Thursday, August 5, 2010 NewsNews


‘Shot down’ by council


like to re-open the building as a craft centre showcasing the


talented local artists, while also adding that the group would be willing to take on the tourism side of


who’ve been dismayed at the TIC being shut and have myself acted as an advisor to tourists,


where they can be fed and fi nd something to


Newbridge-on-Wye before claiming that she was forced to sell what was one of the last woollen mills in Wales last spring after being driven out of business by a grant-funded competitor, described the TIC in Builth as ‘absolutely central’ and said it was ‘wrong’ that it had been empty for so long. “I’ve talked to


tourists


suggesting places interest


centre on a ‘completely voluntary’ basis. Ms Smith, who previously owned Merlin’s


Mill in the talents of a slew of and others


fi rm plans and backers in place ready to take on the running of Builth Wells’ Tourist Information Centre (TIC) which has been shut since March 2009, but that all her efforts are being continually ‘shot down’ by Powys County Council. Ms Smith, 80, says her like her would


A MID Wales woman who claims she could revitalise a derelict tourist information centre in one of Powys’ busiest towns, says she is being ignored by her local authority. Ann Smith says she has


who want Builth TIC re-opened, including Carole Webb of Beacons Crafts and Ann Morgan of White House Farm campsite


them,” Ms Smith told The Brecon & Radnor Express. “I’ve even sat in the car


community-spirited group could ‘solve all of Powys’ problems’: “People could come and watch like


photography spinning,


having a cup of coffee and seen people pulling up to the centre and going to the building only to realise that it’s closed.” She a l s o s a i d h e r


making. There are also people keen to come and demonst r ate and give talks. Builth has so many good craf tspeople


(aside from Erwood Craft Centre) nowhere for them to


centre open here.” Ms Smith, who was


and Powys it seems has no intention of


letting a craft showcase their skills but


jewellery, and card


crafts


forced to sell Merlin’s Mill at the same time as the TIC was closing its doors for good, said: “There are craft centres


in Rhayader, Br e con, Libanus and Llandovery, the area is crying out for a craft centre and a TIC too. We would be willing to work unpaid, absolutely, completely voluntary and we’d be willing to talk to the council about rent too. We want to give Builth back its TIC but we could give it so much much more, it would be better than ever before. For nine months we’ve been been trying to engage with the council but have been continually shot down.” A spokesman for the said the Builth


council to in Hay, CARAD Ann Smith, pictured with supporters PW9776-2


Council and health


move closer report


by Matthew Jones matt@brecon-radnor.co.uk


Tuesday July 27 opening the door for community groups to bid for £13m of Welsh Assembly Government and Big Lottery funding aimed at encouraging the transfer of buildings and land assets from Wales’ public sector organisations to third-sector community bodies. Cou nc illor


Hayes, board member for property


which are underused or surplus can be the catalyst for real regeneration, while at


constantly reviewing the use of the buildings we own, and the transfer of


said: “We are those


the council to reduce its property portfolio. “Community t ransfer


centre had ceased being used but that it had not been declared surplus


won’t be appropriate in all cases, but we have already compl e t e d transfers


Builth Wells and Hay-on- Wye.”


Alexandra Hall opening


A COMMUNITY village hall in Breconshire will officially re-open its doors this weekend after a £300,000 revamp. Roger Williams MP and Kirsty Williams AM


will cut the ribbon to mark the re-opening of the Alexandra Hall in Llangammarch Wells at 11am on Saturday, August 7. The ceremony will mark eight years of hard


work and determined fund raising by villagers to open the Victorian building, which has been at the heart of the local community since the 19th Century. The Alexandra Hall fell into disrepair in the


mid 1990s and was bought by the community in 2005.


facility closes


A COMMUNITY recycling facility in a Breconshire village has closed. The


recycling site at The Trout Inn, Beulah closed at the end of July. Powy s Co u n t y


recycling


Council is urging residents


establ ishes a new community recycling site.


Har ris, the board member and


process of negotiating a new site


village and hope to


community recycling facilities within


Counc illor Ken for waste


said: “The council are


sustainabi lity, currently in the for the the


to continue until it


communi ty


future. “We would like to remind residents


have a new site up and running in


the near


no recycling should be left at the old site once it has closed. “Al l r e cyclable


mater ia ls can be taken to other sites in


their weekly kerbside recycling collection.” Fo r m o r e inf o r ma t i o n


can also cont inue to


recycle through


recycling and your lo c a l c ommu n it y recycling sites visit www.powys.gov.uk


o n


or to the household waste and recycling centres in Brecon or Llandegley. “Of course, residents


nearby villages that Recycling


Activities Programme (CFAP) and was awarded £300,000 to fund the renovation. Locals also raised £16,000 to help fund the


project. The new-look building boasts a new roof, PV


kitchen, an upstairs meeting room and an office and broadband facility. The


installations


successfully applied to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Facilities


Last year the Alexandra Hall Action Group and


cells to reduce running costs, a heat recovery system and underfloor heating. Other


include a new fitted


refurbishment of the exterior of the building. Angela Ower, Chairman of Alexandra Hall’s


grant has also helped fund a total


Management Committee said: “We are delighted to invite people to the official re-opening of Alexandra Hall on Saturday, August 7. “We hope people will turn up and have a look


in Machynlleth, succes s f u l the same time allowing St ephen


Board approved a new ‘Community Asset Transfer’ pol icy when


it met on


under used council buildings for possible development that had been adopted by the local authority. Powys County Council’s


as Ms Smith was revealing her concerns about the idea l ly plac ed Bui l th centre, the B&R received new council guidance for community groups interested in


taking over surplus or


requirements and would be retained by the authority for future service use. In a peculiar coincidence,


year to a full merger, but those plans had been thrown into doubt in June by a consultant’s report which found significant obstacles to a full merger. At t h a t p o in t


integrated planning and delivery of the full range of personal care services in Powys where services are managed locally rather than just co-located,” council chief executive Jeremy Patterson said in a joint statement with health counterpart Andrew Cottom. “We


together a number of backroom services like human resources and information technology and hope to have a revised decision making process in place


the autumn with a Health and Social Care Board including representat ives


are an innovative solution to the challenges highlighted consultant’s


produce the ‘Single Delivery Arm’


aspire to.” The recommendation will be


that both organisations


considered by the boards of both organisations and the full county council.


Budget deadline is looming


POWYS residents who want to have their


county council’s spending priorities have


we e k s l e f t t o comment. The


just a say on the few


has held a series of workshops over the summer in a bid to engage the public in its spending cuts programme. Th e


at the wonderful facilities we have on offer. The response from the village has been, quite simply, amazing. Without the money from our local people and


the Welsh Assembly I don’t know where we would be today. It’s been quite an undertaking for such a small group but what an achievement and legacy we will leave the next generation of Llangammarch Wells.” Kirsty Williams AM said: “Alexandra Hall


21 di fferent key services and identify potential savings. The


has always been a wonderful community asset for the people of Llangammarch Wells and I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to re-open it. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this


stage and the whole town should be applauded for their commitment to protect this wonderful piece of heritage. I’m looking forward to joining in their celebration of community pride and spirit.”


exercise online par t in


www.powys.gov.uk an d


comment author i ty authorities we


facing huge budget pr ess u r es an d wanted residents to either go along to a workshop or go on- line and take part in this crucial exercise. We have some tough decisions and want


what people think.” Du r i n g


says innovat ive budget consultation ex e r c i s e h a s allowed residents to


on


reminding people th e y take


council is c a n


on the ‘Budget Consultation’ link. Board member for


finance, Councillor Tony Thomas said: “Like


a l l local


South African dentist under investigation


A F O R M E R Radnorshire dentist is being investigated by police over an alleged


 


 


 


fraud. Jochemus Hermanus


pol ice £200,000


Venter is currently the subject of a ‘significant an d


prosecutors say will require a ‘substantial investigation’. South Af r i c a n


  





 


application to return his passport to him in order for him to travel to his homeland for a scheduled family holiday due to depart last weekend. Ve n t e r , o f





 


  


  


    


 


refused an


c o m p l e x ’ c a se


t h at


Venter, 51, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magist rates’ Cour t last week where the bench


Br a n s c o m b e , Broadway, Lland r indod,


su r r end e r ed hi s passport as a condition of his police bail and will also now not be allowed to travel back to South Africa


one of his children’s weddings in October. Prosecutor Edwina told the last


Gatehouse cour t


Wed nesd ay Ju l y 28 that Venter was arrested at his former dental practise located on South Crescent in


hearing for had


Llandrindod on July 20.


Phil Sherrard said his client did not want to be a


current investigation through’. He said Venter was not happy about the allegations being made against him and he intends


matter’. Magistrates refused


to ‘fight this


the application to vary bail.


justice’ and that ‘he wishes to


Acting for Venter,


‘fugitive from see the


c l i c k i n g c o u n c i l


to make to hear


summer exercise budget workshops wer e s t aged i n Brecon, Llandrindod Wel ls, Newtown, Wel s h p o o l a n d Ys t r a d g y n l a i s , and mor e 20 0


s t ill the at


were carried out in communities across the county. Th e


in te r v i ews than


exer ci s e a l lows anyone who lives in Powys not able to visit a workshop or take part


interview to have their say about the budget dilemma. Th e


exercise closes at the end of August.


in an o n - lin e o n - lin e t h e The award-winning Penycae Inn PW9779-1 ‘An inn for all seasons’


THE Penycae Inn has been unveiled once again as


Pub of


winner from the Great British Pub Awards 2010. Named as the Great British the Year 2009, The


a


September 9. The Great British Pub Awards


Penycae Inn in the Swansea Valley has this year been named the Best Family Pub in Wales and as a result, head chef and owner, Anthony Christopher will be attending a glittering ceremony at The London Hilton on Park Lane on Thursday,


Powys County Council’s


Shortcomings


POWYS Count y Council has been ordered to


£2,000 and apologise to the grandparents of a severely disabled woman over funding for her care. Th e


Services Ombudsman for Wales said the authority had been ‘negative and hurtful’ with the woman, now 22, in a row over how


Pu b l i c pay


Tyndal said the case highlighted a need for a change in the law, and he intends to write to the Welsh Assembly Government over


matter. Powys c o u n c i l


the


said it accepted the findings of the report and will implement its recommendations.


Golf club gets into the swing for charity


was part of a UK wide amateur charity golfing competition with the


the day moving into the next round. A total of 97 men participated


top 10 scores on


Matthews’ family, with Brian Jones and Marilyn Jones joining them in organising the day, a country and western evening was held beforehand. The Stableford golf


event


CRADOC Golf Club held a Help for Heroes National Charity Day on July 24 with over £3,000 being raised for the charity. At the instigation of the


and an impressive leader board was headed by Dean Clarke, scoring 48 points playing off 27. Gary Jenkins was second (43 off 21) and Tom Price third (41 off 13). Entry fees raised £485 for the charity. In the evening a traditional


Gurkha Kukri dance performed by soldiers from the local Infantry Battle School opened the proceedings, dinner,


donated items and Ryder Cup tickets) and an auction. Items that went under


raised a fantastic £2,489. The organisers would like


cabaret, (for


followed by raffle


the hammer


will be presenting a cheque for £3,347 to Help for Heroes, a marvellous team effort from all concerned.


to thank AM Kirsty Williams, Welsh international rugby referee Nigel Owen, Mr and Mrs M Roberts on behalf of Rhydian, Ardent Gallery, Phone Line, the Castle of Brecon Hotel, Peterstone Court, Sennybridge Spar Shop and Service Station, Glan Usk Service Station, Castle Coaching Inn, Builth Electrics, Copper Beech, Alan Wolfie Hughes and Holistic Massage. In total Cradoc Golf Club


A diamond couple


CATH and Bill Morris of Gorse Farm, Llandrindod Wells celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on July 29. The couple from Llanddewi were married at Tan House Chapel, Dolau


of their family and friends joined them for a celebrationary lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant in Llandrindod where they are pictured cutting their anniversary cake.


and farmed for about 40 years at Cwmrach, Llanddewi where they raised their ten children. They now have15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Many


care payments were made. Ombudsman Peter


recognise the most outstanding pubs from across the country and this year the panel of judges have recognised excellence in 16 categories. Speaking to The Brecon & Radnor Express earlier


week, Anthony said of the Penycae Inn, otherwise known as ‘an inn for all seasons’: “Our great passion is food. “Our menu is simple and


contemporary using only the very best ingredients and seasonal produce. “And our award winning team


this


are dedicated to providing a first class service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. “We were absolutely delighted


to have won the award last year and this year, having decided to enter a different category, last Friday I heard that I will be returning once again to the Hilton so party on,” he laughed.


are report by


to full merger the recent and will


organisations. “We believe our proposals


f rom both in are already bringing


the merger programme board is recommending the integration of social care, housing and public protection functions with health services. “The move will


allow the


organisations insisted they would press ahead with their plans and still intended to work together on shared services. It has now been announced


b o th


POWYS County Council and the county’s Health Board look finally set to agree to share some services. Both bodies had agreed in principle in September


last services


PATIENTS who were turned away from a hospital


previously used on a regular basis have won a reprieve. Powys Health Board had


facility they


reopened in May following pressure from users of the rehabilitation facility and their


of those who previously attended the twice weekly sessions were shocked to discover


Powys County Councillor, Liam Fitzpatrick, whose wife Cheeai has regularly attended the day hospital since suffering a severe brain injury in


traffic accident nine years ago, said he was pleased with the outcome of the most


Friday, July 30. “It was a productive a nd we’ r e


mee t i n g


cautiously optimistic,” said the Liberal Democrat councillor who wrote about his struggles as a carer and lone parent


in recent meeting last a road


and health chiefs Powys Health Board has agreed it will invite former users to attend the Brecon Day hospital for further health assessment and treatment of health needs on a weekly basis. Ta lyb o nt - o n -Us k’s


a ser ies of meetings between the


longer be able to attend. However, fol lowing


they would no fami lies families, but most


come in for criticism after closing the Day Hospital at Brecon’s War Memorial Hospital without notice in January this year. The


s e r v i c e o n ly


Brecon and Radnor Express and Powys County Times Editorial: Tel: 01874 610111


E-Mail: theeditor@brecon-radnor.co.uk Circulation: Tel: 01874 610111 Fax: 01874 624097


www.brecon-radnor-today.co.uk


Families win day hospital reprieve


report twm@brecon-radnor.co.uk by Twm Owen


an article for the political website, waleshome.org ahead of Friday’s meeting. The


claimed the outcome of the meeting, which also included representatives of the county council, was a good indication of


an observer on the health merger board, added: “It was agreed to establish a working group of the county council, the health board and the service users to see if we can come up with a new plan to keep the day hospital open.” The Health Board had


how health authorities can be address


row highlighted unwi l l ing to


funding such services is the responsibility of local government. A spokeswoman for


Powys teaching Health Boa r d , c o n f i rme d : “Andrew Cottom, chief executive, together with represent at ives


Powys Health Board and f rom social issues, as


surrounding a proposed full merger of both bodies they remain committed to working closer together. Cllr Fitzpatrick, who is


developing relationship between the council and health board. Despite uncer tainty


the councillor also


Powys County Council social services, met with the former users of the day hospital and their families and carers. “Cur rent plans for reviewing facilities


Powys for people with both health and social care needs were discussed and a programme of joint working was put in place specifically to review arrangements for provision in Brecon. “Representatives


the Health Board, council and the users/carers have formed a working group to


appropriately meeting the specific needs of


families.” The


explore options for these


said the working group’s recommendations would be discussed at a meeting on September 17 and added: “In the meantime it was agreed that the Health Board would invite former users to attend the Brecon Day Hospital


health assessment


previously claimed the day hospital was being used a social facility rather than addressing a health need. That


to


assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to address identified health needs and enable patients and carers to achieve greater independence.” To r e a d C l l r


will the


treatment of health needs on a weekly basis. “New patients the day be


same


admitted ba si s ,


for further and


hospi t a l on


referred for sp oke swoma n from in


Newsin brief Nordic


Walking DUE t o p o p u l a r demand, the Age Cym r u


Walking Programme and Brecon Beacons Na t i o n a l P a r k Authority are running an o t h e r No r d i c walking taster session in the Brecon Beacons on Saturday, August 14.


to This


techniques of Nordic walking taught by Age Cymru’s


Nor d ic Wa l k i n g Federation Instructors. The walk, which is


sponsored by Western Power Distribution, takes place takes place at the National Park Visitor Centre near Libanus in Powys. Booking is essential


9.45am until 3.30pm. Fo r m o r e


Hungry International learn the is a N o rd i c


chance basic


for this event, which ta kes


place from


informa t ion, cal l 01591 620689.


Thief PO L I CE


intruder was


Yst radgynla i s a re investigating a break- in at the Pen Y Cae Inn.


in the kitchen area of the


A balaclava-wearing found


gastro pub just before midnight on Sunday, August 1. The


Fit zpa t r ick’s ar t icle visi t wa leshome.org/ 2010/07/the-accidental- pol iticianthe-case-for- brecon-day-hospital


award-winning


quickly left the scene via the main kitchen door, leaving behind a holdall filled with various food items from the kitchen. The


described as male, between 25 and 35- years-of-age, around 5ft 8 to 5ft 10 in height, of slim build and


information regarding this


contact Ystradgynlais police on 101.


Car


Damaged appealing


sometime between 4pm on Monday, August 2 and 8.30am on Tuesday, August 3. An y o n e


information about this incident should contact Brecon police station on 101.


Items Stolen PO L I CE


investigating the theft of special ist high value mountain bike equipment


vehicle parked in the Neuadd car park near Pontsticill. Th e


occurred at


3pm on Thursday, July 29 and involved the theft of helmets, sunglasses, knee pads, gloves and bike forks. If


anything suspicious in


any the co n t ac t anyo n e s aw


police station on 101 or Crimestopper s anonymously on 0800 555111.


or heard anything suspicious dur ing these times could they please contact Brecon Police Station on 0845 330 2000 or 101.


Property


Damage DURING the early hours of Sunday, Augu s t 1, 2 010 , damage was caused to a number of properties in


Pendre Gardens area of Brecon. If


Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.


or heard anything suspicious during this time could they please call Brecon Police Station on 101 locally or 0845 330 2000. Alternatively ring


anyo n e the Beech Grove, s aw


Furniture SOMETIME between 10pm on July 31, 2010 and 7.30am on August 1, damage was caused to garden furniture at a property in the St Johns Terrace area of Brecon. If


anyo n e s aw Garden


area or has informat ion, B r e c o n


b r e a k - in around


f rom a a r e w i th to incident


w i th should


black. An y o n e


dressed all of fender is per pet rator


in


in


BRECON p o l i c e are


information after a car was vandalised in the Uplands area of the town. Damage was caused a


g r e en Aud i


for


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