National recognition for Welshpool Town Council

Welshpool Town Council has received five awards at the prestigious One Voice Wales National Awards 2026, recognising the council’s work to modernise local services, strengthen democracy and support the community.

The awards, presented at the Royal Welsh Showground, celebrate outstanding projects delivered by community and town councils from across Wales.

Welshpool Town Council was recognised in five separate categories, receiving four Highly Commended awards and one Commended award.

The Council's achievements included:

Highly Commended – Best Governance Initiative

Highly Commended – Best Use of Digital Resources

Highly Commended – Best Democratic Health Initiative

Highly Commended – Best Cost of Living Crisis Initiative

Commended – Best Devolution of Services or Assets Initiative

The awards recognised a range of projects delivered over the past year.

The Best Governance Initiative and Best Use of Digital Resources awards acknowledged the Council’s extensive digital transformation programme, including the development of an innovative in-house Council Management System. The system has modernised the way the Council manages meetings, planning consultations, decisions and financial information, whilst significantly improving transparency through the online publication of Council decisions and payments, live-streaming of meetings, and the use of automation to improve efficiency.

The Best Democratic Health Initiative recognised the Council’s commitment to making local democracy more open and accessible through improved public engagement, increased digital communication and greater transparency in decision-making.

The Best Cost of Living Crisis Initiative recognised the success of the Welshpool Community Fridge, launched earlier this year, which has already prevented more than 110kg of food from going to landfill while providing free food to residents and supporting households facing rising living costs.

Meanwhile, the Best Devolution of Services or Assets Initiative commended the Council’s successful transfer of the Ann Holloway Day Centre to Welshpool Community Haven, securing the long-term future of an important community asset.

Mayor of Welshpool, Cllr Revd William Rowell, said:

“I am pleased and proud to see Welshpool Town Council recognised on the national stage. These awards demonstrate what can be achieved when Councillors, staff, volunteers and our partners work together with a shared ambition to serve our community.

“From improving the way the Council operates, to supporting residents through initiatives such as the Community Fridge, these projects are making a real difference to people's lives. It is wonderful to see that work recognised across Wales.”

Town Clerk, Richard Williams, added: “Receiving national recognition across five different categories is a great achievement for Welshpool Town Council and reflects the progress that has been made over the past year.

“These awards recognise not just individual projects, but our commitment to modernising the way we work, improving transparency, embracing innovation and delivering practical benefits for our community.

“I’d like to thank our councillors, staff, volunteers and partner organisations whose commitment and hard work have made these achievements possible. This recognition belongs to everyone who has contributed to making Welshpool an even better place to live, work and visit.”

The awards form part of the annual One Voice Wales National Awards, which celebrate innovation, good governance and excellence amongst community and town councils throughout Wales.

PICTURE: Cllr Alison Davies (left) and Town Clerk, Richard Williams, represented Welshpool Town Council on the night.