Llandrindod Wells county councillor holds positive first surgery for residents

A Llandrindod Wells county councillor has held a positive first surgery in conjunction with another county council colleague.

Llandrindod Wells south member Councillor Lauren D’Silva said she had held her first surgery recently in conjunction with County Councillor Pete Roberts.

She told Llandrindod Wells Town Council recently that two matters relating to them were highlighted.

One was residents would like to have benches along Middleton Street and the inclusion of a Friendship Bench and a member of Tremont Wombles was concerned about the poor standard of grass cutting on Tremont Park and the infrequency.

She said two safety cuts and one full cut are carried out annually and funded by Powys County Council but the town council may wish to consider funding further cuts and sweeps.

She said in relation to the benches it would mean people could be more social and have a rest and one resident had offered to make benches if the council could site them.

Town clerk Jane Johnston said there had been more benches in the past by the town's post office but they had been removed about seven years ago because of anti social behaviour and their removal was requested by the police. So she said Councillor D'Silva should ask the police first but she thought it was a nice idea.

Councillor D’Silva reported that the street sweeper is currently awaiting a part so it out of action. She said issues with overgrown hedges was also raised, however, it is not possible to carry these out until after the nesting season.

Wildflower verges was also mentioned, it was reported that some of these have been cut back for visibility and safety issues.

The Oxford Road access and egress was raised by several residents and County Councillor Pete Roberts has now taken this matter up with Powys County Council Highways. She said they are looking at new road markings and extra safety measures at the junction.

County D-Silva said the Lake Park has become quite overgrown, particularly the reed bed and she has asked for the schedule of works to be provided.

She had addressed full council at the recent meeting regarding pylons and wind turbines.

The councillor said insufficient information was provided with a recent planning application for temporary and emergency housing units on county council land and County Councillor Roberts has asked for this. He has been contacted by Ysgol Cefnllys and will be looking into this matter.

“I want to encourage residents to shop locally and value the shops,” she said and she supports the idea of re-establishing a Chamber of Trade and felt that the town could be marketed as “Art of Wellness.”

Councillor D'Silva said reported that there has been alarm at the reports of hospital beds being closed down. She said this is one of several options being discussed and she will continue to support the residents against this. There is an online petition for residents to sign.

She is also supporting calls for the T20 bus direct to Cardiff to be returned.