Newtown and Llanwllchaiarn Town Council has approved its five year Strategic Business Plan in a meeting held on April 27th, 2023.

The plan includes specific actions to be taken in the next twelve months, as well as potential actions for future years.

The council has made both Welsh and English versions of the strategic plan available on its website, along with information on its Place Plan, 'Our Town Our Plan,' created by and for the community for improving the area. The Place Plan created by the council, representing a significant community engagement effort, serves as a foundation for collaboration among community members.

Some of the actions of the Town Council includes:

• Create a working group to develop & implement a cohesive strategic plan for town centre usage and design, fit for the mid-21st century. To incorporate the needs of retail, leisure, hospitality, residential, health, social care, education & infrastructure (roads, parking). Working group to implement plans for town centre usage and design, fit for the mid-21st century.
• Increase the range of attractions for teen / young people. (zipline, trampoline park, water park, climbing walls)
• Encourage more walking and cycling by publicising the locations of routes and paths and providing free, led walks and cycle rides.
• Discuss with Powys CC and investigate additional funding for the repair & renovation of Dolerw Bridge
• Address community concerns regarding lack of lighting and uneven paths, by working with PCC Officers to identify safety priorities, based on Place Plan evidence
• Identify partners and funding to address litter and dog mess at identified “hot spots” in the town
• Review the School Crossing patrols & consider the most appropriate locations with reference to schools re-configuration and the de-trunking of the A483
• Develop and promote a year-round calendar of events with indoor and outdoor activities

The Mayor, Cllr John Byrne, said

“Your Town Council recognises that its work goes beyond merely responding to current issues. It must also plan for the future, and welcomes any suggestions, constructive comments and contributions from residents, businesses and organisations who are living or operating in Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn to be communicated through your local councillors.”

Town Clerk, Ed Humphreys, added

“The council which the community elected in May 2022 has put a great deal of commitment to build its 5-year strategic plan from the community’s own Place Plan which is itself is evidence of the community’s expressions of needs, wants and commitments. The 5-year plan is purposely challenging and is dependent on the community (through its elected council) making the resources available. If the resources are available, the staff team will do their utmost to support your council in supporting its community.”

The plan can be found here