The results from one of the most in-depth public consultations ever held in Welshpool will help to shape the town over the next four years.
The Town Council has made public its results from the consultation period to decide its priorities through to 2014 and it makes grim reading for windfarm protesters.
Nearly 700 residents responded from July 31 to October 4; 271 of which were pupils from Welshpool High School, and they were asked to vote on subjects put forward as suggestions and also given the opportunity to include their own ideas.
“It was a very worthwhile exercise and produced some interesting results which will help us as we move forward with the Town Plan 2010-2014,” said Town Clerk, Robert Robinson. “It also gave the Town Council the opportunity to see what the people of Welshpool view as their priorities and issues that they want us to address.”
The Cleaner Welshpool Project was overwhelmingly voted as the most important scheme to implement and covers everything from litter bins to addressing anti-social behaviour in the town. This was followed by a call for an hourly train service, a provision for a family park and improvements to the area around the Tourist Information Centre.
Bottom of the list, surprisingly, was the objection to the windfarm transportation through the town and support for a McDonalds. Issues like charity shops, free car parking, allotments and cycle routes were sitting in mid table.
The results threw up some bizarre suggestions with one resident calling for “a cinema in the town” despite the Pola showing films for decades and another saying there should be “more than one car park” despite the town already boasting several!
“It’s a learning exercise for all of us and I would like to thank everyone who participated,” added Mr. Robinson.
Residents can view the plans and have their say by attending a mayor’s coffee morning, the town clerk’s office or from their local councillor direct. The final plans with comments will be put before the full council for approval on November 24.