14 November 2022

A couple from Powys have won a Fostering Excellence Award, the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolade, recognising their exceptional contribution to foster care.

Karen and Danny Sherwood won the Outstanding Contribution by a Foster Carer award at The Fostering Network’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday 10 November.

The couple have been foster carers for over 25 years, providing a welcoming and settled home for local babies and children during this time. Their nomination described them as “exceptional advocates for all children in their care, whatever their background, age or culture”.

Their positive and supportive role within the Powys fostering community was also acknowledged. This includes their help to mentor and advise prospective adopters to support them through the process. 

Karen and Danny’s enthusiasm and commitment to Powys has rubbed off on their daughter and her family, as well as their granddaughter and her family, all of whom are now active Foster Carers and follow in the couple’s footsteps to support and provide opportunities to the children in their care.

Cabinet Member for Future Generations Cllr Sandra Davies said: “I’m delighted that this national award recognises the positive impact that Karen and Danny have made over the years to the children in their care, to Children’s Services, and to our family of foster carers across the county.”

She added: “Their commitment to children looked after, energy and motivation is outstanding and humbling. As they celebrate 25 years of fostering we are truly grateful for all they have done, and for all they continue to do.”

Elaborating on this, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, says: ‘Congratulations to Karen and Danny on winning their award. Every year it’s a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of those within the fostering community. We are delighted to shine a light on these incredible people, celebrate their achievements and show our appreciation for them.  

‘Our winners and everyone else involved in foster care should be extremely proud of themselves. Their contribution makes a vital difference to the lives of children and young people, and they are the bedrock of children’s social care – thank you for all that you do.’

The awards event, in Birmingham was attended by members of the fostering community from Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  All across the UK, more foster carers are needed. Foster carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and are crucial in transforming young people’s lives.

Find out how more about becoming a foster carer in Powys visit www.powys.fosterwales.gov.wales or call 0800 22 30 627

14 November 2022

Powys County Council highways staff are having to deal with increasing numbers of drivers jumping temporary red lights, ignoring stop signs, and speeding through road works. Not only is this driving behaviour illegal, but it is also putting the hardworking highways teams at risk of serious injury.

To encourage drivers to slow down, obey temporary traffic notices and respect staff working on the roads, Powys County Council will be supporting this year’s national Road Safety Week (14-20 November 2022).

Throughout the week, the council will highlight the risks that the highways teams must deal with on a daily basis, with staff sharing their experiences of dangerous situations caused by inconsiderate driving.

“Our highways teams work really hard, often in very difficult conditions, to ensure that the thousands of miles of roads in Powys are maintained, repaired and improved.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“I was shocked to hear of some of the ‘near misses’ that have happened at roadworks throughout the county due to the carelessness of some drivers. Our highways teams need your help to stay safe, so please drive carefully so they can get home to their families.

“This Road Safety Week, we want to actively encourage road users to consider the safety of our highways teams. They are only doing their job. We understand that road works can be frustrating, but that is no excuse to disobey traffic notices, jump red lights or be rude to the workers.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and dangerous driving through roadworks must stop.”

You can keep up to date with the plight of our highways teams during Road Safety Week, by following the council’s social media pages:

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11 November 2022

Poultry owners in Powys are being reminded by the county council to ensure they have enhanced biosecurity measures in place to minimise the spread of Avian Influenza.

Last month (October), the Welsh Govermnent declared an all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone to protect poultry and captive birds from a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Now Powys County Council’s Animal Health Team are reminding keepers of poultry and other captive birds that the prevention zone requires them to take appropriate and practicable steps including:

• Keeping kept birds off land that is known to be, or at high risk of being, frequented by wild waterfowl, or contaminated by their droppings or feathers
• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, especially waterfowl, for example, by netting ponds and surrounding areas and by removing wild bird food sources;
• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
• Minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures;
• Clean and disinfect footwear, use foot dips before entering poultry enclosures, and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
• Ensure that all bedding, equipment, clothing and anything else that enters the areas where birds are kept are free of direct or indirect contamination with HPAI, which is mainly spread through bird droppings.
• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.

These requirements apply to all kept birds, including small flocks with fewer than 50 birds.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take extra biosecurity measures, including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.

The council’s Animal Welfare Team are also asking members to reporting findings of dead birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 so that it can be monitored by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Some of these wild birds will be collected by the APHA for surveillance purposes but not all birds will be collected.

If dead wild birds are not needed for avian influenza surveillance purposes and landowners have taken the decision to remove carcasses, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely arrange disposal. The council also recommends that consideration is given to removing carcasses at residential premises, in particular areas which may be accessed by children or pets.

Carcasses of dead wild birds should be disposed of in accordance with the relevant Animal By Products (ABP) requirements. If it is suspected that birds are infected with a disease which can spread to people or animals, such as avian influenza, the carcases should be disposed of as a category 1 ABP.

If dead birds are found on public land, it is the council’s responsibly to arrange the disposal or carcasses. Members of the public are encouraged to report any dead birds found on public land by calling 01597 826031 or email [email protected]

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The prevention zone was declared to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds so poultry and captive bird keepers must have the appropriate biosecurity measures in place.

“Poultry keepers should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds or any wild birds and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.

“The UK is currently in the midst of an unprecedented outbreak of Avian Influenza and the winter migration of wild birds to our shores means that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

“It’s important that the public report any dead wild birds to the Defra helpline for surveillance purposes and I would urge them to do so.”

To find how to dispose dead wild bird carcasses correctly, visit https://www.gov.uk/animal-by-product-categories-site-approval-hygiene-and-disposal

Further information on AI can be found on the Welsh Governments website at https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu

10 November 2022

A long-awaited business park in Powys has now been handed over by the contractor with tenants moving in shortly to a number of the units and others ready for other businesses to make use of the state-of-the-art sustainable facilities.

Nine new units have been designed and created at Abermule Business Park on a greenfield site in the village between Welshpool and Newtown.

The site was acquired from the Welsh Government and the council is grateful for the financial support provided by them to bring the development to completion.

Powys-based company SWG Group has been on site for ten months, creating the units and associated infrastructure.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys, said: “Having been earmarked for employment uses within the Local Development Plan for over 20 years, it is very exciting to see these new business units being provided in an area with strong demand for employment premises.”

“The Abermule Business Park is a high-quality development which will positively contribute to the economy in Powys. The location will capitalise on the county’s main road and transport infrastructure, with the site also contributing towards the council’s climate change resilience through the use of renewable and low carbon energy sources.”

Jacqui Gough, director of SWG Group, said: “This business park has been a huge project for us and one we are delighted to deliver for the council and see come to fruition.”

“The design and build process for this project had many aspects to consider, and environmental sustainability was one of the critical elements.”

“The business park is an effective and efficient facility, as sustainable as possible while taking into consideration the surrounding area and building on and increasing the native species planting on the site.”

“Our staff and contractors have worked hard to provide flexible options for business start-ups and local companies, boosting the local economy and improving local employment prospects.”

Each unit benefits from the ability to utilise electric vehicle charging infrastructure and their own kitchen and welfare facilities.

The remaining units are available for rent from the council, for more details, please contact a member of the commercial letting team on 01597 826773 or alternatively email [email protected]. The properties are also advertised on Zoopla Commercial.

8 November 2022

A footbridge near Machynlleth temporarily closed during COVID is to be closed permanently for public safety, Powys County Council has confirmed.

The bridge over Afon Hengwm on footpath 260/40/1 at Hengwm Cyfeiliog near Machynlleth was closed during the COVID pandemic with the hope that it would re-open after repairs. But damage to bridge supports is so bad the structure could collapse, and the bridge must close permanently for public safety.

Walkers will be diverted to another bridge crossing approximately 500m upstream along adjacent footpaths – the diversion will add approximately 890m onto the route.

Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton said: “We understand concerns about the closure of the footbridge, which is particularly well used, and we appreciate how important it is to the local economy, local walkers and local people.

“However, our priority has to be public safety. The bridge was closed during the pandemic and barriers put in place. It was inspected regularly but no work could take place.

“We have become increasingly concerned about its condition, as the structure supporting the bridge is deteriorating and it could collapse. We need to take action to remove the bridge as a matter of urgency in the interests of public safety and ask the walkers to use the alternative crossing.

“River and site conditions mean a replacement bridge at the same location is not feasible so the closure will not influence any replacement plans as a new location will be needed.

“The cost of replacing the footbridge will be considerable and work could only be considered when resources are available and it will have to compete with other maintenance priorities,” she added.

“We appreciate the closure is disappointing to many but public safety has to be our priority and there is no alternative.”

7 November 2022

Bookings can now be made to attend the Powys Unpaid Carers Conference 2022, either in person or online.

The event is free and aims to raise awareness of the needs of unpaid carers and give them a chance to share information about their role with health and social care professionals providing services in the county.

The themes of this year’s conference are:

• How are carers valued?
• How do health and social care professionals collaborate and communicate with carers?

It takes place on Friday 25 November, from 10am – 3.30pm, at three venues and online:

• Powys Health and Care Academy, Bronllys Hospital, LD3 0LY
• The Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6AH
• Hafan yr Afon Visitor and Community Centre, Newtown, SY16 2NZ

The conference will be hosted at the Bronllys site, with most speakers and panel members based there, and be streamed live to the other sites at Llandrindod Wells and Newtown and to unpaid carers in their own homes.

The speakers will include Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales, and several unpaid Powys carers who have experience in a range of caring roles.

Carers at all three sites, and those based at home, should all be able to participate in discussions, providing the technology works as planned.

The event is being organised jointly by Powys Health and Care Academy and Credu, an organisation that supports family members and friends across Powys who are looking after someone who is unwell or disabled.

Jenny O’Hara Jakeway Chief Executive Officer of Credu said: “This is a great opportunity for unpaid carers in Powys to come together and share their experiences with each other and with professionals working in health and social care who can help shape the services they receive.

“It also gives them a chance to unwind away from their caring responsibilities and to make new connections with other who share similar experiences to them.”

Book your place: Powys Unpaid Carers Conference 2022 / Cynhadledd Gofalwyr Di-Dâl Powys 2022 Tickets, Fri 25 Nov 2022 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

For more information, please call Credu on 01597 823800 or email [email protected]

Powys Health and Care Academy has been established by Powys Regional Partnership Board which is made up of a range of public bodies and other agencies, including Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), who are working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the county’s residents.

The conference takes place the day after Carers Rights Day (Thursday 24 November).

PICTURE: Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales, will be the keynote speaker at the Powys Unpaid Carers Conference 2022.

4 November 2022

Listening to children and keeping children and adults who are at risk safe is at the heart of a wide-ranging programme taking place across Mid and West Wales for National Safeguarding Week, starting on Monday, 14
^th November.

The programme has been co-ordinated by CWMPAS and CYSUR, the regional safeguarding boards, and designed in response to some of the challenges children and adults at risk face on their journey of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

A highlight of the week includes a launch and celebration of a safeguarding training resource and video animation for professionals on the 18th November at Parc-y-Scarlets stadium in Llanelli. The video has been created by children and young people from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys and will be formally launched by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes.

The event will be attended by professionals who play a key role in safeguarding children including police officers, nurses, social care staff and education professionals, and by the children and young people who were involved in the development and creation of the training resource.

Other events hosted by Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board during the week include:

• a multi-agency conference on domestic abuse hosted by Dyfed Powys Police
• a webinar revisiting some of the themes associated with the Operation Jasmine review into the neglect of older people in care homes
• an event aimed specifically at schools and education staff to promote the positive emotional health and well-being of children post-pandemic

“The aim of Safeguarding Week is to raise awareness and highlight issues that affect children and adults at risk,” said Jake Morgan, Chair of the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board.

“Our regional programme will be supported by national events taking place across the whole of Wales.”

Key national events include the launch on 14^th November of a new multi-agency training standards led by Social Care Wales, and an event on shaping the future of safeguarding in Wales, hosted by the National Independent Safeguarding Board in collaboration with the Violence Prevention Unit at Public Health Wales and Liverpool John Moore’s University.

More information on the regional programme can be found at https://www.cysur.wales/national-safeguarding-week-2022/

You can follow the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board on

• Twitter @CYSURCymru /@CWMPASCymru
• Facebook @CYSURCymru
• Instagram @cysurcymru

3 November 2022

Powys residents are being urged by the county council to be on their guard against energy saving scammers.

Reports of elderly residents receiving telephone calls from people claiming to be from energy suppliers or affiliated partners are increasing, Powys County Council has said.

The Trading Standards Institute have received more than 200 complaints about phone calls from the scammers, with the recipient being offered a plug-in gadget, that supposedly cuts electricity use by 40%.

Some of these devices have been tested and have failed to satisfy electrical safety standards, making them unsafe, with the potential to cause a fire or electrocute the user. Testing has also shown that these devices do not deliver any tangible energy savings.

If you, or someone you know has bought one of these devices, stop using it immediately. If you paid for the device on a debit or credit card, you may be able to claim a refund using chargeback or Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “It’s sad to see scammers using the current energy crisis as an opportunity to make money.

“If you know of someone who has been contacted or has one of these devices, please inform them of the dangers.

“We are living in a time where the majority of people are looking for ways to save money where they can and so would be incredibly vulnerable to these scams, especially elderly residents, so I would urge everyone to please be on your guard.”

If you are struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. Suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed before.

If you can’t agree on a way to pay, need help to claim a refund using chargeback or information on Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ for further assistance.

To report any fraud attempts, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

2 November 2022