8 July 2022

A Head of Service at Powys County Council is set to leave the authority for a new post in West-Wales, the council has confirmed.

Jan Coles, Head of Children’s Services will leave the council to take up a similar role at Carmarthenshire County Council later this summer.

Jan joined Powys County Council in October in 2018 and led the improvement journey for the service following the Care Inspectorate Wales report the previous year. Improvements focused on Early Help services for families, a strengths-based approach and children’s rights.

Jan drew on her previous role as operational Manager for Cardiff Council, where she was responsible for developing Child Sexual Exploitation prevention services.

Chief Executive, Dr Caroline Turner said: “We wish Jan well for the future, she has a wealth of experience having worked as a Children’s Services Social Worker for the last 20 years and will be missed by colleagues.”

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.”

07 July 2022

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.