Public protection officers to ensure Covid-19 compliance

Compliance officers will be ensuring Covid-19 regulations are being enforced in Newtown and the surrounding area.

Powys County Council, with funding from the Welsh Government, has employed five public protection officers.

They will also join Dyfed Powys Police officers on patrols on occasions.
 
"The new officers will bolster the county’s response to the virus by supporting communities to comply with the latest regulations," said a council statement.
 
"Whilst the officers will primarily be there to provide advice and assist, they will also investigate complaints and alleged breaches of the rules and where necessary, take enforcement action such as issuing statutory notices."
 
The new recruits take up post today.
 
Cllr Graham Breeze, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “Our staff in Public Protection are working incredibly hard to advise on and enforce the legislation where necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, but there has been a recent increase in demand.
 
“Officers are working around the clock to provide the necessary advice and inspect commercial premises to ensure sufficient safety measures are in place, but with the number of Covid-19 cases still high, we need the extra support. 
 
“The five new officers will be of great assistance to the Covid-19 Regional Response Team, providing essential advice as well as targeting potential transmission hotspots across the county.
 
“It is hoped that by working with businesses we can ensure the challenging but essential safety measures are in place to protect Powys. We wish the new officers well in their roles.”