1 December 2022

Work to begin the second phase of an active travel route in Treowen, Newtown, will begin Monday 5 December.

Identified following previous consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, the route will improve walking and cycling facilities on Heol Treowen, from Treowen Primary School down towards Kerry Road.

The pavement will be widened to become a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians. This will also improve the surface of the existing path and increase safety for all users, particularly for families and pupils going to and from school.

Funded by Welsh Government, this is the second phase of a larger scheme that aims to link up to other active travel routes in the town.

“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation.” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“Essentially, this means that we are endeavouring to make it possible for us to all make short journeys such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling.

“Following consultation and the development of the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, it is really exciting to be able to see another active travel scheme in Newtown come to fruition.”

30 November 2022

An education setting in Brecon has expanded its provision to support learners aged 6-11 overcome barriers to learning, the county council has confirmed.

The New Start Centre, Powys County Council’s Pupil Referral Unit in Brecon, has been providing alternative education provision to secondary school-aged learners since 2014. It supports the individual needs of all learners by offering rich learning experiences and nurturing support so that pupils flourish and grow in all aspects of their development.

The centre has now added Key Stage 2 provision for learned aged 6-11 which will enable the council to provide earlier interventions specifically tailored to the emerging needs of learners.

With a dedicated and highly experienced Key Stage 2 team in place, the centre can quickly apply direct and appropriate educational interventions to allow learners to overcome barriers to learning.

Key Stage 2 learners will be able to attend the centre full-time for a 12-week block and, when completed, enter a transition period. After the transition period, learners will then return to their mainstream education setting with the right support in place that will allow them to recover from past experiences and thrive.

Another addition is a dedicated training room that will allow staff at the centre to provide dedicated and bespoke training to mainstream education settings and service providers to upskill and share the latest tools and strategies for managing, addressing, supporting and modifying challenges that learners today not only display themselves but also experience.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Our Pupil Referral Units promote a bespoke educational provision that supports the individual needs of their learners by offering rich learning experiences and nurturing support so that they can flourish and grow in all aspects of their development.

“I’m delighted that the New Start Centre has expanded its provision to include Key Stage 2 learners. This is an exciting time for the centre and for Powys as it is now one of the very few pupil referral units in Wales that can now cater for learners from 6-16 all on one site.

“The centre will ensure that all learners are well-equipped with the abilities and confidence to move to the next phase of their life and become active members of their community.”

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

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 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

17 November 2022

Latest data published by Stats Wales confirms that Powys has once again exceeded the Welsh Government statutory recycling target of 64%, with an impressive recycling rate of 66.8% for 2021/22.

Wales outperforms other UK home nations when it comes to recycling and is currently one of the best recycling countries in the world with an average recycling rate of 65.2%. As a country our recycling efforts already make a significant difference to help reduce the effects of climate change, saving around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from being released into the atmosphere.

“Already recycling above the national average, Powys people are up there with the best of them when it comes to recycling, with county-wide rates continuing to rise each year.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“These official figures have confirmed that the hard work and commitment of our residents and crews is paying off. However, there is still more to do in the bid to tackle the climate emergency and to reach the next Welsh Government target of recycling, reusing, or composting 70% of our waste by 2025.

“We already know that we are a county of conscientious recyclers who take great pride in doing our bit for the environment, and we have no doubt that together we will continue to make every effort to increase our recycling further and build a more sustainable future for the generations to come.”

For more details of what can and can’t be recycled through your weekly recycling collections and at our Household Waste Recycling Centres, please visit Bins, Rubbish and Recycling

14 November 2022

Two men who carried out substandard drainage work at a property near Llandrindod Wells have each received a 12-month community order after they were prosecuted by Powys County Council.

John Everitt Dixon of Rye Leaze, Bristol and Benjamin Michael Gracie of Roman Close, Lentwardine, were prosecuted by the council’s Trading Standards Service after carrying out the work at a property in Howey.

Dixon and Gracie pleaded guilty to unfair trading and fraud charges including:

• knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice, namely undertaking drainage works which were substandard,
• failed to provide the consumer with mandatory paperwork,
• failed to provide details of a waste transfer not when requested by the consumer,
• knowingly carrying on of a business, namely drainage works, with the intention of defrauding creditors.

An investigation was undertaken by trading standards officers into the work carried out by Dixon and Gracie, along with other individuals employed by the pair, at the property in Howey in July 2021.

On July 21, 2021, Gracie gave the property owner an estimate for the work of £1,900. However, the final price rose to £2,600, which was paid to Dixon in two amounts – a cash payment of £1,000 and a £1,600 bank transfer payment.

However, no paperwork was provided by the defendants, no plans were drawn up and neither appeared to have a licence to clear the rubble at the property from the excavation work, the investigation revealed.

The investigation found that the drainage system installed at the property was totally unfit for purpose. An inspection by a drainage engineer, at the request of trading standards officers, found that none of the drainage system was connected, interconnection pipework was missing and incomplete so the system would not work as intended and that the works were not carried out by a competent drainage contractor.

The investigation also found that the defendants did everything they could to try and deny liability for the work they carried out, constantly avoiding phone calls and when they did answer, they denied the job was theirs and tried to pass the blame to someone else.

Gracie and Dixon each received a 12-month community order and were ordered by magistrates to also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.  Gracie was given 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and with Dixon receiving 10 RAR days.

Both defendants were also ordered to each pay £1,300 compensation to their victims in addition to a £95 surcharge and £85 for the council’s costs.

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