Minutes – Full Council – 15/07/2026

Cllr Cowham declared an interest FC26-27/058 - Co-option.

A member of the public asked whether a response had been provided to the representation made on 20 May regarding Cae Bodfach. It was confirmed that the matter would be considered under FC26-27/064 Correspondence.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Updates were received on outstanding actions.
Bus Shelter : The Crosskeys are keen to assist, awaiting feedback from the heritage officer
Police Update : It was noted that there has been no response yet from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

RESOLVED: That Alison Barrett and Mark Rosser be co-opted to the Town Council. The necessary paperwork was completed and both were welcomed to the Council.

NOTED: One vacancy remains.

NOTED: The Mayor reported that £111 had been raised for Prostate Cymru at the Mayor’s Sunday service. Llanfyllin Depot is under threat of closure, with a 30-day staff consultation underway, no formal closure date confirmed. The ambulance station planning application remains ongoing due to NRW’s flood-risk objection to Unit 10, and a response was awaited. Powys County Council had approved £6 million investment in its leisure centres, including sustainability improvements, with no closures planned. The Mayor had also attended an event at Good Companions and has a planned meeting with Merrills.

NOTED: Audit has been submitted to Audit Wales, not expecting a response before September.

The Clerk reported that development of the new website has taken longer than anticipated due to the additional features included. Excessive email notifications have been temporarily disabled pending a fix. The website includes a secure councillor portal for meeting papers and documents, an action tracker with automatic reminders, and public consultation, petition, newsletter and question-submission facilities. Documents can also be circulated for review before meetings and remain available to download and print.

NOTED: Scottish Power has been in contact about progressing the EV Charging Points and Sub-Station for the Car Park. Awaiting final layout and plans for review.

RESOLVED: To establish a small pilot group to trial the system, purchase up to four tablets at approximately £70-£90 each and arrange training during the summer. The pilot group will report back in September.

Cllr Allan reported on the site visit by Severn Trent, a drainage survey confirms that the main sewer is clear, although a cracked connection requires the pipes to be re-aligned, recommendation is to relay drains to the front supporting better drainage. The proposals include accessible coin/card-operated showers, and alterations to improve wheelchair access.

Due to the nature of the specialist skills it was NOTED that a single contractor was unlikely. Tender will be issued but if no suitable contractor responds, the work may be divided into separate contracts with an appropriate audit justification.

RESOLVED: To proceed with the re-design. Cllr's Allan and Cowham will prepare the tender specifications for publication. Target to have proposals ready for approval at the September meeting. Clerk reminded Councillors that the grant must be spent and fully invoiced by the end of Feb 27.

Cllr Williams attended the Locality Network meeting on 24 June, where concerns were raised regarding the potential closure of Llanrhaeadr surgery and pharmacy, transport provision and access to prescriptions. Options discussed include community transport and a prescription locker. Coffee Morning raised £732 for DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. Reported that the play group is closing but Cylch will become bi-lingual and will operate 5 days per week.

RESOLVED:

a) to approve the schedule of payments as presented. Verified and signed by Cllr Rosser and Cllr Cowham.
b) to approve the bank reconciliation on 30th June. Verified and signed by Cllr Allan.
c) to adopt the revised Standing Orders with no further amendments.

NOTED: The application seeks to change the use of the former police station from business to residential. Some works appear to have been completed without prior planning permission.

RESOLVED: The Town Clerk will submit observations to Powys County Council requesting that the application be treated as retrospective

NOTED: Correspondence has been received from members of the public regarding the management and unkempt appearance of Cae Bodfach, with the areas such as the Stone Art installation and the area to the left of the path being specifically highlighted. Concerns also relate to the balance between conservation and community use, with the current approach considered too heavily weighted towards biodiversity and requiring review.

A meeting of the previously agreed working group will be convened as soon as possible. This will be followed by a wider Working Group meeting, with invitations issued to residents across the community to discuss a more balanced management plan for Cae Bodfach.

NOTED : The Working Group is advisory and has no decision-making authority. Any recommendations must be referred to the Council for consideration and approval.

NOTED: Cllr Cowham presented a community information website designed as a central hub for local businesses, events, groups, volunteering opportunities and visitor information. Community organisations will be able to add content, and the site will provide the destination page for the town’s free Wi-Fi. Promotion will include links from the Council website, posters and QR codes for local business. Welsh-language provision will be considered, and the site will include information about the Calon Awards, reduced as discussed at the last meeting. Calon awards to be presented at St Myllins Day.

RESOLVED: Cllr Allan will assist Cllr Cowham with the website with a view to launching as soon as possible to maximise the tourist season.

NOTED: The Tour de France will visit Welshpool in 2027. Suggestions for a town-wide celebration include cycling activities for children, events at the bike park, a picnic, bike safety checks, involving schools and businesses, and decorating the town in yellow.

RESOLVED: To develop a Tour de France celebration as the Council’s 2027 summer event. Councillors will begin engaging with local businesses and organisations, with further planning to take place in the autumn.

RESOLVED:
To exclude the press and public due to the confidential and commercially sensitive nature of the business to be discussed.