Issues surrounding the Abermule bulk recycling centre planning application have been among those discussed by local town and community councillors with the chief executive of Powys County Council.
Representatives of town and community councils from Newtown and Abermule were among those from throughout Montgomeryshire who met with the county council's new new chief executive, Dr Caroline Turner.
At the meeting, Dr Turner said that PCC was facing huge challenges and tough decisions due to the Welsh Government’s funding formula for local government.
Then Dr Turner took questions from the town and community councillors
These included concerns about the school buildings project put that have been affected by the collapse of construction firm, Dawnus.
And also whether the cabinet took any notice of other councillors views or the villagers of Abermule when the decided to back the bulking recycle facility at the village?
Dr Turner told them that there were now four scrutiny panels at PCC which looked into issues as well as advising the cabinet on future decisions.
Trefeglwys Community Councillor Derrick Pugh, a member of the One Voice Wales executive board, said: “This year, the council tax increase was one of the highest on record at 9.5 per cent.
“I respect the financial position of PCC but the public cannot sustain these increases year on year.
“If the council puts up its Council Tax by the same amount next year, that’s an increase of 19-20% in two years.
“These increases are creating poverty and unrest within families who are trying to meet their monthly bills.”
Dr Turner stated that she and the Cabinet were aware of this and she did not envisage another hike like this next year.
One Voice Wales, Montgomeryshire area chairman Cllr Gareth Davies from Castle Caereinion said there could a mass protest outside the Welsh Assembly unless more funding was made available for rural county councils.
Following the meeting, Cllr Pugh added: “We thanked Dr Turner for accepting the invitation to meet members.
“She feels Town & Community Councillors have an important role to play. as we are the first tier in local government."
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Service Reporter
