“What can Llandrindod Wells do to bring more people to the town,” the mayor has asked

“What can Llandrindod Wells do to bring more people into the town,” the Mayor has asked.

Councillor Steve Deeks-D'Silva previously said he did not have a magic wand to solve all of the town's economic issues, which led to a huge number of responses on social media.

At a recent town council meeting he said a number of people had commented about his hair, but also about having a market in Middleton Street, like Ludlow and Leominster have markets.

Some people said the town or county council should run the market.

“Is there anything we can do to increase visitors to the town? We are going to have the new skatepark soon and that will bring people into the town and we are making Temple Gardens better with hardstanding to make that more usable all year. We have to realise we are not going to get government money to revamp Llandrindod Wells,” he said.

“I don't know what the answer is. I am hoping councillors will have some ideas and go off and think about it.

“We need the town and county councillors and businesses to get together to find something that Llandrindod Wells could hang its hat on to bring people in.”

Councillor Deeks-D'Silva said one of his suggestions was to have Middleton Street pedestrianised but if anyone has any ideas I would be happy to speak to anyone as long as its positive.”

Councillor Neil Bastow said making Middleton Street pedestrianised would be a good idea but he said the only criticism they would get from the traders is about losing parking as they would then have to rely on Bargain Buys.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Kim Nicholls liked the idea of setting up a Chamber of Trade to work on promoting the businesses in town

Town clerk Jane Johnston said she was secretary of the Chamber of Trade from the age of 18 to 23 and at that time is was very vibrant and there was a great energy but she said that was because of the business owners and others involved.

Members agreed to ask about the town if people would be interested in setting up a Chamber of Trade over the summer.

Since then they have taken to social media asking for people who own or run a local business, people who are passionate about the town and those who want to maximise the opportunities for the town.

They are also asking business people if they would have the time to be a part of the chamber of trade and whether they want the town to have a strong business representation group.

Anyone interested is asked to email [email protected].

Expressions of interest will be gathered together and a meeting of those interested will be arranged later in the year.

Councillors and the town clerk will also think of ideas over the summer and see what they can come up with.