‘The place is a mess’

Welshpool’s public gardens have come under criticism after one green-fingered resident branded the area outside of the Spar as an “absolute disgrace”.

The two large garden/flower beds at the entrance of the Spar have fallen into a sorry overgrown state with boozers using it as a dumping spot for cans and bottles amidst other litter strewn across the site.

With the new one-way system steering more visitors past the spot than ever before it has become an area of huge concern for some proud residents, prompting one to get in touch with us.

Asking not to be named, he said: “The new sculpture outside the Tourist Information Centre is great, and a lovely design, and the town council also seems to be doing as much as possible to bring tourists into the town, especially when they can park in Tesco for free. But have you ever noticed the two garden beds outside the Spar? They are an absolute disgrace, and they are hardly an invitation to come and visit Welshpool.

“They are totally overgrown, full of weeds, beer bottles, cans, and the like. Whatever must visitors think as a first impression of the town?”

The complaint prompted us to investigate and it seems the site has been caught up in the wrangle between handing over responsibility for public gardens from Powys County Council to Welshpool Town Council.

A town council spokesperson confirmed: “Welshpool Town Council will be taking these over on August 19, together
with the town’s public toilets. The flower beds will then be replanted and maintained.”

However our reader pitched another idea that could save the town council huge amounts of cash.

“I am sure other gardening enthusiasts like myself would be happy to volunteer and take over their upkeep if given the chance,” he said.