to Wyeside and in turn to our huge audiences - generally numbering around 40,000 people attending events per year. We want to attract new Trustees who will be prepared to share their expertise and knowledge with Wyeside's small, but highly regarded staff team and to work alongside them to meet and overcome those challenges that lie ahead.

"We have some particular areas of expertise that we feel would be a priority for us to attract including: strategic finance, fund-raising, PR & communications, marketing & audience development, current arts sector experience, leadership and governance, human resources, health and safety and digital media artforms. That said, however, the most important thing that any new trustee would bring to the Board would be their willingness to fully engage with the arts centre and its activities and a preparedness to offer vital volunteer management support to the team. We are well aware from the kind of support we received through the petition that Wyeside is widely acknowledged as being a vibrant, professional and innovative arts centre and we are keen to attract new trustees who will strive to match the aspirations and ambitions of our audiences and our team."

Anyone with an interest should, in the first instance request an information pack by contacting Julian Gibson Watt, c/o Wyeside Arts Centre, Castle Street. Builth Wells. Powys. LD2 3BN or by email to chairman@wyeside.co.uk

read more... “Wyeside Arts Centre seeks new trustees to join its Council of Management”

Improvement works at Builth Wells sports centre

The swimming pool at Builth Wells sports centre will be temporarily closed to allow for improvement works to the pool area.

The swimming pool is being re-tiled along with minor repairs to the pool and changing rooms. Due to the works, the swimming pool will be temporarily closed to the public from 4pm on Sunday November 8 until Saturday January 2.

The sports centre staff apologise for any disappointment this causes but hope to welcome both regular and new swimmers and sauna customers in the New Year.

The other facilities at the sports centre, as well as the outdoor pitch, are unaffected by the closure and customers can take advantage of special credit crunch offers during this time. In November a monthly squash card is being reduced to only £10 for adults and £7.50 for juniors. December’s offer will be free Friday night junior football sessions.

If you would like more information contact the sports centre reception on 01982 552324.

read more... “Improvement works at Builth Wells sports centre”

60th Wedding Anniversary for Guilsfield Couple

Mr and Mrs Herbert Lewis from Guilsfield have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.


The couple were visited by Chairman of Powys County Council, Cllr David Price who personally congratulated them on their anniversary.

Photograph: Cllr Price is pictured with the couple on their anniversary.

read more... “60th Wedding Anniversary for Guilsfield Couple”

Kent man to face death by dangerous driving charge in Powys

Police in Powys have charged a 45 year old man from Kent with causing death by dangerous driving.

The charges are brought following an incident on Strata Florida, Powys, on September 5, 2008. This involved a 4x4 vehicle during floods.

The man will appear at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court on December 2, 2009.

read more... “Kent man to face death by dangerous driving charge in Powys”

Wheely bins running late in Powys

Plans to defer the introduction of the new waste and recycling scheme, including weekly food collections and wheeled bins, throughout Powys have been agreed by board members today.

The choice to delay the start of the new scheme by Powys County Council has been influenced by a number of external factors;

Earlier this year, the Welsh Assembly Government issued a revised, more accommodating, landfill allowance for Powys. This means that, unlike previously expected, if we at least maintain our current recycling rates, we may not face financial fines for sending our waste to landfill until 2013/14.

Together with the council’s current financial position with the budget deficit and below average increase to the grant settlement received from WAG, it was deemed appropriate to hold off on spending the money on a new scheme at this current time.

“Budgets are under severe pressure and we have had to take some very difficult decisions” says Cllr Ken Harris, Board Member for Waste and Sustainability.

“By giving ourselves some breathing space before introducing the scheme across the county we are making sure that we spend public money in the best way possible, whilst ensuring that residents receive the best value for money from their council tax.

“Over the past few months we have held a series of roadshows and community talks across the county where we have gathered some excellent feedback and comments from residents about the new scheme. We will use this invaluable information to help with the implementation process of the scheme in the future, and would like to thank residents for taking the time to give us their thoughts.”

In the meantime, Powys County Council still remains committed to increasing the amount of waste that is recycled throughout the county. We urge residents to continue doing their bit to recycle as much of their household waste as possible through the current collections systems, community recycling sites, household waste and recycling sites and home composting.

Details of when the new scheme will be introduced across the county will be available in the new year.

read more... “Wheely bins running late in Powys”

Services to remember Road victims

RoadPeace services will be held in two churches in the diocese of St Asaph on Sunday 15 November.


Services of Remembrance for Road Victims will be held at

• at St Ffraid's Church, Llansantffraid yn Mechain at 3 p.m.
• at St Ffraid's Church, Llansanffraid Glan Conwy at 5 p.m., where the preacher will be the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron.

The Revd Christine Owen said, "Here in the Conwy valley there are too many tragic accidents on our roads. This service of music, readings and prayer is a time for those bereaved families and friends to come together to remember their loved ones. During the service, the names of those to be remembered will be read out ad a candle lit for each person remembered. These candles. provided by RoadPeace, are then given to the families."

Further details of the services from the Revd Pam Powell (Powys) 01691 828244 or the Revd Christine Owen (Conwy) 01492 583099

RoadPeace is a national charity established to represent and support bereaved and injured road traffic victims: see www.roadpeace.org.uk

read more... “Services to remember Road victims”

Award-Winning Children's Book Comes To Theatr Brycheiniog Stage

David Almond's book Skellig, published in 1998, became an instant classic, snatching the Whitbread Children's Book Award from Harry Potter and winning the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Now it is being brought to the stage for a special UK tour playing at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, from 23-28 November prior to a London season.

Skellig tells the story of ten-year-old Michael, who had been looking forward to moving into a new house. But now his baby sister is ill and his parents are frantic. Then Michael wanders into the crumbling garage and sees something lying beneath the spider webs and flies - is it a man or an animal? Michael confides in his new friend Mina and together they carry the creature Skellig into the light, changing their world forever.

David Almond's eerie and magical stage version of his own book stars Neal Foster and is directed by Welsh director Phil Clark, who said 'Skellig is one of the greatest books written for young people. Transposing it to the stage has been a great privilege and an exciting artistic challenge.'

Phil continues: 'Because of the epic nature of the narrative, the story demands a total theatre approach. I have chosen to work with a cast of actor/musicians and the composer Jak Poore from Llandrindod Wells. Together we have created a piece of theatre that reaches out to touch and celebrate young people's imagination.'

When it was originally seen in Birmingham and London last year, Skellig played to packed houses and great acclaim. The Stage said 'The BSC's production of this wondrous and multi-layered story is riveting. Skellig is powerfully played by Neal Foster and his presence is awesome.'

In addition to the stage version, Skellig was recently filmed with Tim Roth & John Simm and watched by one million viewers on Sky TV.

With performances on Monday 23, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November, Birmingham Stage Company's Skellig is a very special theatrical family treat not to be missed and is suitable for all ages 6+. Tickets cost £12.50 (£11.00 concs) and are available online at www.theatrbrycheiniog.co.uk or from the box office on 01874 611622.

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, is one of Wales' foremost arts centres with a wide-ranging programme of music, theatre, dance and comedy. Its funding partners include the Arts Council of Wales, Powys County Council and Brecon Town Council.

Photograph: A still from Skelig (c) Birmingham Stage Company

read more... “Award-Winning Children's Book Comes To Theatr Brycheiniog Stage”

Economic and Community Regeneration Services

Economic and community regeneration services within Powys County Council are changing to meet the challenges of the current economic climate, the council has announced.

The services, which currently employ 60 staff, will see a radical overhaul which will improve efficiency and the ability to react to rapidly changing economic circumstances, as well as reducing overall running costs.

Board Member for Regeneration, Councillor Wynne Jones said: “Regeneration services and the way they are managed have changed dramatically in recent years and we must adapt to meet the latest challenges.

“We must have a service that is flexible and capable of responding quickly and professionally to different emerging priorities as set by national government and European directives. We are confident that the changes we propose will leave us well placed to meet those challenges in a positive way.

“The economic climate today is very different from when the service was established, the council has reduced the number of visitor centres it directly manages and it no longer provides the Welsh Assembly Government funded Business Eye service.

“Our new service structure reflects these important changes and has been designed to reduce costs while continuing to deliver the service’s new priorities. It is regrettable that 11 posts will be lost as part of the proposals. We are hopeful that some staff will be redeployed within the council but it is likely that there will be some job losses,” he added.

Staff and trade unions have been informed of the proposals and a formal two-month consultation process has started.

read more... “Economic and Community Regeneration Services”

Mapping the arts for children and young people

If you work or volunteer for children and young people through the arts in Powys then a new survey being conducted on behalf of Powys County Council needs to hear from you.

The audit of arts provision for children and young people, aged 0 - 25 years, across the County is one of the first steps towards establishing a Children and Young People’s Arts Strategy for Powys.

Consultants Julie Turner and Lydia Bassett, both of whom have worked in the arts in Mid Wales for many years, have been commissioned by Powys County Council’s Arts Development Service to find out exactly what arts activities are available for children and young people, where they take place and how they are supported.

The aim is to build up a comprehensive map of what is available – and where the gaps are. They have already begun contacting arts organisations and individuals who run arts activities for children and young people to ask about their work. If you want to let Julie and Lydia know about your own arts work you can contact them via Lucy Bevan, Arts Development Officer at Powys County Council on 01597 827564 or email lucy.bevan@powys.gov.uk .

Lydia Bassett comments: “Both Julie Turner and I are really proud and excited to be involved in this work. It is very important that we get a clear picture of what arts activities are available for children and young people across Powys in order to help the Council plan for the future.

“We will be contacting as many arts organisations as we can find and asking them to tell us about what they do, and equally importantly what they would like to do or think children and young people in their area want to see or take part in. If we don’t find you ourselves, then please do get in touch and let us know about your own arts work.”

The Children and Young Peoples’ Arts Strategy for Powys is being developed in partnership with the Youth Service and the Children & Young People’s Partnership, with the support of a grant from the Arts Council of Wales. “Touching the Arts” workshops have been taking place across the County offering young people the chance to try their hand at everything from street dance to jewellery making and also to let the Council know directly what they want to get involved in.

The draft Children & Young People’s Arts Strategy should be completed by next summer and will be circulated to all the arts organisations who have helped put it together so that they have a chance to feed into the process once again.

read more... “Mapping the arts for children and young people”

Newtown Registration Office move

The Newtown Registration Office moves to a temporary location from last Friday (October 30, 2009).

The office moves to Powys County Council's Customer Service Point on Back Lane while re-wiring work takes place at the council's Park offices. The Registration Office is scheduled to return to its original home at the start of December.

The normal opening hours of the Newtown Registration Office will be maintained at the temporary location. These are Mondays 10am–1pm; Tuesdays 2pm–4pm; Wednesdays 2pm–4pm; Thursdays 9am–12pm; Fridays 10am–1pm.

To make an appointment to see a Registration Officer in Newtown, call 0845 602 7038.

read more... “Newtown Registration Office move”

FUW hands over Welsh shearing team jackets

The Farmers' Union of Wales has donated the official jackets that the Welsh team will be wearing at the 2010 Golden Shears world shearing championships to be held during next year's Royal Welsh Show.

All seven members of the Welsh team were present at the union's national annual dinner at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, to receive their jackets from FUW president Gareth Vaughan. It is only the second time that the championships have been held in Wales - the previous occasion was in 1994.

Photograph: FUW president Gareth Vaughan (seated, left) presents Welsh shearing team manager Bryan Pugh with his jacket with (seated, centre) dinner sponsor Martin Waite, AMC regional agricultural manager. Standing (from left) are team members John Till, Bronwen Tango, Gareth Daniel, Elfed Jackson, Meinir Evans and Gareth Evans.

read more... “FUW hands over Welsh shearing team jackets”

Force continues to improve customer service

Dyfed Powys Police is continuing to enhance its customer service processes.

The force is introducing Customer Services Units which will assist in delivery of the Policing Pledge.

The CSU is already in place in Mid Wales and new units will go live in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire on November 1.

T/ Superintendent Claire Parmenter said: "The Unit boasts a wide range of benefits aimed at improving the experience of members of the public and enabling the force to better place resources to enhance efficiency and public safety."

Police station front offices throughout the force are also being upgraded to improve accessibility and customer focus.

Supt Parmenter said: “Professionalising Customer Services is all about responding best to what you – the public of Dyfed Powys Police – need.

“ The proposed changes, which include corporate hours for police station front counter services, will enhance our service to the public and be far more efficient and effective.”

Refurbishment work on the front offices is ongoing but will be concluded by the New Year.

The corporate front desk opening times are:

• Llanelli, Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest 8am-8pm
• Carmarthen, Brecon and Newtown 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on weekends
• Ammanford, Cardigan, Lampeter, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais 10am-6pm Monday to Friday.

T/Supt Parmenter added: “The set times means that the public will now know when they can access front counter services.”

read more... “Force continues to improve customer service”

Road Safety Roadshows

Residents in Powys have the opportunity later this month to meet a team which works hard to ensure that the county’s roads are safe for everyone.

Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit will be at supermarkets in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais to provide road safety advice or answer any queries residents may have.

The Unit constantly works towards achieving national and local targets for reducing collisions and casualties on Powys’ roads through education, training and publicity.

Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Road Safety, said: “Ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone is an important aim and our Road Safety Unit is at the forefront of many successful initiatives which residents may not know about.

“Our roadshows are a great opportunity to meet members of the Unit and showcase the vital work we do to reduce the number of collisions and casualties that occur on our roads.”

As part of their work, the Road Safety Team provides education and/or training for road users, including:

- In Car Safety – including child car seats - Child pedestrian training - Cycle training - Walking and cycling to school - Primary and secondary school education - Pre-driver training - Young driver training - Mature driver training - Motorcyclist’s assessments

Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer said: “Not only will we be able to discuss some of the initiatives we’re involved in, we will be on hand to give residents safety advice on anti drink and drug driving, mobile phones, winter driving, night driving, seatbelts, driving for work, fatigue, hazard perception, or any other road safety queries you may have.”

Residents can visit members of the Road Safety Unit at the following locations between 10am-4pm:

Morrisons Supermarket, Brecon – Wednesday 28 October Somerfield Supermarket, Llandrindod Wells – Friday 30 October Co-Op, Ystradgynlais – Wednesday 4 November

read more... “Road Safety Roadshows”

£7.5m Regeneration package for mid-Wales

A £7.5m scheme to revitalise towns and communities across the Severn Valley to boost the local economy, improve community facilities and create an exciting tourist hub for visitors has been announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Welshpool, Newtown, and Llanidloes are all set to benefit from the scheme to transform town centre streets through improvements to shop fronts and commercial properties as well as new street furniture and landscaping.

Work will also get underway to refurbish disused properties across the Severn Valley to support start ups and attract new businesses while Offa’s Dyke and Abermule business parks will undergo further development.

The three-year scheme is backed with for £3.5m from the Competitiveness European Regional Development Fund and almost £2 million from the Welsh Assembly Government further funding from Powys County Council.

With this latest announcement, the region is benefiting a total investment of over £1.3 billion (EU funds over £650m) through the 2007-2013 Structural Funds programmes.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said:

“Enhancing the overall appearance of the towns will create an environment which will support existing businesses and attract new investors as well as increase its appeal as a hub for visitors. This scheme will greatly benefit communities through renewed pride, improved facilities and increased employment opportunities which will boost economic prosperity across the region.”

As part of the scheme restoration work will take place to two ancient monuments at the gateway to Welshpool town centre with improved access and parking facilities at the sites.

News of the grant award has been welcomed by Powys County Council Board Member for Regeneration, Cllr Wynne Jones.

"This is fantastic news for the Severn Valley Regeneration project and will take forward two important industrial park developments that will protect and safeguard valuable jobs in the region. It will also provide valuable resources to regenerate town centres in the upper Severn Valley."

read more... “£7.5m Regeneration package for mid-Wales”

Montgomeryshire AM campaigns for Laura Ashley Centre in Carno

Mick Bates AM has launched a campaign to establish a Laura Ashley Centre in Carno, calling on the Heritage Minister in the chamber today to provide support for such an innovative project, which would provide and economic boost through increasing tourism in the region, as well as support the long running campaign to reopen Carno station.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates said:

“In Wales we are very proud of our cultural history and in Montgomeryshire Laura Ashley played an important role in our cultural industrial heritage. With the closure of the Laura Ashley factory, we have a valuable opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Laura Ashley, at the same time supporting the economic development of the Carno region.

“Representatives of the Carno community have expressed their strong local attachment to the history of Laura Ashley. They have suggested housing a Laura Ashley display in the old station building at Carno, providing a focus for rural enterprise and a celebration of the history of Laura Ashley.

“A Laura Ashley Centre would help support the long running campaign to reopen Carno station. In turn, reopening the Carno station would provide the most sustainable access to this innovative project as visitors could travel to the centre by rail.

“The Laura Ashley Centre could be situated next to a possible wind power centre with information on Carno windfarm. This would place total emphasis on sustainable economic, environmental and social development within the area.

“The potential for tourism within the region would be enhanced by the development and visitor experience could cater for educational visits, increasing youth involvement and interest in the culture and history and indeed the future of the Carno area.

“I have written to Laura Ashley and hope they will agree to meet to discuss this project. I have raised the issue with the Heritage Minister in the chamber today and whilst I was advised that there is no funding at present, I firmly believe that this proposal would bring fantastic economic and cultural benefits to the Carno community and I will continue the campaign.”

read more... “Montgomeryshire AM campaigns for Laura Ashley Centre in Carno”