Council eviction “came as a surprise”

The second of three charities being evicted from 42 Broad Street by its landlord, Powys County Council, has said it was “surprised” to receive the notice and fears for the impact it will make.

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust said the eviction, so that council staff can move in from their Neuadd Maldwyn building, will result in the charity leaving the town centre and an expense that “is going to be difficult for a small local charity to bear”.

Ponthafren, who receive funding from Powys County Council (PCC), last night reaffirmed its commitment to the town by saying it would be looking for alternative premises, but the Welshpool future for both the Wildlife Trust and a third charity, Severn Rivers Trust, is less clear.

“The news of our eviction came as something of a surprise,” said Eley Hart, Resources Manager at the Trust. “There was no prior consultation, not even a phone call or meeting, just a letter in the post and a date to be gone by.

“We have contacted the Council by telephone and email for support and to ask if an extension to the notice period would be possible but have heard nothing so far.

“We are having to consider alternative office spaces which are more expensive and are not in the town centre.

“It is likely that local people and tourists to the area will no longer be able to pop in and visit us for wildlife advice, information about the local area or to visit our shop.

“All in all, the upheaval, expense and inconvenience is going to be difficult for a small local charity to bear.”

This morning, PCC said it was evicting its tenants to make way for the Housing Service it currently operates from Neuadd Maldwyn, which will be turned into a care facility.

The move will also impact the town’s library services, which are being downsized and moved into Powysland Museum to make way for office staff to move there.