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.

9 November 2022

People who live, work or study in Powys are being invited to submit a question to the next full meeting of the county council on Thursday 8 December.

They must relate to the county and the services the council provides, and if accepted by the Chair of Powys County Council they will be added to the agenda in the order in which they are received.

To submit a question for the December Full Council meeting, email [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 23 November.

The council provides a 20-minute slot at the start of all full council meetings for public questions.

The meetings at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, which are attended by some councillors in person and by others over Zoom, can be viewed via the council’s website.

More information on public participation at council meetings is available here: https://powys.moderngov.co.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD672&ID=672&RPID=9845814

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

Residents and garden waste collection subscribers are reminded that there are only a few weeks of collections left for this year.

To check your remaining collection dates please refer to the 2022 subscription sticker on your green bin, or visit: Bin collection day

Subscriptions for the 2023 service will be open in January, with the services resuming at the end of February 2023.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “Many of us are busy in the gardens at this time of year, tidying up after the summer and getting things prepared for spring. With the wet mild weather, we even seem to be still cutting the grass. So, we are keen to remind our residents to make the most of the last few remaining garden waste collections of 2022.

“So far this year, with the help of participating households, thousands of tonnes of garden waste have been collected and recycled into compost.

“With the amount we collect now tailing off the service does take a break over the winter, but you can still recycle your garden waste by composting it at home or by taking it to one of the five household waste and recycling centres in Powys.”

For more information on the garden waste recycling collection service, please visit: Garden Waste Collections

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

Powys Library Service is holding a competition for children and young people to design the new library membership card.

The competition is open to anyone aged between 4 and 16years old and will be split into two age categories: primary school children (aged 4-11), and secondary school children (aged 11-16), with a prize for the winner of each category. One of the winning designs will be chosen to create the new library membership card.

The theme for the competition is ‘What do Libraries in Powys mean to you?’ and designs can be created using any medium such as paint, drawing or collage.

To enter, please create your artwork on a landscape piece of A4 paper, and either, drop it off at your local library or email it to [email protected] before the competition closing date of Wednesday 16 November.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said, “This competition is a fantastic opportunity for the young people of Powys to show off their creative flair and have their talent on show across the county.

“I would like to urge all parents to encourage their children to give this a go and see what they can come up with.

“I look forward to seeing the colourful designs from across the county.”

Please bear in mind when creating your design,

• Do not include any specific book characters, as they cannot be printed on the cards
• Remember that the cards are small, so your artwork must really stand out when it’s shrunk down

Please include your name, date of birth and how you can be contacted. If you have created your design as part of a school project, make sure to include your school, year and teacher’s name on the back, and if you’ve decided to give it a go outside of school, please include your parent or guardian’s name and phone number.

If you’re handing in your original artwork, please make sure you write your details on the back, but remember that your designs cannot be returned, so it is recommended that you scan and email if you can.

If you do scan and email your entry, please hold onto the original artwork, just in case it is selected as the winner and used to create the library card.

4 November 2022

Powys residents who have received an email from the county council asking them to return a duplicate Fuel Support Scheme payment, are being advised that these are not a scam.

Unfortunately, 842 people had their payment transferred to their bank account twice last month, resulting in them receiving £400 instead of £200 through the Welsh Government’s Fuel Support Scheme 2022/23.

Those who have received more than they are entitled to are being asked to return the overpayment and many of them will have already received an email about this from the council.

“We are really sorry this error has occurred with these cost-of-living payments that we are distributing on behalf of the Welsh Government but would like to reassure anyone who has received an email from us asking for the extra £200 to be returned that it is genuine,” said Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys.

“We remain committed to doing all we can to support our residents who are suffering because of the cost-of-living crisis, and if you think you might be eligible for financial help, please apply for it. It is also important that anyone who has received an overpayment returns it, as the funds available are limited and we need to make sure others who need this help can get it.”

“If you are ever in doubt about whether correspondence from us about grant support is genuine, please contact our Income and Awards team on 01597 826345.”

The 842 double payments were made when the payment batch was unfortunately loaded twice.

Council staff have successfully paid out more than £100 million in grants since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, and we are disappointed that this batch was duplicated. To date around half of the 842 double payments have already been returned.

The Fuel Support Scheme is open until 5pm on Tuesday 28 February 2023, with households in receipt of a range of benefits eligible: Fuel Support Scheme 2022/23

Powys residents may also be able to claim an additional £150 through the council’s own Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme: Discretionary Cost of Living Support Scheme

You can find out more about staying safe online on the National Cyber Security Centre website:  https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home and report fraud attempts through the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre’s website: www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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