Former Mayor to stand down at next election

Former Welshpool Mayor, Cllr Nick Howells, has announced that he will not be looking for re-election to council at the next elections in 2027.

Cllr Howells has been a popular member of the council since he first joined in 2021, and spent one term as Mayor in 2023-24, declining the opportunity to take a second year in the post.

He has driven several Town Council projects forward, including The Hub, which has become a vital resource for the town, operating twice a week at the Town Hall as a place for people to gather and enjoy a hot meal for a donation.

Speaking at the latest full Town Council meeting, he said: “I will definitely not be re-standing for election in 2027. The Hub is running like clockwork at the moment. But, I have pretty much run and led on it since day one.

“Thankfully, now I have Morag (Cllr Bailey) and Bill (Cllr Rowell) who are regular with me, but come beginning of May when we go back to one day a week and we stop doing the (baked) potatoes, and then back to October when we return to two days a week and spuds, I will stand back a bit and let other people start taking over all the running around, so we have continuity when I stand down.”

Cllr Howells, who said he will still volunteer at The Hub, was soundly praised by fellow councillors for his work, particularly with The Hub, with Town Clerk, Richard Williams, pointing out that steps had been made to ensure that staff also become more responsible for The Hub operations.

“We are going to miss your valuable insights,” said Mr Williams.

Cllr Rowell added that over 70 people had attended the most recent Hub gathering, adding that it was “One of the busiest days ever”.