Councils clash over Withy Beds

 

The site has been known as The Withy Beds since it was created 30 years ago, but Powys is keen on a name change to accompany the site’s fresh image; a wish that has been flatly refused by the Town Council on three occasions.

 

“The County Council officers suggested a change of name to Leighton Arches but Welshpool Town Council, along with Forden and Leighton Council, objected and saw no reason for the change,” a town council insider informed mywelshpool.

 

“However, we were asked to reconsider but Welshpool said no. The officers wrote to us a third time saying that we should change because there was not a Welsh equivalent to the Withy Beds. But, again, Welshpool said no! There is a Welsh spelling for it and this was passed on to Powys.”

 

Welshpool Town Council is adamant that it will stick to its guns as the current name captures the historical nature of the site close to the River Severn.

 

Meanwhile, Powys has said that the work to revamp the camp is running within budget and says the decision of what to call it will be confirmed soon.

 

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: "We are anticipating that the redevelopment of the Withy Beds will be completed in July and the project is currently within budget.

 

“We have consulted with the residents of the Withy Beds and the local town and community councils about re-naming the site. These views will be presented to the council’s Board shortly.”