Latest news with #JackieCharlton
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
One hour parking set to be reintroduced to Powys car parks
Powys County Council is proposing re-introducing the one-hour parking after controversial changes made last year. The recommendations have been made following the council's car park review which was the subject of criticism for damaging trade on the county's high streets. The review saw a series of meetings, focus groups, discussions, data analysis and benchmarking exercises and has led to 'revised recommendations for the county's car parking arrangements'. The review has recommended that the council 'reintroduce the one-hour parking tariff to all long stay car parks in accordance with the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996'. The new tariffs for up to one hour of parking would be £1.50, one to two hours parking would remain £2.50, two to four hours parking would be £3.50 and all-day parking would be £5. The review has also recommended the Powys County Council 'introduce a new single car park permit to be used at one specified car park only' at a cost of £280 annually, £155 for 6 months, £90 for three months and £30 for one month. 'We appreciate that car parking arrangements in the county is a very emotive subject for our residents and businesses,' said Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. 'It was really important that we took the time to consider all options and take on board the feedback from the review group, the scrutiny committee, our residents, businesses and visitors. 'There is still more work to do with regards to the long-term plans for parking arrangements in the county but, for now, we believe that these recommendations will be acceptable to our communities, as well as being a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints.' 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 The car parking review process has been conducted by a politically balanced cross-party group of local councillors, included representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited, and was led by an independent, impartial consultant. As well as car parking tariffs, the car parking review considered how best to manage all the 'council's car parks, town centre footfall, the impacts and benefits of local active travel schemes, available resources, the needs of the local communities and the council's Sustainable Transport Hierarchy'. Powys County Council have said 'work will continue over time to address all these aspects with a vision to create sustainable car parks fit for the future of Powys'
Powys County Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
How to pay for parking in Powys using your mobile phone
Starting later this month, the option to pay for parking through mobile phones will be available at Powys Council's pay and display car parks. Powys Council has announced that, starting on May 20, the option to pay for parking via a mobile phone will be available at the council's pay and display car parks. While many of the council owned car parks have pay and display machines that accept card payments, starting on Tuesday, all car parks will accept payments via a mobile phone using the PayByPhone app. Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys, says: "The option to pay for parking via your mobile phone in all council carparks has arrived in Powys. READ MORE 'The PayByPhone app will be an excellent addition to our carpark facilities. Many of us find making mobile parking payments ultimately more convenient, as you don't need to worry about having the right change with you while you are out and about.' The council added that by using PayByPhone, a parking session can be started and completed in three steps; Entering the location number (displayed on the signs near the pay and display machines, selecting how long you would like to park for and then paying. By using PayByPhone to pay for parking, drivers can also extend their parking session remotely via the app without having to return to the vehicle. It also gives the option to opt-in to have text message reminders of when the parking session is about to expire.
Business News Wales
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Funding Secured for Brecon Town Centre Improvements
Funding Secured for Brecon Town Centre Improvements Funding has been secured to progress a project aimed at enhancing Brecon's streetscape. Plans focus on prioritising the pedestrian experience, improving connections and biodiversity, and creating safe, accessible public areas that enhance the qualities of the town along the length of the High Street, including High Street Superior, High Street Inferior, and the Bulwark. It is anticipated work may be begin in early 2026. Feedback gathered during recent workshops and consultation is being used to finalise the plans which will be made available for viewing as soon as they are prepared, Powys County Council said. 'It was encouraging to receive some really constructive feedback during our recent online consultation and the drop-in sessions at Y Gaer,' said Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. 'Confirmation of the Welsh Government funding means we can now take the views of the individuals and stakeholders into account, and finalise plans for this ambitious project, which seeks to revitalise Brecon town centre, making it a more accessible and attractive space, thereby benefiting the local economy. 'Once complete, the final plans will be shared with the community before work begins in 2026.' In addition to these plans, grant funding has previously been provided to businesses to improve properties within the town centre. Both the Transforming Towns initiative and the plans to improve the town centre environment are designed to stimulate economic growth in the region. This Welsh Government funding and town centre improvement plans are in addition to the Brecon Place Plan recently out for consultation with Brecon Town Council.
Powys County Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys secures Welsh Government funding for Brecon plan
Powys County Council has secured additional Welsh Government funding for a project to enhance Brecon town centre. The plans, which aim to improve the streetscape, are being finalised using feedback from recent community workshops and consultations. The project is set to prioritise the pedestrian experience, improve connections and biodiversity, and create safe, accessible public areas along the High Street, including High Street Superior, High Street Inferior, and the Bulwark. Work is expected to begin in early 2026. Councillor Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: "It was encouraging to receive some really constructive feedback during our recent online consultation and the drop-in sessions at Y Gaer. "Confirmation of the Welsh Government funding means we can now take the views of the individuals and stakeholders into account, and finalise plans for this ambitious project, which seeks to revitalise Brecon town centre, making it a more accessible and attractive space, thereby benefiting the local economy. "Once complete, the final plans will be shared with the community before work begins in 2026." (Image: NQ) Both the Transforming Towns initiative and the plans to improve the town centre environment are designed to stimulate economic growth in the region. This Welsh Government funding and town centre improvement plans are in addition to the Brecon Place Plan recently out for consultation with Brecon Town Council. Both the town centre improvement plans and the place plan will complement each other, with stakeholders of both given the opportunity to feed into future proposals.
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business News Wales
Funding Secured to Further Improve Active Travel Provision in Powys
Powys County Council has secured further Welsh Government funding to extend and improve the active travel routes within the county. Committed to improving facilities for residents wishing to make short journeys on foot or by bike, the council has been working with communities to identify potential active travel routes in towns across Powys. These can be viewed on the Active Travel Network Map (ATNM). Over the last few years, many of these routes have been established and have proven to be highly successful in improving accessibility and increasing the number of journeys being made without needing to get in the car. The latest Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities and Active Travel funding, with support from Transport for Wales, will enable the following schemes, already included in the county's ATNM, to be developed: Llanidloes Llangurig Road/Smithfield Road Active Travel scheme This scheme will upgrade the existing footway from the Gro Car Park to Llangurig Road, connecting directly to the shared use path installed on Llangurig Road in 2024/25. Once complete, the path will form a continuous active travel route between the car park and schools, improving accessibility, and allowing more pupils and their families to safely walk or cycle to and from school. It is also likely to help reduce traffic congestion on Llangurig Road at peak times. Newtown Dolfor Road Active Travel scheme This scheme will make improvements to the existing footway on Dolfor Road, between Plantation Lane and the railway bridge. The project will also install a road crossing to connect directly to the Treowen Active Travel paths and establish green infrastructure along the route. Work to develop designs will begin soon and communities and stakeholders will be invited to feed into this process. 'We are delighted to have secured this latest instalment of Welsh Government funding, which allows us to keep the momentum going and increase the growing network of active travel routes within the county.' explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. 'Welsh Government has made it clear that active travel must be the natural mode of choice for short everyday journeys such as our commute to work, school or local shops, and the continued investment into practical active travel routes within Powys, like these planned for Llanidloes and Newtown, will help towards achieving this vision.'
