Day Centre could house Ukrainian refugees

Welshpool Town Council is to look into offering the Ann Holloway Day Centre as a refuge for Ukrainian families fleeing the Russian invasion.

Councillors backed a call from Cllr Phil Pritchard on Monday night to see if the centre, which closed three years ago due to high running costs and sits largely empty, as a potential safe house for several families.

“I think you could comfortably get four or five families in there,” said Cllr Pritchard. “There are toilet and kitchen facilities in there already so it could be turned into a lovely environment for kids who are traumatised by war.

“I am so delighted that the town council has agreed to do this. The Welshpool area has been fantastic in its response.”

It is thought that the centre could be turned into a temporary refuge by simply installing tented accommodation inside.

In a statement following the meeting, the town council, who have been looking to attract more tenants to the building, offered a more cautious message: “Concern was raised at the town council meeting about the plight of Ukrainian Refugees.

“The Town Clerk was asked to look into whether the Day Centre could be used to house Ukrainian Refugees. The Day Centre does not have any bathing facilities.

“The Town Clerk stated that she would need to look into whether it was legal for council funds to be used for this purpose.

“The Day Centre currently has tenants in part of it and is the base for Meals on Wheels, the remainder currently not being used.

“The Town Council resolved at its Full Council meeting of February 23, 2022 that all options be looked at for the future of the Day Centre in terms of longer term tenants or daily usage for the benefit of the community.”