Opinion: reductions, closures and some good news

It has been nice to see some warmer weather recently but just as we start to get used to it. Hopefully the warmer weather will be here to stay soon and especially in time for the Newtown Carnival's return this year. There has been a dedicated small group of dedicated volunteers who have put in a lot of time and effort to make this a success.

Closure of Treowen School

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Locally on Newtown East Ward there has been a devastating decision by the cabinet to close Treowen school in the future. This is causing a lot of upset and frustration, parents are feeling let down.

The action group that has been trying to raise awareness and fight to keep the school open since this became a proposal are continuing their campaign to try to influence the council not to go ahead with the decision. Many people have written and put their points and feelings forward. It feels as if the heart has been ripped out of the community. The school is a central meeting point for so many. It is an important asset on the estate used by the community and so many families.

Air Ambulance Plans

In our area there is a huge public concern regarding the decision to move the Air Ambulance from the Welshpool base. Many of us feel that this move will be detrimental to areas it covers now, causing delays getting to some life-threatening emergencies and areas when needed urgently

The action group that has been involved from the beginning haven't given up despite the decision. We are still looking at ways to try to get this decision overturned, there's a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

Here in Mid Wales we know this is very important to us as we live in a rural area with no general hospital on our doorstep. We already struggle with our road ambulances getting to patients in a timely manner due to often being held up outside the A&E departments. Although we know that the air ambulance is there for critical emergencies, we need to know that we're covered in the events of somebody needing to be transported rapidly to a general hospital.

Recently I have been involved in many meetings along with many other people regarding the car parks review. We are now waiting the conclusion and what decisions will be made from the talks and consultation that has been done.

Baby Bank, Plas Melinydd and more

This week the Newtown integrated family centre held another baby bank which was very well attended. Families can pick up items that have been donated. This is a way of helping families during this cost-of-living crisis.

We are expecting a delivery from Rapid Relief of hampers soon that will be given out in the community. This is an amazing piece of work that Rapid Relief do to provide goods to help people in need. It is much appreciated by many families in and around the area.

We are also very lucky in Newtown to have the community kitchen on a Wednesday in the Methodist chapel and Thursday in the bowling club at lunch times as this is somewhere that people can meet up and have a chat but also have a warm meal. It is open to all who would like to attend.

Recently I had an invite to visited Millers Place or Plas Melinydd which it will be called once completed. This is a development that will be belong to Barcud Housing Association once it finished, it is on the old Travis Perkins site, these are going to make lovely homes for people on our local housing register who have been waiting for a new home.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be out with Powys transport manager looking at the bus service in the area, also walkabouts on the housing estates with housing officers. As well as doing many other things that need attention on the ward.

I hope everyone has a nice bank holiday weekend and if you have concerns about council issues around my ward please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Cllr Joy Jones
Newtown East