Latest news with #GlynPreston
Powys County Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Decision on Powys Hospital changes to be made in July
The final decision on whether changes to Powys hospitals will be made permanent will be made soon as the health board faces 'difficult options'. In a meeting of Powys Teaching Board, it was heard that the decision on whether keep controversial temporary changes implemented at the beginning of the year will be made in July. Changes were made to Bronllys Hospital and Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital with wards designated as 'Ready To Go Home' units while Brecon and Newtown have been changed to support patients 'who need more specialised inpatient rehabilitation'. The changes were highly controversial when they were implemented with Arwystli Medical Practice in Llanidloes being highly critical. In a post last year, a spokesperson for the practice said: ''Ready to go home' wards allow the health board to sidestep minimum nursing staffing levels. 'This means fewer nurses looking after our community hospital patients so when patients develop extra care needs or become unwell, there won't be the resources to provide the needed care or treatment.' The plans also saw a backlash in Powys with Glyn Preston, county councillor for Llanidloes, travelling to PTHB's headquarters in Bronllys with a busload of residents to hand over a petition signed by more than 2,400 people to the health board's chief executive Hayley Thomas. It was not indicated whether the changes would be made permanent as consultation on the effectiveness of the changes has not been completed and a 'full evaluation report' will be made ahead of the boards meeting in July. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app This comes as the Powys Teaching Health Board are continuing to face further financial pressure with a estimated financial deficit this year of over £20 million. This is despite other controversial changes passed this year which will purposefully make patients wait longer for treatment in English Hospitals to lower costs. Further to this, there is currently a consultation being led by the health board to see what changes residents wish to see to services as part of its 'Better Together' plans. However chief executive Hayley Thomas admitted that there would be 'difficult options going forward' as the board tried to balance its budget and met its statutory commitments set out by the Welsh Government.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Powys' oldest councillor for Llanidloes gives way to its youngest
A local authority's oldest councillor has stepped down after more than 50 years to "give way" to its youngest. Gareth Morgan, who will be 90 in October, has been a Powys county councillor in Llanidloes since the formation of the local authority in his place will be the council's youngest representative Glyn Preston, who was just 22 when he was first elected three years ago and has shared responsibility for the Llanidloes ward with Mr described Mr Morgan's contribution to the community as "immense", and said he expected people will go and see him about their problems even after he has left, because they always have done. "In many ways there comes a tide in the affairs of men they say, it's come to me now in what has been 52 years," Mr Morgan told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. "I haven't got the energy I once did years ago and I thought it's time to give way to a younger person."Mr Morgan said he had seen a big change on Powys council in recent years, with a large number of younger councillors being recruited. "They're paid now and that makes it more affordable for younger people now and supplements what you're earning otherwise, the average age of Powys councillors has dropped dramatically," he said. During his time as councillor Mr Morgan held the position of council chair between 1999-2000. He also held the position of board member for arts and culture from 2002 until while it may be time for Mr Morgan to slow down, he said he was not prepared to "creep into the corner and do nothing" as he has plans to remain on Llanidloes town council. "I look back and how much I've enjoyed it. There have been moments of great anxiety, but I've enjoyed it so much," Mr Morgan said. "Most of my old council colleagues have passed away. "I was there at the beginning in the early days, when Powys council was formed from the old counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Brecknock."It's been a big part of my life. Angela my wife even became a town councillor," he added. Preston said the people of Llanidloes knew they could rely on Mr Morgan and his open door policy and "people can go in for tea and cake and chat about their problems". "When I was knocking on doors three years ago trying to get elected, I was met with the same response on nearly every single door - 'don't worry, your vote is safe, if Gareth says you're alright, you're getting our vote'," the councillor said. He recalled how Mr Morgan once helped a man who had an operation out of the area and was denied recuperation at the local hospital in Llanidloes. "Gareth's solution was to invite this man to stay with him and his wife at their home for 11 days," Preston said. "They looked after him until he was back on his feet". "He also gave a constituent the use of his car when they fell on hard times," he added. "Gareth told them to use it whenever they needed it, he just gets things done for people." When it comes to advice on what makes a great councillor, Preston said Mr Morgan had taught him much about the role in the time he has been part of the council. "You must have integrity, enthusiasm and genuine care for the public and they must come first - before politics," Mr Morgan said. "You must have commitment and dedication. It's a huge commitment and particularly the more senior you become."He thanked the community for repeatedly electing him, as he said "there is no guarantee you're going to be there indefinitely".
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Hafren Forest: Powys Council hopes for TikTok solution
A surge in tourists at one of Wales' most beautiful forests which is famed for its "world best" riverside boardwalk has led to concerns from locals that the area cannot cope with the sudden influx. TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos of Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes have been watched millions of times, with one video gaining at least 1.8 million views, which has prompted a rush of visitors to the cherished local beauty spot. The Welsh Government's environment agency Natural Resources Wales, which owns and manages the forest, has kept the once-hidden gem from its social media and declined filming requests to discourage the hordes of walkers. A line of cars parked along the road near Rhyd y Benwch car park at Hafren Forest. (Image: Anwen Parry) Powys County Council was asked by local councillor Glyn Preston about what steps were being taken to reduce congestion, fly tipping, dog mess and improving road infrastructure. Powys County Council has now issued its response, saying it appreciated the "patience and understanding" of the local community as they work towards a solution that "benefits both visitors and residents". One of the improvements so far have been signage directing traffic along the "more acceptable" Staylittle route to reduce the impact on the Old Hall route. The council said it takes a "zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping" and anyone caught will be investigated and, if possible, prosecuted if there is sufficient and reliable evidence. Dog poo bags have been left on the side of footpaths at Hafren Forest. (Image: Anwen Parry) However, the council said cleaning up dog mess dumped at the forest is not the responsibility of Environmental Health. "Whilst we do welcome visitors to Powys and the economic benefits they bring to the local area, we need to ensure this is appropriately managed to provide a good experience for visitors and minimise the impacts on local residents," the council said. "We are aware that this sudden and unexpected increase in visitors has caused an unusual peak in traffic, affecting access and parking at this tourist attraction. "This issue is not solely the responsibility of the local authority. As cabinet member, I will be raising this matter with other partner agencies and stakeholders to consider a multi-agency approach for the most appropriate resolution." (Image: NQ) Natural Resources Wales has applied for planning permission to re-design and upgrade the existing Hafren Forest car park at Rhyd y Benwch, Old Hall to create extra "higher quality" parking spaces. Powys County Council said its exploring ways to support the wider Natural Resources Wales investment in developing the visitor infrastructure at Hafren Forest. However, the most suitable capital investment fund for site-based tourism infrastructure improvements that the council can access, the Brilliant Basics Fund, will not reopen for new application until spring 2027.
Powys County Times
11-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Hafren Forest: Powys Council hopes for TikTok solution
Powys County Council says it is working towards a solution to the "significant" rise in visitors at Hafren Forest which has resulted from social media. A surge in tourists at one of Wales' most beautiful forests which is famed for its "world best" riverside boardwalk has led to concerns from locals that the area cannot cope with the sudden influx. TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos of Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes have been watched millions of times, with one video gaining at least 1.8 million views, which has prompted a rush of visitors to the cherished local beauty spot. The Welsh Government's environment agency Natural Resources Wales, which owns and manages the forest, has kept the once-hidden gem from its social media and declined filming requests to discourage the hordes of walkers. Powys County Council was asked by local councillor Glyn Preston about what steps were being taken to reduce congestion, fly tipping, dog mess and improving road infrastructure. Powys County Council has now issued its response, saying it appreciated the "patience and understanding" of the local community as they work towards a solution that "benefits both visitors and residents". One of the improvements so far have been signage directing traffic along the "more acceptable" Staylittle route to reduce the impact on the Old Hall route. The council said it takes a "zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping" and anyone caught will be investigated and, if possible, prosecuted if there is sufficient and reliable evidence. However, the council said cleaning up dog mess dumped at the forest is not the responsibility of Environmental Health. "Whilst we do welcome visitors to Powys and the economic benefits they bring to the local area, we need to ensure this is appropriately managed to provide a good experience for visitors and minimise the impacts on local residents," the council said. "We are aware that this sudden and unexpected increase in visitors has caused an unusual peak in traffic, affecting access and parking at this tourist attraction. "This issue is not solely the responsibility of the local authority. As cabinet member, I will be raising this matter with other partner agencies and stakeholders to consider a multi-agency approach for the most appropriate resolution." Natural Resources Wales has applied for planning permission to re-design and upgrade the existing Hafren Forest car park at Rhyd y Benwch, Old Hall to create extra "higher quality" parking spaces. Powys County Council said its exploring ways to support the wider Natural Resources Wales investment in developing the visitor infrastructure at Hafren Forest. However, the most suitable capital investment fund for site-based tourism infrastructure improvements that the council can access, the Brilliant Basics Fund, will not reopen for new application until spring 2027.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- BBC News
TikTok visitor surge prompts Hafren Forest litter concerns
A Welsh forest that has gone viral on social media has been inundated with tourists leading to concerns about littering and and Instagram videos of Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, Powys, some seen by millions of people, have prompted a surge of visitors in recent the forest's sudden popularity has angered some locals who feel it is having a negative impact on the Resources Wales (NRW) said it had "intentionally refrained from promoting the site" to discourage excessive interest. Councillor Glyn Preston told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast he wants to see people "enjoying the beauties of mid Wales", but said agencies need to take better care of the Forest was previously shortlisted for Britain's favourite path but has recently found fame with its towering trees and riverside boardwalk. One social media video attracted 1.8 million views but locals are concerned that fly-tipping, littering and parking has become an issue."You're seeing a car every two minutes going down a single track road," said Mr Preston."It's becoming gridlocked at various different choke points."He said better facilities were needed, including bins and well-maintained are temporary toilets in place which are set to be replaced with permanent facilities in future. Mr Preston said local businesses were benefitting from the extra visitors as the "town is busier" and people are "spending their money"."But that being said, we've got this sort of honey pot that's being ruined with dog mess being left on the side of the roads, fly tipping and so on," he added."We don't have a Starbucks in Llanidloes, we've got lots of independent coffee shops and somehow there's Starbucks coffee mugs all along the side of the road."The councillor said NRW needed to provide more than just "advice" to tackle this said: "We need some bins, we need some proper facilities there. We need to make sure that the toilets are well maintained and cleaned regularly."He added that a partnership with Powys council would allow them to "put in the necessary infrastructure to make it a better site." NRW said it had encouraged people to "consider other fantastic places" in mid Wales to help avoid visiting Hafren Forest NRW has advised people to "bring a bag and take all rubbish and food waste home, using public bins or recycling where possible"."When parking, ensure you do not block access to gateways or driveways, and always leave space for emergency vehicles," it added.
