18 November 2022

A charity football match between a Powys County Council team and Caersws Reserves planned for this Sunday 20 November at Caersws has been cancelled.

The event, arranged in support of White Ribbon UK, has been called off because of concerns about the adverse weather forecast for the day and the need to protect the playing surface at the Recreation Ground.

Three walks planned for White Ribbon Day (Friday 25 November) will still go ahead though, starting at 2pm from Park Street Family Centre in Newtown, County Hall in Llandrindod Wells and Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. People of all genders are encouraged to take part.

White Ribbon UK is part of the global White Ribbon movement seeking to end male violence against women and girls, by engaging with men and boys.

“We are really disappointed that we have had to cancel our plans for a football match to mark White Ribbon Day 2022,” said Cllr Matthew Dorrance, whose portfolio includes supporting the White Ribbon movement, “but there will still be a chance to show your support by joining one of the three walks we have organised in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon on 25 November.

“I would also like to encourage men and boys in Powys to make the White Ribbon promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls, which can be done online on the White Ribbon UK website: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise?rq=promise

“This is particularly apt at the moment as violence against women and girls tends to increase around major sporting events like the FIFA Men’s World Cup.”

Powys County Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation which means it has made a commitment to ending violence against women in Powys communities, improving its own workplace culture and ensuring the safety of its female employees.

18 November 2022

A Welsh Triple Harp that resides at a Powys County Council museum has appeared on a popular daytime television programme.

The special item, which can be found at the Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells, featured on an episode of BBC One’s Bargain Hunt. The episode was broadcast on Monday, November 7 and can be still viewed on BBC iPlayer.

The popular programme, which sees two pairs of contestants buying antiques from shops or a fair and then sell them in an auction for profit, visited the museum to film the harp.

As part of the visit, staff at Radnorshire Museum and Bargain Hunt presenter Natasha Raskin-Sharp were treated to a performance by award-winning Welsh Triple Harpist Gareth Swindail-Parry.

Presenter Natasha then spoke to Radnorshire Museum curator Lorna Steel about the harp, which belonged to prominent Victorian musician John Roberts and was presented to the museum by his family in the 1950s.

Filming of the episode took place in May when the programme took contestants to the antiques fair that was held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a Prosperous Powys, said: “We were delighted to be asked to see this special item feature in Bargain Hunt.  The film crew were very professional and everyone was in awe of Gareth’s performance.

“It is great to have one of our museums featured on Bargain Hunt and to see part of our Welsh cultural heritage promoted on national television.”

The episode can still be viewed on BBC iPlayer by searching Bargain Hunt.

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

16 November 2022

Consumers in Powys are being urged by the county council to keep themselves safe while shopping online as the pre-Christmas sales begin.

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday season fast approaching, Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service and Citizens Advice have released top tips to remind shoppers how to shop safely online.

The advice marks the start of this year’s National Consumer Week, which runs from Monday, November 14 to Sunday, November 20.

The annual campaign is run by Citizens Advice in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Partnership, which includes the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Trading Standards.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Across the county, purse strings are tightening and financial pressures are increasing every day.

“With sales season fast approaching, it’s vital we recognise the red flags when trying to bag a bargain in the run up to the holidays.

“Anyone can be a victim of a scam, and even the savviest of shoppers can be left getting less than they bargained for.

“You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you’re caught out. By knowing how to shop wisely, and what to do if something goes wrong, we can better protect ourselves and each other.”

The council’s Trading Standards Service and Citizens Advice have offered these top tips to shop safely online.

Do your research

• Before buying from a website that you have not used before, spend a few minutes checking it out
• See what people have said about the person or company you are buying from by looking at reviews on different websites – do not rely on reviews the company has put on its own website
• If you’re worried that something you have seen online might be a scam you can get help from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline – 0808 223 1133.

Be wise to scams in disguise

• If a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is
• If it is branded but a lot cheaper than it appears on the brand’s website, it could be fake. It could be a legitimate ‘look-a-like’ product
• Either way, it might not be the quality you were hoping for.

Ways to pay

• Beware of a seller who asks you to pay by direct bank transfer. Bank transfers have limited protection if things go wrong, so avoid using them
• If you are purchasing items with a value over £100 we would always advise you use a credit card to benefit from your Section 75 rights
• You should only send and receive money through the online marketplace app or website using a debit or credit card, or via trusted methods of payment such as PayPal.

Know your rights

• If you have bought from a retailer, you might be entitled to a replacement product or a repair of your faulty goods. You can even claim a full refund if you can prove the goods are faulty
• If you have bought from an individual, perhaps via an online marketplace, you have far fewer rights. In fact, you have no right to return, so long as the goods are ‘as described’
• Always be sure to take a screenshot of the description and be sure to check and double check before you buy.

When things go wrong

• If you’ve bought something that is broken, damaged, unsafe, or not what you expected then contact the seller and give them a chance to put it right.
• If that does not work, reach out to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline – – 0808 223 1133
• Contact your bank or finance provider to see what assistance they can provide.

For information and advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline free on 0808 223 1133 or to contact a Welsh-speaking adviser call 0808 223 1144.

Alternative, call Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020. Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service designed to help people who are most in need of advice services, particularly those who would not usually seek advice.  People in Wales can access the service Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

14 November 2022

Consumers in Powys affected by a safety warning about the use of gas grills on certain gas range cookers are being urged to book a free safety modification with the company.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances are required to visit every home containing Belling, New World and Stoves cookers to implement a free technical modification so that the operation of the gas grill is safe.

The Office of Product Safety (OPSS) issued a safety warning to consumers that if the gas grill is used with the door closed, then there is a risk that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up, posing a risk of serious injury or death to those within the immediate environment.

Now Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service want affected consumers to contact Glen Dimplex Home Appliances immediately to book an appointment for the free safety modification.

Consumers must call 0800 110 5728 or email [email protected] to register for the free modification.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “I urge consumers who have these gas appliances to book their free safety modification with the company so that the operation of the gas grill is safe.

“Until the gas grills are made safe, then affected consumers must only use the gas grill with the grill door open.”

For further information, consumers should contact GDHA on 0800 110 5728 or via their website:

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.”

14 November 2022

A new social housing development in north Powys has been officially opened by the county council.

Clos-Yr-Hen-Ysgol in Llanidloes has been delivered by Powys County Council’s Development Team and was officially opened by Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, on Tuesday, 1 November.

The development, which consists of 22 new council homes on the former livestock market in the town, was built by contractors J Harper and Sons (Leominster) Ltd.

As part of the development, two four-bed houses, four two-bed houses, six three-bed houses, eight two-bed bungalows and two three/four-bed dormer bungalows have been built at the Gorn Road site.

The £3.9m development, which will be owned and managed by the council, will provide much-needed accommodation that will be available at an affordable rent and has been allocated to applicants on Powys Common Housing Register.

A £2m Welsh Government Town Centre Loan and £1.37m Welsh Government Social Housing Grant, secured by the council’s Affordable Housing and Regeneration Teams, were used to fund the development.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “I’m delighted to have opened Clos-Yr-Hen-Ysgol in Llanidloes and I would like to thank our construction partners J Harper and Sons for helping us deliver this social housing development.

“We cannot build the stronger, fairer, greener Powys we want without tackling the housing emergency in the county.  The only way we can achieve this is by building high-quality council housing.

“Not only does this development meet the needs of the local community but it is an important scheme that will help us tackle the housing emergency.”

Mike Harvey, Group Commercial Director, J. Harper and Sons Ltd said “We are delighted to have worked alongside Powys County Council to deliver much needed, high-quality housing to help tackle the local housing crisis.

“It is a credit to the Council Members, funders, housing team and the community that such an important development could be delivered during these unprecedented times.”

Cllr Gareth Morgan and Cllr Glyn Preston, county councillors for Llanidloes, said: “We’re thrilled that that the county council has built this social housing development, which has provided much-needed, high-quality housing facilities in our community.  We would like to thank the council and contractors J. Harper and Sons Ltd for their delivering this scheme and we hope that the tenants enjoy their new homes.”

14 November 2022

Powys county council has introduced a new easy recruitment process for candidates applying for the Reablement and Care Support Worker job.   

If you want to help Powys people live well in a place of their choice, doing what matters to them, then apply now in a few simple steps.

Visit: https://en.powys.gov.ukhttps://en.powys.gov.uk/sendacv

• Answer a few simple questions
• Upload your CV or if you don’t have one, you can just tell us about yourself in a few short sentences
• Guaranteed interview

We offer FREE uniform, FREE DBS, FREE training, FREE PPE, training in the Health and Care Academy, paid-for Social Care Wales Registration, access to QCF scheme, competitive mileage allowance, and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Cllr Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys said: “Reablement is one of the most valuable and important jobs we do. No matter what our needs might be, we want to wake up each day in our own familiar space and be able to do what is important to us. That’s what reablement is all about. If something happens to you that takes away your power to live independently, reablement supports you to live independently and to regain the ability to do that yourself.  

If you have the passion and skills to support people in your community to live well, in a place of their choice, then we want you to join our team.  We don’t want you to stress over a long application form, on top of all the other things you have to do every day, so we’ve simplified the process.  You can tell us why you are right for the job in a few simple steps, and if you meet the person specification, we can get you doing the job you love, quickly.’

For this particular role, we want to meet all applicants for an interview.

If you need help applying, or you don’t have access to the online application, contact Joanna Williams on 01639 846 554.

Start your application today at https://en.powys.gov.ukhttps://en.powys.gov.uk/sendacv

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

Eagle-eyed Powys County Council (PCC) officers helped to prevent fraud and errors worth £1,257,912 during the last 12 months.

And to mark International Fraud Awareness Week 2022 (13-19 November), the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team has revealed that since it was founded in 2015 it has prevented fraud and errors worth £6,622,956.

This figure includes £2,490,992 in recoverable overpayments and £4,131,964 in fraud and errors which were prevented, allowing this money to be spent instead on providing services for those in genuine need.

International Fraud Awareness Week is organised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and aims to minimise the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

Cllr David Thomas, PCC’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, said: “The council has signed up as a supporter of International Fraud Awareness Week and is proud of the work of its Anti-Fraud Team over the last seven years, which has helped ensure that more than £6.6million has not been paid out in error or to fraudsters.

“The council is opposed to all forms of fraud and corruption, and is determined to protect against such actions, whether attempted from within the council or by outside individuals, groups or organisations. So, if you are aware of anyone committing fraud, please report it. That way we will have more money to spend on services which will benefit everyone in the county.”

If you suspect any form of fraud or corruption is taking place you can report it through the council’s website, anonymously if needed: Report fraud, bribery or corruption

Emails can also be sent to: [email protected] and can include a request for a call-back, so long as a telephone number is provided.