A Welshpool County Councillor said the announcement of a potential £10million investment in ‘extra care’ facilities was “incredibly good news” for Welshpool.
Yesterday Powys County Council revealed plans to spend the money on converting its Neuadd Maldwyn offices in Welshpool into ‘Extra Care’ accommodation.
Councillor Graham Breeze (pictured) said: “There is a massive shortage in Welshpool of this type of facility so any improvement is to be welcomed. It is incredibly good news for Welshpool
“Helping residents remain in their own community without having to enter care homes has to be a priority and I am delighted that we are able to consider the possibility of providing state-of-the-art extra care facilities in Welshpool.
“A similar project opened at Llys Glan-Yr-Afon in Newtown two years ago and has proved a huge success.
“Financially these are very difficult times for Powys County Council and the difficult decision to close Neuadd Maldwyn was one that had to be taken with the property haemorrhaging money and in a very poor condition.
“Powys has an ageing population and while the cost of social care is spiralling it is really good news that the authority has recognised the opportunity to meet the demand for an extra care facility in Welshpool.
“It is no secret that sensitive talks have been taking place about the scheme and I welcome the fact that we will soon be able to fully explain this exciting proposal.”
The plans will be put to the council’s cabinet next week and will shed light on the size of the project. Extra Care housing supports people in their own communities, letting them receive support without having to move into care.
Corporate Director of Social Services, Alison Bulman said: “A review of older people’s accommodation in Powys has identified Welshpool as a priority area for the development of Extra Care. A gap analysis found that the town has significant demand for such a service with little or no facilities to meet the need.
“A report is scheduled to be considered by the County Council's Cabinet on July 9, regarding the potential of developing the Council’s Neuadd Maldwyn in Welshpool as the location for this exciting and much needed development.”