Town Council takes on street cleaning

Welshpool Town Council has announced that it is taking on the street cleaning services from Powys County Council, but it will cost householders an extra fiver a year.

The state of the town’s streets has come under scrutiny of late with overgrown grass, littering and bulging litter bins a cause for concern.

The situation has deteriorated due to Powys cutting back its services, so the town council has stepped in.

The annual cost is expected to be around £33,000 but Powys is only coughing up £17,750, meaning the Welshpool tax payer will have to cough up the difference every year.

“We did consult residents last October asking their views on taking over services and if they were willing to pay extra to keep such services,” said Robert Robinson, Town Clerk. “The result was that a substantial majority was in favour of us taking the street scene over at an extra cost of up to £8 per household. The actual cost though will be about £5 per household on the council tax.”

However only about 12% of the town returned the surveys and Welshpool has already taken on county council services like the Tourist Information Centre and the public toilets.

“Without these many of our tourists would not stop on their way to the coast,” said Mr Robinson. “Now the idea is to keep the town pristine with control of weeds, grass growth and the like.”

Cllr Steve Kaye, Mayor of Welshpool, added: “Yet again Welshpool has led the way in retaining the services the town needs and I think the taking over of the street scene will be a good thing for both residents and tourists alike.”

On Friday at 2pm there will be a ceremonial handover outside the Town Hall when the new equipment and vehicles will be on display. Residents are invited to attend the short ceremony with tea and coffee in the Corn Exchange after.