Funds boost 'to aid town'

A mid Wales town could benefit from a major financial boost as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of a landmark livestock market.

The cash from developers, which it is believed could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, would be used to help unlock a number of projects in Welshpool. Benefits could include the enhancement of the motte and bailey castle site and £25,000 for public art projects.

The total amount involved is under negotiation with J Ross Developments Ltd, which is behind the project that will see Welshpool's livestock market relocated to Buttington Cross, and a new supermarket and other stores developed on the old Smithfield site close to the town centre.Details of the redevelopment scheme have already been thrashed out between planning officers, developers and Welshpool Town Council, but were scrutinised by members of Powys County Council's Montgomeryshire planning sub-committee yesterday.

A final decision will be made by the county's full planning committee on January 22.

Chief planning officer Gareth Thomas said the main issues involved were the impact the new shopping development would have on existing shops, a new traffic management scheme that includes a partial one-way system in the town centre, a flood alleviation scheme involving the Lledan Brook and the potential planning gain projects.

Councillor Ann Holloway, a former mayor of Welshpool, said the development must be right for the town.

"I am concerned on the impact it will have on the High Street.

"I just hope there won't be any derogatory impact," she said.

But the report showed consideration had been given to that with a recommendation that the range of goods on offer in the new development complemented rather than duplicated those available in the town centre.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of a dedicated bus station, lack of cycle path provision, the need for a pedestrian link between the new development and the railway station and possibly moving the town's tourist information centre and public toilets to be more accessible to visitors.