Demand for more Tidy Newtown events

More skips will be needed for future 'Tidy Newtown' events, town councillors have been told.

During the last event organised by Newtown Town Council in September, skips provided by Powys Housing were filled so fast they had to be taken away, despite more people wanting to use them. 

The town council organises the events at different housing estates and areas around Newtown each year, with helping pick litter.

In a report, council development officer, Chris Lewis, said: "Tidy Newtown was driven by a commitment to inclusivity and community involvement, with a particular focus on engaging our schools. Each day, we concentrated our efforts on two specific
areas, strategically placing skips in areas with the greatest need for efficient waste disposal.

"The culmination of this event was a town centre litter pick, a hub of community activity. Concurrently, we encouraged creativity and environmental awareness through upcycling and craft activities at Hafan Yr Afon."

One of the recommendations was for more skips to be placed in certain areas.

In its evaluation, he said: "Tidy Newtown achieved resounding success, and it was inspiring to witness the active participation of schools and volunteers. Education played a pivotal role in the event's success, particularly during Saturday's educational workshops and activities.

"Looking forward, there's scope to see the event expand, with the possibility of adding an additional occasion to the calendar during the town's peak outdoor season in the summer. The aspiration is for

"'Tidy Newtown' to evolve beyond being just an event, transforming into a permanent presence within the town.

"The envisioned goal is to establish a pool of dedicated volunteers, schools, and organisations fully embraced by 'Tidy Newtown,' committed to regular litter picking and weeding throughout the year.

"This commitment would ensure the sustained cleanliness and beauty of our community."

The town council aims to hold the event each Spring and and Summer.