Town Council demand re-opening of Day Centre

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council convened on the 26th of June 2023 to address concerns surrounding the closure of the Park Street Day Centre.

Council members passionately voiced their support for the reinstatement of the day centre's services to their pre-Covid levels, with Councillor Richard White leading the charge by proposing a motion.

In June 2022, Newtown Town Council had previously sent a letter to Powys County Council, emphasising the invaluable services provided by the Park Street Day Centre to the local community. The council urged the county council to restore the day centre's operations to their pre-pandemic capacity, recognizing its significant role in supporting the well-being of residents.

Responding to the letter, Powys County Council explained that the Park Street Day Centre had been temporarily leased to the Powys Teaching Health Board for use as a vaccination center. The county council acknowledged the importance of the day centre and assured its commitment to exploring alternative avenues for providing similar support to those affected. They also emphasized the critical role of Covid-19 vaccinations in safeguarding community health and well-being.

During the recent Town Council meeting, Councillor Richard White reiterated the day centre's significance to the community, emphasising its essential role in supporting the overall well-being of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn residents.

The proposed motion highlighted that the extension of the Park Street Day Centre's lease to the local health board for an additional 12 months had been carried out without prior communication with the local county ward councillor or the town council itself.

In response, the council instructed the Town Clerk to draft a letter to Powys County Council, reaffirming the firm belief that the Park Street Day Centre is an indispensable service for the Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn community.

The council's letter also requested the county council to identify an alternative location for either the vaccination center or the day centre, enabling the resumption of day centre services at their pre-pandemic levels.

The motion put forth by the town council serves as a powerful testament to their advocacy for the reopening of the Park Street Day Centre. The council is committed to ensuring that the necessary services are provided to meet the community's needs effectively.

The town council firmly believes that the restoration of the day centre's operations will significantly contribute to the well-being and quality of life of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn residents.