Kelly’s mission continues to clean-up Welshpool

Last year we featured a remarkable Welshpool woman who was on a mission to transform the town through an epic series of tidy-up jobs with service cuts leaving parts of the town looking shabby and overgrown.

From bus stops and signage to hedgerows and pavement weeds, Kelly Meredith has become relentless in making Welshpool a shining gateway to Wales, and it has drawn praise from large sectors of the town.

She does all this whilst holding together a busy career in the entertainment industry, saying that she can always find time to put in a few hours for her community.

But, astonishingly, the clean-up queen has failed an incredible seven times to become a town councillor.

In an update interview with MyWelshpool, she explains what keeps her going, and what we can all do to make Welshpool great again!

You have been doing this for a long time now, but will you keep going?

Why wouldn’t I keep going? I have been told I’ve accomplished more projects in six months than the councils have in years (sorry councils!).

Has it inspired others to get involved?

Yes. Hayley took the helm with Heulwen Way. We weeded pavements, cleaned the curbs, fixed the signs, and litter picked. Freddie litter picked the canal path and recently tidied up the willow trees at the Raven.

Lee has participated in multiple tasks while David did the Medical Centre with me. Some townsfolk have been seen tidying up their front gardens, planting flowers, trimming their shrubbery and litter picking.

Business owners such as Totty’s repainted their exterior, Moltos installed a brand-new sign, Baba Ali’s installed an awning while Wildfire sweeps/weeds her street pavement. McDonalds is maintaining their area with litter picks.

People who are unable to physically assist have been reporting more broken items, faded road markings, blocked drains, fly tips, and so forth to the authorities. Powys County Council enforcement has been amazing in cleaning up fly tips the moment they’re reported!

Surely you would be a great town councillor?

Never say never! I’ve been denied three times (co-option) and lost four elections like they were bad bets, and yet here I am, gearing up for round eight! Maybe I’ll finally win - or maybe I’ll just keep this charm going. Who doesn’t love a dramatic comeback? Bring it on.

What do you say when someone says the council should do it?

Great! While we wait, I’m just going to do some more tidying. Let me know when the Council completes a task!

What projects are in the works?

The bus stops will all have new timetables. Some may have new signs and display cases. Know a stop that needs the above? Then let me know!

I also need artists as I have approval to colour up some areas such as the St Mary’s bus stop. Gill B is fighting to get the large rubbish bins replaced on High Street; The Town Clerk is replacing the faded ticket banner at the train station.

What’s this we hear about an event directory project?

Well, there is one now! My page has over 200 upcoming events listed for the town. Walks, Pokémon, bingo, theatre, if it’s in Welshpool, then it’s listed. Find it here. Have an event you want listed? Message me.

How can readers report things that may need doing?

If it’s on a trunk road go to https://traffic.wales/contact-us. If it’s Powys County Council https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/816/Report. If it’s WTC (includes playgrounds and the benches) https://www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/contact/.

How are you funding this?

Myself. I’ve paid for all the paint, markers, my broom and dustpans. People have donated pinecones, towels, drinks, snacks, window cleaner and hand sanitizer. Mid Wales Chemicals provided me with sign cleaner.

What else do you need donating?

151 Metallic Finish Spray Paint from Poundland and BIC permanent markers (Amazon). Cleaning agents for signs - table salt or epsom salt planter pots, plants stones and/or bricks. Hammerite paint dark for benches; green and also gold metallic spray paint.

How else can people help?

If you have a curb or pavement, please weed it. Report things. Blocked drains, fly tips, abandoned vehicles, broken things, overgrown greenery, etc.

If you see rubbish? Pick it up! If you see a sticker or poster where it shouldn’t be then take it down. See a dirty or faded sign? Clean it! It takes less than 10 minutes.

Businesses: Please clean your signage and awnings, repaint decaying exteriors, replace dead greenery, maintain front pavements.

If you have a hedge or low hanging trees? Cut them, trim them!

I am also seeking people who can power wash (and have supplies) as I have some areas that need it. I also need volunteers to help clean and re-ink signs, litter pick and paint.

How can we see your projects?

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Kelly-Meredith-The-CleanUp-Minion-61565233282893/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly.the.cleanupminion