Welshpool shortlisted for national award

Welshpool has been shortlisted in the national “Let’s Celebrate Towns” awards, organised by Visa in partnership with the British Retail Consortium.

The awards celebrate towns across the UK that are helping businesses and communities to thrive and Welshpool has been recognised in the Connectivity category for its efforts to improve both digital and physical infrastructure to create a more inclusive, accessible town.

Welshpool joins other towns from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the shortlist, with projects ranging from eBike schemes and public art installations to free Wi-Fi and digital communication hubs. The shortlist highlights the innovative ways that local councils, businesses and communities are working together to support local growth.

Town Clerk Richard Williams welcomed the news, saying: “To be recognised at this level is a huge honour for Welshpool.

“Our entry focuses on our efforts to enhance community access to information and services, including our proposal to install interactive touchscreen noticeboards around the town to help residents and visitors connect with local events, transport, business and more.”

Winners in each of the six award categories will be announced at a special ceremony in the House of Lords this July. Each winning town will receive £20,000 in funding towards a local community initiative.

On announcing the shortlist, Mandy Lamb, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Visa, commented: “This year of ‘Let’s Celebrate Towns’ has attracted a record number of entries, highlighting the passion and creativity in our communities. Anyone on the shortlist should feel immensely proud of their achievement.”