Agreement reached as Powys pledge facilities to Welshpool

Powys County Council (PCC) has pledged to put an agreement in writing that will enable the town to use the new sports and community facilities being created as part of the new Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng at the Maesydre site.

Welshpool Town Council has agreed to a new path diversion as part of the deal, and county and town councillor, Cllr Phil Pritchard, will no longer object to that path meaning that the multi-million pound primary school for up to 150 Welsh speaking children can go ahead.  

In a press release issued by Powys County Council this morning, the authority said it would “arrange for a formal written agreement that will allow Welshpool sports clubs and the community to access the new school’s sports pitches and multi-use games area out of school hours. The school will also have a community hall that will be shared with the wider community out of school hours”.

It’s good news for a town that is becoming starved of open spaces and sports facilities, with the new project promising to “sort out a skateboard area by the school, located on the grass area next to the town council’s car park”.

PCC said that the “community benefits package” will also include fencing for the Town Council sports pitches.

PCC added that the new school will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, with it being funded jointly with the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme.

Cllr Alison Davies, Town Mayor, said: “The Town Council has always been committed to supporting the best possible educational facilities for our young people and are delighted that difficulties have been ironed out.

“Working in positive partnership with Powys County Council we know that we achieve more and we appreciate the initiative that county council officers have demonstrated in seeking to resolve issues and benefit our community.

“We are particularly pleased that this has resulted in a much closer and positive ongoing working relationship with both Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng and the town council. Together we are greater than the sum of our parts.”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “This is an exciting project and, when complete, will provide the learners and staff of Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng with 21st Century facilities while preserving and modernising Grade II listed building for the community of Welshpool to use.

“The new building for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng will not only provide an environment where our learners and teachers thrive but now the wider community of Welshpool will also benefit by accessing the school’s new facilities.”