Still no plans for Smithfield site

Despite residents getting their hopes up this week after work appeared to be starting on the derelict part of the Old Smithfield site, planners have confirmed there are still no plans in the pipeline.

Residents have become ever more frustrated recently that half of the site that has been developed at great expense has been left to fall into a sad looking state.

Half of the Tesco side is still boarded off while across the road, half of the Smithfield Bell site remains an awful eyesore.

MyWelshpool has regularly pushed for action to be taken and this week heavy vehicles were seen working.

It resulted in a flurry of emails (including the attached picture sent in) but unfortunately, we can confirm that we are no nearer to seeing a long term solution.

“I can confirm that there are no further developments or applications for the site,” said a planner at Powys County Council, while a Town Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the only works being carried out on the site this week are superficial as we are not aware of any plans.”

Tens of millions of pounds have been spent by Tesco and Marston’s on developing the site to date, but it doesn’t appear that the promised hotel and shopping units are going to materialise.

Back in November 2010, we revealed that another pub chain, Wetherspoons, had Welshpool on its radar, and budget supermarket Aldi has also revealed to us that it too is looking at the town. However, with no new units planned, both will have to be patient or make the most of what the town already has to offer.