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Powys County Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Decision on collapsed river wall in Powys is coming this week
2 This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A DECISION on whether to replace or fix a riverside wall in Ystradgynlais that partially collapsed 18 months ago will be made by a senior Powys councillor later this week. On Friday, August 15, cabinet member for highways, transport and recycling, (HTR) Cllr Jackie Charlton (Liberal Democrat) will received four options and decide the 'most appropriate' way forward that 'best meets' Powys County Council's legal obligations in respect of the Llys Tawel triver wall in the town. The wall is located at the back of four homes at Llys Tawel on the west bank of the River Tawe as it flows through this part of the town. The report explains that the wall is 100 metres in length, but 30 metres of the structure collapsed on February 1, 2024. According to the report the remaining structure shows visible signs of 'scour' – this means that its foundations could be affected by soil erosion. There has been some legal wrangling over the ownership of the wall with Powys council eventually conceding that they own it. Options for repair are estimated to cost from £382,000 to £1 million. Option Four, which is also supported by residents, emerges as the best option in the report. This would be the direct replacement of the retaining wall, providing riverbank protection which would cost £1 million However, the recommended preferred option from council officers is Option Three. According to the report it would provide: ' blockstone at a lower level with an embankment above it. 'This is a tried and tested form of erosion control offering bank protection but would not be reinstated to the original wall level.' This would cost the council £850,000. Funding for the repairs would come from the HTR department's own capital budget. Local Powys councillor Susan McNicholas (Ynyscedwyn – Labour) said: 'I am very grateful to Powys council for their decision to rebuild the river wall at Llys Tawel. 'It has taken a long time to get to the stage we are now at. 'The residents will rest a lot more easily once the work has been completed.' Under the council's protocol the decision will come into force five full working days later -this is to allow for it to be called in by councillors for scrutiny should they wish to do so. The wall was built by Brecknockshire County Council in 1912 and the report states that there is no evidence that the structure's ownership has been passed on to another owner. Following the last local government reorganisation in Wales during 1995/1996 the ownership of the wall fell to Powys council as a successor local authority. But the council's Highways Service refused to take responsibility for the wall and believed that either National Resources Wales (NRW), as the lead authority for main rivers, or the riverbank landowner was responsible for it. After the wall partial collapse the residents of Llys Tawel engaged lawyers that argued the council as owner of the wall is responsible for it and have a duty of care to: 'take reasonable steps to prevent natural occurrences on its land from causing damage to neighbouring properties.' After taking their own legal advice, Powys council 'concluded' that it owns the wall.
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Powys County Times
Powys: Have your say on how to improve walking and cycling
People are being invited to share their views on how to improve walking and cycling routes in the region. Powys County Council has launched a 12-week public engagement exercise to help shape the future of active travel routes across 11 localities in the county. The feedback obtained will be used to refresh the Active Travel Network Map (ATNM). In the last refresh of the ATNM, in 2020, more than 500 potential future routes were identified across the 11 localities concerned: Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Newtown, Presteigne, Welshpool, and Ystradgynlais. Councillor Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: "The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation. "With your help, during this 12-week engagement exercise, we plan to refresh the current ATNM already developed by communities in 2016/17 and again in 2020/21. "We want your feedback; can you help us update the routes that were chosen previously by stakeholders within the 11 designated localities (the largest towns within Powys)? "Has anything changed? "Is there anything else we should be considering? "Are the routes still relevant? "We want to hear the views of people who either live in, work in, or visit our towns. "This includes community groups, schools, families, and individuals." Mobile speed camera locations in Powys for August 2025 Extra Sunday train services on Heart of Wales line Rail services to Welshpool and Newtown face 'major delays' Example improvements could include safe places to store a bike while shopping; cycle lanes; and zebra crossings. A draft of the newly refreshed ATNM will be made available for public consultation next year, once suggestions have been reviewed.
Powys County Times
02-08-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys council calls on public to help keep Wales clean
A summer anti-litter campaign is calling on the public to help keep Wales clean. Powys County Council and Keep Wales Tidy are reminding residents and visitors to take their litter home to protect the environment, especially when bins are full or unavailable. The campaign emphasises the impact of littering on wildlife and natural spaces, with recent data showing that fast food packaging was found on 26.4 per cent of streets and drinks litter on 43.6 per cent. Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: "Litter is so damaging to our environment and is such an eyesore in our beautiful county. "It has devastating effects on our local communities and our wildlife. "Clearing up after irresponsible litterers is also costly and a dangerous job on busy roads." Ms Charlton, who regularly volunteers with litter picking groups, also reminded people of the legal consequences. She said: "Don't forget that it is also a criminal offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to drop litter. "There really is no excuse and we would urge anyone who is out and about to put their rubbish in a bin or take it home with them to throw it away, or recycle it, properly." Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, echoed the call for collective responsibility. He said: "Our parks, beaches and green spaces are at the heart of what makes Wales so special. "We all have a part to play in looking after them. "It's simple, if you bring it with you, take it home." The campaign, funded by the Welsh Government, aims to inspire pride and responsibility across Wales by encouraging small but meaningful changes in behaviour.
North Wales Live
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Wales's biggest county reveals full list of 20mph proposals - with dozens of changes planned
Wales's biggest county has concluded its review into 20mph speed limits. Last summer Powys County Council, along with every other council in Wales, collected residents' feedback on 20mph speed limits during the Welsh Government's listening exercise. This followed a change in guidance from Welsh Government which is expected to result in hundreds of 20mph limit roads reverting to 30mph. In the consultation Powys received over 200 responses. In summary, the feedback received included: 53 Responses requesting revoking of the 20mph policy. These were directed to Welsh Government. 97 Responses in support of retaining 20mph speed limits. 67 Responses requesting 20mph return to 30mph or changing 30mph to 20mph at specific locations. Some of these refer to the same areas and affect 43 individual sites or sections of road. 25 Responses for speed limit requests that fall outside of the remit of Welsh Government's 20mph review. Subject to resources, these will be reviewed once the new Setting Local Speed Limits in Wales is published by Welsh Government. The feedback relating to the 43 individual sites or section of road were assessed against revised Welsh Government guidance on setting 30mph speed limits on restricted roads and other 20mph speed limit roads. Where it was deemed appropriate to make changes, either back to 30mph or down to 20mph, the proposals were shared with all county councillors and town and community councils for any further comment. Their input has been used to finalise proposals to take to the next stage. A list of recommendations (below)has now been published for each site. If approved, the proposals will be subject to a legal statutory traffic regulation order (TRO) process, before any changes are implemented. Every TRO will involve a public consultation, where residents can show support or raise objections. "We are grateful to those who took the time to provide us with feedback during the Welsh Government's recent listening exercise, and for the further comments and discussions we have had with councillors and town and community councils." Says Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. "It was pleasing to receive so many positive comments in support of the 20mph policy and how residents felt it had improved road safety and the local environment in their communities. "We have reviewed the 43 identified individual sites or section of roads identified by the public and are pleased to have worked with the communities to bring this review to a close with a set of sensible proposals. "For the roads where the speed limit is proposed to change, we will now be going through the formal legal process which allows the people of Powys to have another look at the plans any comment further, if they wish. These details will be available on the council website shortly." Full list and recommendations: Brecon: B4601 Watton, Orchard Street & Newgate Street; All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Bronllys: A488 All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Bwlch-y-Cibau A490: All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Caersws B4569: The Green,Trefeglwys Road, From 136m east of its junction with the C2069 for 101m east - Extend the restricted road 20mph speed limit. Cefn Coch C2013: From 197m east of its junction with the C2015 for182m east - Introduce 30mph buffer speed limit. Cemmaes U2288: From 100m northwest of its junction with the A470Tfor 124m northwest - Introduce a restricted road 20mph speed limit. Churchstoke A490: All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Churchstoke A489: From 25m west of its junction with the A490 for 365mwest - Introduce 30mph buffer speed limit. Evenjobb B4357: From 110m north of its junction with the C1055 for278m north - Introduce 30mph buffer speed limit. Forden A490: From 150m south of its junction with the B4388 to- 272m northwest of its junction with the B4388 - Introduce 30mph speed limit. Forden C2114: From 38m southwest of its junction with the U2467 for237m southwest - Introduce 40mph buffer speed limit. Four Crosses U4908: For its full length- Introduce restricted road 20mph speed limit. Four Crosses B4393 For its full length Introduce restricted road 20mph speed limit. Kinnerton B4372 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Knighton B4355 Penybont Road From 10m southwest of its junction with the U1744Mill Road for 127m speed limit back to 30mph. Knighton B4355 Knucklas Road From 222m west of from its junction with the A488 Offa's Road for 128m a 30mph buffer speed limit. Knighton B4355 Ffrydd Road From 35m west of its junction with the U1714 FryrddTerrace to 17m west of its junction with the U1721Ffrydd 30mph speed limit to just beforeFfrydd Terrace. Knighton A4113 Ludlow RoadC1064 Llanshay LaneA4113 Ludlow Road from 62m east of its junction withthe U1723 Farrington Lane to 154m northeast of itsjunction with the U1701 Fronhir Estate.C1064 Llanshay Lane from its junction with the A4113Ludlow Road for 116m a 30mph speed limit between thecurrent 40mph restriction and FarringtonLane, to also include Llanshay Lane. Knighton B4355 Presteigne Road From 208m northwest of its junction with the U1724Grove Close for 612m 30mph speed limit Knucklas C1060 (inc U1095,U1075, U1079 & U1080)C1060 from its junction with the B4355 to 61mnortheast of its junction with the U1095 to 195m westof its junction with the U1075.U1095 from its junction with the C1060 for 271mnorthwest.U1075 from its junction with the C1060 for 135msouth.U1079 Glyndwr Estate from its junction with theC1060 for its entire length.U1080 (slip road) from its junction with the C1060 forits entire village subject to a restricted road20mph speed limit. Llan/Bont Dolgadfan B4518 and C2018 B4518 from its junction with the C2018 for 190m northand for 109m south.C2018 from its junction with the B4518 for 246m westand for 68m sections to 30mph. Llanbrynmair B4518 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Llandinam U4531 From 166m northeast of its junction with the U2807Old Barn Lane for 170m extent of 20mph. Llandrindod Wells Various roads All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Llandrindod Wells A4081 Ithon Road From the existing 20mph terminal 45m to the northof Dyfryn Road junction to 45m northwest of VictoriaRoad junctionReinstate 30mph speed limit Llanfair Caereinion Watergate Street &Gibbet RoadAll existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Llanfyllin A490 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Llangedwyn B4396 and C2002 All existing 20mph sections Reinstate to 30mph speed limit. Llangedwyn C2209 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Llansantffraid-ymMechain B4393 Retain remaining existing 20mph section Remain as present. Llansantffraid-ymMechainA495 From 125m northeast of its junction with the B4393(eastern arm) for 298m 30mph buffer speed limit. Llansantffraid-ymMechainA495 From 19m southwest from its junction with theB4393 (western arm) for 198m 30mph buffer speed limit and install a new central island. Lower Cwmtwrch A4068 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Montgomery B4385 Station Road All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Montgomery B4388 All existing 20mph sections Remain as present. Newtown A4811: Pool RoadU4227 Dyffryn Industria lEstate road, A4811 Pool Road from 92m northeast of its westerly junction with the U4227 Dyffryn Industrial Estate road for 594m southwest, U4226 Wem Ddu Lane, U4227 Dyffryn Industrial Estate road from its junction with the A4811 Pool Road for its entire length, U4226 Wem Ddu Lane from its junction with theA4811 Pool Road for 130m south, Pool Road for its entire length, U4226 Wem Ddu Lane from its junction with the A4811 Pool Road for 130m south - Introduce 30mph speed limit Newtown U2604: Bryn Lane - Remain as existing however extant order requires revoking. Revoke old 30mph speed limit Order. 20mph speed limit will remain as it appears on the road. Newtown B4801: Kerry RoadU4225 Heol Vastre, U4216 Heol Treowne, B4801 Kerry Road from 36m southeast of its junction with the U4225 Heol Vastre for 387m northwest, U4225 Heol Vastre from its junction with the B4801, Kerry Road for its entire length, U4216 Heol Treowne from its junction with the B4801 Kerry Road for 185m west - Introduce 30mph speed limit. Newtown B4568: Milford Road From 15m southwest of its junction with the U4253 Brynwood Drive to 116m in southwest of its junction with the U4287 Hendidley Way - Introduce 30mph speed limit. Newtown: C2011 Llanfair Road From 112m southwest of its junction with the U4263 Brynglas Avenue for 72m northeast - Introduce 30mph speed limit Norton B4355 From 112m north of its junction with the U1351 OffasGreen to 147m east of its junction with the U1063Meeting House 30mph. Norton B4355: From 25m north of its junction with the U1346 Caeflylyn to 30m south of its junction with the U1350 Will's View - Introduce 30mph. Pant-y-dwr B4518: All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Pentre'r-Felin: Various roads All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Penybontfawr B4391: From the existing 20mph terminal near its junction with the B4396 for 186m west - Introduce 30mph limit. Pen-y-bont: Llanerch Emrys C2003 - Remain as existing, 30mph order to be modified to match signing on the road St Harmon B4518: All existing 20mph sections - Remain as present. Talgarth A4078: From the junction with the A479 to 52m northeast of its junction with C0225 Hay Road and along the C0225 Hay Road from its junction with A4078 to 15m north of its junction with U2056 King's Drive - Remain as present. Ystradgynlais Industrial road(Trawsffordd): Full length of Trawsfford - Increase the speed limit back to 30mph.
Powys County Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
43 roads highlighted as Powys completes 20mph zone review
More than 40 sections of Powys road have been highlighted as needing new speed limits in a review by the county council into the blanket 20mph roll-out in Wales. The review into the new 20mph limits in Powys has been concluded, after Powys County Council collected people's feedback on the roads in the Welsh Government's "listening exercise". It saw 53 responses come back requesting the 20mph policy be revoked, 97 supporting the lower limit, and 67 requesting either that a 20mph limit be amended to a 30mph zone or vice versa. In total 43 sites were highlighted, with some respondents duplicating each others' requests. There were also 25 responses requesting speed limits that fall outside of the remit of Welsh Government's 20mph review, which could be reviewed once the new Setting Local Speed Limits in Wales is published by Welsh Government. The requests were all shared with county councillors for the relevant areas, plus town and community councils for further comment, and that has informed a Portfolio Holder Delegated Decision paper which will now come before councillors. If approved, the proposals will be subject to a legal statutory traffic regulation order (TRO) process, before any changes are implemented. Every TRO will involve a public consultation, where residents can show support or raise objections which would be published at 'We are grateful to those who took the time to provide us with feedback during the Welsh Government's recent listening exercise, and for the further comments and discussions we have had with councillors and town and community councils,' said Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys whose role includes transport. 'It was pleasing to receive so many positive comments in support of the 20mph policy and how residents felt it had improved road safety and the local environment in their communities. 'We have reviewed the 43 identified individual sites or section of roads identified by the public and are pleased to have worked with the communities to bring this review to a close with a set of sensible proposals. 'For the roads where the speed limit is proposed to change, we will now be going through the formal legal process which allows the people of Powys to have another look at the plans any comment further, if they wish. These details will be available on the council website shortly.'
