‘Oldford residents will shape what play provision is needed’

The people of Oldford will have a big part to play in shaping what sort of play provision will be installed at Welshpool’s largest housing estate in the future.

That’s the pledge from a senior official from ClwydAlyn, the housing association responsible for the area, who seem determined to work with Welshpool Town Council to finally sort the long-standing issue regarding a play park.

Brendon McWhinnie was addressing the chamber this week to update the full council on progress after town councillors, led by Cllr Phil Pritchard, highlighted the need over the past two years.

He told councillors: “We are looking to host a consultation day in August and Cllr (Kelly) Meredith, as a ward councillor, has expressed a wish to be involved in any exercise we do.

“My thoughts were to keep it simple. Invite all members of the community to come along and express an opinion and that will give us the basis of putting an action plan together to move forward.”

Mr McWhinnie, himself a former Welshpool town councillor, said he would like to see a playpark and well-being facility to “come away from the traditional aspect of solely play equipment”.

“Maybe a trim trail and things to exercise can be included so that well-being is considered.”

Town Mayor, Cllr Bill Rowell, pledged the Town Council’s support for the consultation and Mr McWhinnie said he would provide an update at the September council meeting.