29 November 2022

The Leader of Powys County Council has announced the appointment of two Cabinet Assistants to support the work of portfolio holders in key areas.

The new assistants will have specific roles, attend and contribute to cabinet meetings but they will not have voting powers. The roles will support the work of portfolio holders but will not have delegated powers and cannot deputise for Cabinet Members at Scrutiny committees.

Forden and Montgomery Member, Councillor Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, who is a member of the Green Party, has been named as Cabinet Assistant for the Climate Emergency and Councillor Adam Kennerley, Member for Newtown North and a member of the Liberal Democrat Group, has been named Cabinet Assistant for the Nature Emergency.    

Council Leader Councillor James Gibson-Watt said: “Cabinet Assistants will support the work of portfolio holders and jointly chair a cross-party Climate and Nature Steering Group. The Steering Group will agree a work programme which will report to the cabinet on a quarterly basis.

“We hope the Steering Group will set up ad hoc working groups on specific topics, establish external stakeholder groups on climate and nature to support their work and report annually to full council.

“The new roles, which are unpaid, will bring additional skills around climate and nature emergency, areas that are key to everything we do.”

29 November 2022

Schools in Powys will not move to a four-day week to reduce running costs, the county council has confirmed.

To help support schools with the pressures they face due to increasing energy and inflationary costs, Powys County Council has produced a financial management toolkit which included ideas on how to reduce costs around the school.

One of the potential options put forward in extreme cases was a four-day school week with the fifth day moving to online learning.

However, this option has now been removed by the council.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “The result of the national cost of living crisis and ever-increasing costs is having an impact on every household, business, school, and public body across the UK.

“We now expect to see the full impact of energy price increases over the next financial year. It is essential that schools are aware of the potential severity of the situation they face in preparing their budgets.

“That is why the council prepared a financial management toolkit for schools containing detailed budgetary comparison data and ideas on how to reduce costs around the school.  A four-day school week was the most extreme of these options.

“However, the council has removed this option from the toolkit following advice from the Welsh Government, who were not supportive of schools moving to a four-day week at this time.

“This decision doesn’t mean the financial challenge has fundamentally improved just that there is one fewer option on the table.  We will continue to support our schools and look at options to reduce their running costs which do not impact on our learners.”

28 November 2022

A rogue trader who defrauded a retired Powys resident into paying £60,000 for construction work that was substandard and incomplete has been given a two-year prison sentence.

Leslie James Smith of Pershore, Worcestershire was prosecuted by Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service after carrying out work at a property in Felindre.

Smith, who pleaded guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and Fraud Act 2006 at an earlier hearing at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court, was sentenced to two years in jail and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge by Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

An investigation by Trading Standards officers found that between April 8 and July 8 last year, Smith had been excessively paid for construction work and then failed to complete the work to a competent standard.

The investigation also found that Smith had committed fraud by way of making a false representation, namely his identity.  Trading Standards officers also found that Smith had lied about purchasing supplies when he had not, and also claimed the cost of supplies had risen and that he required additional payment when those supplies had purportedly already been purchased.

Smith also asked for additional payment from his victim to subsidise work for other customers with the intention of making a financial gain for himself, the investigation found.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The conclusion of this case sends out a clear message that trading practices like this 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.”

28 November 2022

Poultry owners in Powys are being urged by the county council to prepare for new biosecurity and housing measures that will come into force later this week.

The biosecurity and housing requirements for poultry and captive birds in Wales, which come into force on Friday, 2 December, are being taken to get ahead of a possible increased level of avian influenza virus in the environment and build extra resilience to the important measures introduced in October through the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.

From Friday, 2 December, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds.

Keepers must also complete and act upon a bespoke biosecurity review of the premises where birds are kept. This is to minimise the risk of virus entry in bird houses, which usually results in high mortality.

These new measures are in addition to those in the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, which remain crucially important.

Now Powys County Council’s Animal Health Team is encouraging bird keepers to prepare for the introduction of the new measures, by making sure housing is suitable, with the housed environment enhanced to protect bird welfare. Keepers should consult their vet for advice where needed.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “There has been an unprecedented incursion of avian influenza into Great Britain and Europe in 2022.

“Housing is effective in protecting birds against avian influenza only if accompanied by rigorous biosecurity to keep the virus out of bird houses. This is best done by completing the biosecurity checklist, which will be compulsory for all keepers.

“Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

“I want to thank all keepers in the county for the steps they have taken to keep birds in Wales safe from this devastating disease, steps which we know have protected birds. The additional measures announced will build on that effort. If implemented rigorously, our birds will be protected.”

To view the Mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist visit https://gov.wales/mandatory-biosecurity-self-assessment-checklist

For the latest updates on Avian influenza (bird flu) visit https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update

28 November 2022

Powys County Council has a new vision for the future, and it is quite simple – Stronger Fairer Greener.

The vision is simple the delivery is not and will challenge the county council in more ways than ever before.

“The cabinet has been discussing the vision since the summer, it will be the foundation of the Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan, the most important plan for the county council for the next five years,” said Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of the Council and Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of the Council.

“But the vision has to be more than a branding statement that can be written on the side of a council vehicle – it is a commitment to the communities and people of Powys, and we want to know what you think.

“What do we mean by Stronger Fairer Greener?

Stronger – We will become a county that succeeds together, with communities and people that are well connected socially, and are personally and economically resilient

Fairer – We will be an open, well-run, Council where peoples’ voices are heard and help to shape our work and priorities, with fairer, more equal, access to services and opportunities. We will work to tackle poverty and inequality to support people’s well-being.

Greener – We want to ensure a greener future for Powys, where our well-being is linked to that of the natural world, and our response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies is at the heart of everything we do.

“Underpinning the three objectives is an approach that will see climate, nature and equalities as a key thread throughout everything we do as an organisation, strengthening organisational decision-making by understanding the most significant issues affecting Powys.

“We have a clear idea about what our vision means but we cannot act alone we need the support of our communities. Let us know what you think of our vision, is it right for Powys, can we strengthen it, have we missed key elements, we need your views,” they added.

To get involved:

Leave your feedback online through our survey here: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/corporate-plan-survey, or download and complete the survey and email it to [email protected] or drop it off at your local library.

Only have one minute? Share your ideas with us here: https://en-gb.padlet.com/haveyoursaypowys/CIP  

The closing date to provide us with your feedback is 23 December 2022.

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 review of all flood defences in Ystradgynlais is underway after nearly 50 properties suffered internal damage following torrential rain earlier this month.

The review, which will include feedback from residents, elected members and businesses, will assess what areas worked and where additional strengthening is needed after a month’s rainfall in less than 24-hours.

Rainfall records for Ystradgynlais showed rainfall accumulation for November 2 day at 44.2mm, with 16.3mm falling in just 30 minutes. Water levels at Teddy Bear Bridge reached their highest recorded levels.

Forty-six properties in the Ystradgynlais area suffered internal flooding with a number of others affected by surface run-off flood water. The council has already removed 400 tonnes of debris with another 200 tonnes still to go.

Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton thanked residents for responding to a call for information into the impact of the flooding saying the feedback would be used as part of the flood defence review.

“The information will add to the hydraulic analysis of culvert and surface water systems currently underway and help develop potential flood defence improvements for the future,” she said.

“The County Council is investigating opportunities for Welsh Government funding to repair existing flood defence and drainage infrastructure damaged by the flooding, as well as funding to provide new defences in the area.

“Many of the culvert and inlets that flooded or overtopped were inspected before the event but were completely overwhelmed by the volume of surface water. I was grateful for the response of council staff and emergency colleague, their hard work on the night was much appreciated.  

“We will work with communities to do what we can to protect them against future flooding and support local actions to help address their understandable concerns, but there are no quick fixes. We will continue to inspect and maintain our culverts and drainage system, but it is clear they are failing to cope with the impact of climate change.”   

If your property was affected and you have not already been contacted by the Powys team, you can still report it using the following link Report a Flood or alternatively email the drainage team directly [email protected] The council’s Emergency Planning Out of Hours number is 0345 0544847.

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