Town's grass cutting practices face review after wildfire

Changes to grass cutting practices are being considered following the summer wildfires, including the blaze which spread across Trehafren Hill in Newtown close to homes.

Powys County Council officers are to examine lessons from the fires and whether changes to grassland management are needed, Newtown town councillors have been told.

The work includes considering fire risk alongside biodiversity policy and the possible use of “cut barriers”.

Cllr Peter Lewington raised questions about the county council’s processes following the fires and reported its response to Newtown Town Council in September.

Minutes from the meeting confirm officers will undertake a “lessons learned exercise” and consider “whether any amendments to grassland management practices are necessary”.

Cllr David Selby also confirmed that learning points would be considered following the wildfires during the exceptional weather.

MyNewtown reported in August that firefighters had tackled a blaze on Trehafren Hill the previous evening, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.

Nobody was injured, but the incident stretched crews who were also dealing with a major fire near Rhayader.

The fires came during prolonged dry weather, with crews across the region facing heavy demand.

By early September, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported attending 1,299 grass fires since the end of March.

Mayor Margaret Lewington also reported discussions with Open Newtown about the fire in the Trehafren area.

Photo by Paul Williams, H18 PDW Photography