Councillor and grand-daughter launch Guilsfield footway campaign

A community councillor is renewing her campaign to improve road safety at Guilsfield and has won the support of Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies.

Guilsfield councillor Olive Williams and her grand-daughter Pheobe Betts are battling for a  footway to be created between the village and The Derwen Garden Centre, despite failing to win community council backing four years ago.

“I’m not giving up,” said Mrs Williams. “The community council rejected a proposal four years ago despite a petition including 400 names collected by myself and grand-daughter Pheobe.

“There were suggestions at the time that this would increase our community charges even though it was rumoured at Powys County Council had allocated funds for the scheme.

“I have been a community councillor for over 40 years and it is our job to keep the all the people of the village safe.

“I feel the road from the Derwen Garden Centre is very dangerous, for anyone walking, pushing a pram or push chair or anybody riding a mobility scooter.

“I have been trying to get a foot[ath on this short stretch of road for the last 10 years. It will be a long term amenity for the people of Guilsfield and will not increase our community charges,” she added.

“I am pleased to have the support of our MP Glyn Davies and others in a renewed attempt for a long overdue footpath.”

Glyn Davies said: “For years the formidable Cllr Olive Williams has been campaigning to strengthen the links between the garden centre and nearby village of Guilsfield.

“She wants Powys County Council to build a footpath to connect the centre and the village. The Derwen is a wonderful local and international business. Let’s link it to the growing village of Guilsfield.”

Guilsfield County Councillor David Jones added his weight to the campaign. “This is an ongoing problem,” he said. “Powys Highways have to date resolutely opposed a footpath to the Derwen Garden Centre from the village, despite large numbers of people having to walk on a busy road with no speed restrictions.

“I do get an occasional glimmer of support for a path all the way around the Guilsfield triangle . It would be from Guilsfield on the existing footpath to Groes, then on to Shade Oak and Ffowlkes’ Lane via the Derwen on a new footway.

“I fear there could be an accident on the existing route along the road from someone tripping in front of a vehicle as they step on and off the road on to an unsuitable verge.

“I wish Cllr Williams and Phoebe every success in their campaign.”