24th October 2022

Contractors wishing to be considered to complete building works for Powys County Council will find the process simpler in the future thanks to a new procurement system.

It is designed to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to take on minor construction projects costing between £50,000 to £500,000.

These may include works within council owned properties including housing and corporate buildings including schools, libraries, leisure centres, care homes, day centres.

Interested contractors will need to apply to join the new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and if successful will be automatically notified of construction works and be given the opportunity to submit bids.

To apply for the DPS, contractors will need a SSIP third party Health and Safety registration, be Constructionline registered to a minimum of a Level 2 (Silver) status with relevant work categories and have appropriate levels of insurance. 

Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, Cllr David Thomas said: “The council is delighted to offer a simplified system to support small to medium-sized businesses access council building works.

“I would urge anyone interested in joining the pool of prequalified contractors to get in contact with our procurement team. They will be able to provide you with more information and support you with your application.”

If you wish to find out more about the DPS, or to discuss requirements for lower value works, please email [email protected], or contact:

·         Claire Davies on 01597 827686

·         Chloe Smith on 01597 827367

21 October 2022

A drop-in session for the final phase of the consultation aimed at improving the public spaces within Brecon town centre, will take place on
Wednesday 2 November, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at Y Gaer, Brecon.

Working together with Amey Consulting and LDA Design, Powys County Council are looking at ways to improve the public spaces within Brecon town centre. The focus is on improving pedestrian priority and experience, improving connections and biodiversity and creating safe, accessible public areas that enhances the unique qualities of the town along the length of the High Street; including the Struet, High Street Superior, High Street Inferior and the Bulwark.

The consultation on these proposed improvements was available online from August, with on-street engagement at the end of August. The drop-in session on Wednesday 2 November will be the final opportunity for of local people, businesses, and visitors to talk about the plans and share their thoughts and experiences on how they use the town centre and how the space could be improved.

A similar drop-in event recently held in Crickhowell was very well attended, with some excellent feedback gained for the consultation process regarding to future of Crickhowell town centre. 

“Following an initial informal engagement exercise with the local communities back in June 2021, we have considered peoples view and taken the opportunity to look at how we could change and improve the way we have traditionally used our town centres.” explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“Temporary alterations to the public areas of our towns, introduced during covid restrictions, gave rise to businesses and visitors using the space differently. This highlighted how our town centres can evolve and make use of space in other ways, particularly by embracing our outside areas.

“It is important to balance the views of all users of the town centre; visitors, residents and businesses, and this drop-in session on Wednesday 2 November at Y Gaer, will provide a final and vital opportunity for us to gather valuable feedback which will be used to shape how the town centre will look, work, and feel in the future. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.”

Along with representatives from the council, Amey Consulting and LDA Design, Accessibility Powys will also be attending the drop-in session to ensure everyone is able to effectively take part in this final part of the consultation and that every consideration in made to ensuring future plans for the town are accessible to all, especially those with mobility issues.

The future of Brecon town centre consultation drop-in session:
Wednesday 2 November, 3.30pm and 6.30pm
Y Gaer, Glamorgan St, Brecon. LD3 7DW  

21 October 2022

Parents of prospective pupils have had the chance to tour the development of a new Welsh-medium school in Welshpool as they consider educational options for their children.

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng played host to an open day highlighting the benefits of a bilingual education at the modern facility.

The day, organised by the school, Powys County Council, and main contractor Wynne Construction, gave interested parents the opportunity to tour the new site and speak to school leaders on the topic of Welsh-medium education.

The school is currently undergoing a wide-scale redevelopment to accommodate 150 pupils as well as provisions for early years and community facilities, with the design also preserving elements of the historic Ysgol Maesydre building.

Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction are leading on the build project, which began in November 2021 after being appointed by Powys County Council.

Alison Hourihane, social value manager at Wynne Construction, said: “Wynne is thoroughly committed to delivering strong socio-economic opportunities to the areas we build in, which is why we were thrilled to work with Powys on this great step forward for education in the region.

“It was our pleasure to welcome prospective parents onto the site to highlight the value of a modern and first-class Welsh-medium education as well as showcase the excellent work of our team to date.

“Work on site to deliver a high-quality and sustainable space for education in the area is progressing well, and we look forward to welcoming students into the new facilities in the near future.”

As part of Wynne’s and Powys’ commitment to achieving net zero on its builds, the redevelopment of the school has incorporated numerous Passivhaus standards into the build aimed at reducing energy usage and retaining heat.

The modern facility, which will also incorporate the historic Grade II-listed site of Ysgol Maesydre, is on course to be among the first certified Passivhaus-hybrid projects in the UK.

Angharad Davies, headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, said: “The value of a Welsh-medium education for children is becoming more recognised by parents who wish to ensure their children can enjoy the benefits of being bilingual and the endless opportunities associated with Welsh education.

“It was our pleasure to welcome interested parents who are looking to help their children take that first step into Welsh-medium education and answer the pressing questions about the system and how we are best placed to support their children.

“The discussions between current parents, pupils, and interested parents was extremely beneficial. Thank you to all involved.”

The project, which has been part backed through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which was updated earlier this year.

The programme aims to transform the learning experience of pupils to ensure they are taught in modern facilities needed to support the delivery of the Welsh curriculum.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “We are committed to improving access to Welsh-medium provision across all key stages of education in Powys and want to increase the opportunities for children and young people in the county, and those who move into the county, to become fully bilingual.

“The new build for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng is an important project to help us achieve this and help deliver our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.”

To find out more about Welsh-medium education in Powys, visit Destination bilingual.

For more information about Wynne Construction, visit www.wynneconstruction.co.uk

20 October 2022

Difficulties in recruiting HGV drivers and a rise in covid cases are still causing significant disruptions to the waste and recycling collections across the county.

With a number of crew members testing positive for covid, it has been inevitable that there have been more missed and delayed collections, especially in the north of the county.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys says: “Staff shortages and covid outbreaks are still causing major disruption to the waste and recycling collections across the county. We understand that missed or delayed collections can be very frustrating to. 

“We would like to thank our crews for their continued commitment and hard work and of course the residents for their understanding. Please be assured that we are working hard to keep the service going as effectively as possible and actively recruiting additional staff to help relieve the pressures on the current team.

“If you haven’t received a collection by 5pm on your normal day, please check online for details of when we will be returning to collect: Bin collection day

“As a rule, we will try to return as quickly as possible to collect missed wheeled bins/purple sack collections, but recycling collections will probably be collected the following week. If this is the case, we will of course accept additional separated recycling left safely alongside your bins and containers on your next collection day.”

Residents are advised to keep an eye on the councils Powys Recycles social media pages and the council website for any updates to collection arrangements:

Facebook: @recycleforpowys / https://www.facebook.com/recycleforpowys  

Twitter: @PowysRecycles / https://twitter.com/PowysRecycles  

Bin collection details: Bin collection day

19 October 2022

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

Reports of telephone calls from people claiming to be from the fire service are increasing, with offers of a home fire safety check, Powys County Council has said.

The caller will try to gain the recipients trust and play on safety concerns in order to be given full, unrestricted access to the home, and then charge excessive amounts for work that may not necessarily be required.

Home fire safety checks are extremely important, and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will provide these for free. The fire service personnel carrying out these checks will always be in uniform, not in plain clothes and will have identification with them.

If you would like to book a free fire safety check for your home, please call 0800 169 1234 or visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website – https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Fire safety is such an important topic, and it should not be overlooked.

“Please remember that these checks are done for free by the fire service, so please be vigilant if approached. If you feel pressurised or concerned after a visit from anyone at your door, please contact the police.”

If you have any doubts about a caller claiming to be from the fire service, contact them directly on the above number.

Don’t use the numbers or address provided by a stranger – use the details from official paperwork already in your possession from a previously successful visit or from an official website. 

The council’s Trading Standards Service has provided the following advice to help residents being targeted by scams:

• More often than not, these types of scams are targeted at the older generation. Always seek confirmation of the legitimacy of a caller before allowing them access to your home. A legitimate visitor will have no objection to you closing the door and leaving them outside whilst you confirm their identity.
• If you feel pressurised or concerned after a visit from anyone at your door, contact the police on 101. If it becomes urgent and you are feeling threatened, call 999.
• If possible, always have a relative or trusted friend/neighbour present when any planned visit takes place.
• Please be mindful of all scams and share the above information with friends and family.

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

19 October 2022

Engaging with Higher Apprenticeships has helped Newtown High School to move out of special measures by improving leadership and management, teaching and learning standards.

The school, which has 1,200 pupils, was put into special measures following an  Estyn inspection in 2015 when weaknesses were identified in leadership and management, self-assessment and overall planning for continuous improvement.

To address these issues, 18 staff members have either completed or are working towards a Higher Apprenticeship (Levels 4 and 5) in Leadership and Management delivered by Cardiff-based training provider Portal Training.

The school was removed from special measures in October last year and all but one of the current leadership team of five have engaged with Higher Apprenticeships.

Leadership and management, teaching and learning standards and attendance levels have all improved.

The number of school lessons rated as good or higher has increased significantly and the attendance level increased from 94% to  95.5%, taking the school from the bottom 25% to the top 25% in Wales within 12 months.

In recognition of this transformation, Newtown High School has been shortlisted for the Small and Medium Employer of the Year Award at the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2022. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on November 10.

The awards highlight the outstanding achievements, during unprecedented times, of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor for the third year is Openreach.

Praising Portal Training’s contribution, headteacher Robert Edwards says Higher Apprenticeships have given staff the knowledge and skills to work in senior positions, secure internal promotion and become effective leaders both within and outside of the school.

Staff are now contributing to Powys-wide education strategies and talking to other schools across Wales about Newtown High School’s successful improvement journey.

Since the last Estyn monitoring visit, the school has adopted a range of strategies to enable middle leaders to be more effective in their roles.

Partnerships have been established linked to work experience placements in local businesses and community wellbeing projects.

Describing the impact of Higher Apprenticeships as “vast”, Mr Edwards committed to continue them alongside a leadership and management development review toolkit to support succession planning with the aim of future proofing the school.

“By engaging with Higher Apprenticeships in Leadership and Management, we strongly believe that strong leaders with a moral conscience have been and will continue to be developed, who will buy into the senior leaders’ vision for the school,” he added. “This will subsequently create a whole-school approach to improvement.”

Clare Jeffries, Portal Training’s operations director, said: “Newtown High School has been on a remarkable journey, demonstrating resilience and passion to implement changes to improve standards, staff motivation and the confidence of parents and the community in the school.”

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Newtown High School and all the other shortlisted finalists. “Apprenticeships make a huge contribution to our economy and will be crucial as Wales continues to bounce back from the pandemic,” he said.

“They can help futureproof, motivate and diversify a workforce, offering people the chance to gain high-quality vocational skills.

“As part of our Young Person’s Guarantee, the Welsh Government will be investing £366 million over the next three years to deliver 125,000 all-age apprenticeships across Wales during the current term of government.

“We want to increase opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop transferable skills in the workplace and improve their lives. The investment will also help tackle skills shortages and gaps in priority sectors critical to drive productivity and economic growth, supporting our net zero ambitions, the every-day foundational economy and public services.”

The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund. For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

18 October 2022

A north Powys museum will be holding an event later this month to celebrate the arrival of new treasure acquisitions, the county council has said.

As part of the Welsh Museums festival, Y Lanfa, Powysland Museum will be hosting “An evening at Powysland Museum” on Tuesday 25 October, from 6-7pm.

The purpose of the event will be to officially unveil a new collection of archaeological treasure acquisitions, made up of,

• A Medieval silver annular brooch, found in Llandyssil.
• A gold Memento Mori ring from 1711, found in Caersws.
• Five Tudor silver coins, discovered in Churchstoke.
• Three gold coins, discovered in Trefeglwys. Dating back to James I and Charles I.

The treasure was purchased thanks to funding from the Saving Treasures, Telling Stories grant through the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, and the Art Fund.

Cllr David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “It’s fantastic to see the museum with new items on display, especially when the items are so local and with such historical value.

“Thank you to the organisations that have supported the purchase of these treasures, which has allowed us to put it on display for all to see and value.

“I would like to encourage all residents of Welshpool, and further afield, to come along and join us for this event. It will no doubt be a very enjoyable and informative evening.”

Tickets for this event are free but booking is required. To book your place, please email [email protected] or call 01938 553001

18 October 2022

Residents in Powys are being asked by the county council to think twice before accepting a goldfish as a prize if they have attended a fair.

The advice comes from Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service, who also say the goldfish prize should only be accepted if the individual has the knowledge and equipment necessary to ensure the welfare needs of the fish are met, including taking it home without delay.

The service is also reminding people that when attending fairs in the county that it is an offence in Wales under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to give away an animal as a prize if the person is under the age of 16 and not accompanied by an adult.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Animal ownership is a big responsibility that needs to be planned and well thought out – not a spur of the moment thing that happens just because someone has won a prize.

“I would urge anyone who attends a fun fair to think twice before accepting a goldfish as a prize. If they do accept it as a prize, you will have a duty of care to the animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and have to ensure that their needs are met.

“Anyone giving a goldfish as a prize to someone under the age of 16 that are not accompanied by an adult is committing an offence under the act.”

Anyone witnessing goldfish being given as prizes to individuals under the age of 16 years of age, that are not accompanied by an adult are advised to report the fact to the council’s Trading Standards Service on 01597 826032.

17 October 2022

Work to the first two phases of a new active travel route in Llandrindod Wells will begin next week (24 October 2022).

The route between Llandrindod Wells and Howey was identified and agreed following previous consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps and has been out for consultation online for the past 12 months. With Welsh Government funding, the first two phases of the new route will begin at the Auto Palace roundabout and continue to just after Grosvenor Road.

The works to the first two phases heading towards Howey, will include widening and improving the surfaces of the pavements to become an accessible shared-use path, improvements to junctions in-line with the new highway code rules, ensuring priority is given to both pedestrians and cyclists, and increased safety for all road users.

Commissioned by North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) and funded by Welsh Government, the works to begin these improvements will start on 24 October 2022 and are scheduled to be complete early in the new year. Traffic lights will be in place whilst the upgrades to the route are carried out. Care will be taken to avoid works already taking place at the Auto Palace and surrounding area. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works.

At times, the parking spaces along Temple Street will be temporarily removed. Residents currently using these spaces are invited to apply for a short-term permit to park in the council owned carpark behind the Auto Palace. However, spaces are limited and will only be made available to residents of Temple Street on a first come, first served, basis. To apply for a short-term permit, residents will need to email their name, address and car registration details to [email protected] Further details will be sent direct to the affected homes.

“Following consultation and the development of the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, it is exciting to be able to see our next set of active travel schemes in Llandrindod Wells come to fruition.” 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 will improve road, pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly for families walking to and from school.

“We appreciate that 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.

“The continuation of the widened paths will create a network of safe routes within the town, allowing the community 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 combat climate change.”

Once completed in its entirety, the route will form an important active travel connection between Howey and Llandrindod Wells and be another major step towards completing the local active travel network – enabling journeys within the town and to/from outlying settlements to be undertaken by foot or bicycle.

17 October 2022

Once again, Powys County Council is backing the annual national Recycle Week, taking place between 17 – 23 October 2022.

This year’s Recycle Week is a great chance for us all to double our efforts to recycle more and get the answers to those questions which may be holding us back from doing all we can.

With 95% of Welsh citizens regularly recycling, it is no wonder that at a nation we are third best in the recycling world rankings. Over the past decade or so, recycling in Powys has soared. We’re now recycling over 66% of our waste, up from just 36.5% in 2010. But if we’re to help Wales reach the coveted top slot we need to do even more, as Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, explains:

“Thanks to the people of Powys, we are already one of the top performing recycling counties in Wales, but as ever our dedicated recyclers often have questions about what can and can’t be recycled. Many of us are guilty of wish-recycling – putting something in the recycling bin and hoping it will be recycled, even if we are unsure if it should be there or not.

“But can the addition of one wrong item in our recycling boxes really be that bad?  Sadly, yes, non-recyclable items (even if they are similar to those being collected) can cause contamination of all the good recycling. This can result in needing extra resource to remove the offending items or, in extreme cases, end up with the collected lorry load of recycling being rejected by the recycling processors. None of us want that to happen”.

*****

A full list of what can and can’t be recycled from home in our recycling boxes can be found online, but put simply, this is what we want in your weekly recycling collections:

Food caddy
Meat and fish, including small bones
Cheese
Vegetables and fruit
Egg shells
Stale bread, cakes and pastries
Cereals, rice, pasta and beans
Tea bags and coffee grounds

Red box
Clean food and drink cans
Aluminium foil
Clean plastic bottles (rinsed, squashed and lids removed)
Plastic bottle tops and lids
Metal bottle tops and jar lids
Kitchen and bathroom aerosols cans
Clean plastic food trays
Clean pots and tubs
Clean cartons (Tetrapaks)

Blue box
Newspapers and magazines
Catalogues and directories
Junk mail
Paper
White envelopes
Shredded paper (in envelope or wrapped in paper)
Brown card (as long as it fits in the container)

Aqua box
Clean glass bottles and jars (lids removed)

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We understand that some people worry about what happens to items collected in the kerbside collections, but your efforts are not in vain. Every correctly recycled item is processed and recycled. Even the non-recyclable rubbish collected in the black wheeled bins is sent to an energy from waste facility which produces electricity. You can check the most up to date arrangements for kerbside materials on our website here: What happens to my recycling and residual waste once collected from the kerbside? 

“Recycling is now the norm in Powys and most of us recycle every week.” Continued Cllr Charlton. “By working hard to find contracts which ensure the county’s waste is recycled, here in the UK, and with the support of the Powys people we on the right path for helping to do our bit to combat climate change.

“We should all be proud of our recycling efforts, but we must keep up our good work. Let’s continue to recycle the correct items from all around the home and help Powys remain a clean, green and environmentally friendly place to live for generations to come.”