INTERVIEW: “It’s a very exciting time for our town”

For many people, Cllr Phil Owen was a name that came from out of the blue when he was elected as Mayor earlier this year.

The legal expert is a relative newcomer to Welshpool Town Council, so was the surprise choice. We sat down with Cllr Owen to learn that his family has been around the town since the 1780’s, and share his hopes for the town moving forward during his, possible, two-year tenure.

He also has a word for some of his fellow councillors whose behaviour in the chamber, he says, is a concern.

Who is Phil Owen?

I was born in Welshpool (more years ago than I care to remember!). My family has lived in the area since, at least, the 1780’s, which is as far back as I have been able to trace. My father was a noted Welshpool footballer in his day, scoring the winning goal on the last occasion Welshpool won the Montgomeryshire cup and also played for Wales in a schoolboy international against England. After his National Service, he worked for the old Montgomeryshire County Council in Welshpool before taking up a post with Hertfordshire County Council Highways Department. My mother worked for the Paramount Picture house in Welshpool before joining the Montgomeryshire Education Department and, subsequently, became a teacher. During my time in Hertfordshire, she was the headmistress of a local school. After their retirement, in the 1980s my parents moved back to this area, where most of their family still lives.

I began my education at Gungrog Road School before attending Hertford Grammar School. I went on to read law at university. My working life was spent around London and the Southeast. Most of this time was spent in Cambridge where I specialised in Civil Litigation before joining a firm of solicitors in Suffolk, where I was appointed head of litigation.

I retired from private practice several years ago and have since devoted my time to legal journalism. I write a quarterly review of developments in the law, aimed at expert witnesses and lawyers working in the civil and criminal courts and I am the co-author of two books on court rules and procedures. My partner, Diana, is also a lawyer and currently sits as a judge.

Since moving back to Welshpool in 2013 it has been a pleasure to re-engage in the life of our wonderful town. I have served a double term as president of Welshpool Rotary Club and sing with two of our local choirs. I am a trustee of the Powysland Museum and I am also actively involved in the Friends of Welshpool High School.

Why did you want to become Mayor?

The honest answer to that is that I didn’t. It was not something I was expecting after such a relatively short time on the council and not a role I was actively seeking. However, after our very popular mayor, Nick Howells, stepped down, I was persuaded I might have some of the qualities necessary to take on such a difficult role and, perhaps, restore a little more harmony! Since being elected as Mayor, I have tried very hard to do that.

What do you want to achieve during your tenure?

The next few years are, I think, a very exciting time for the town. There are a number of things I should like to progress. If I were to pick just three, they would be these;

Broad Street and the town centre. Parts of the town are looking rather shabby; this is not helped by the number of empty shops and buildings. I am actively looking at ways this can be addressed and what powers the council has to deal with the various issues around occupancy and dilapidations. Coupled with this, I would like to see more planting (even trees) to enhance the visual appeal of the town centre and make it a better environment for businesses and residents alike. Welshpool is an inherently attractive town – but it could be a real jewel.

The Town Hall.  Welshpool is incredibly lucky to have what is one of the largest civic buildings of any town in Mid-Wales. Sadly, it has been underused for many years and is now in need of urgent repairs. As those who have taken part in public consultations can attest, the ambitious proposals for the future of the building should be generating some real excitement and enthusiasm. The first stage is to return the building to a good state of repair. The second stage could include a revamped, much improved indoor market and Corn Exchange, a fully functioning theatre and show venue, public exhibition spaces and conference rooms. If we can achieve even half of that, the building will become a real asset for the town and one that can be fully used by all. This is a long-term project and certainly not one that will be completed during my tenure. But I would urge people to take an interest in this, have their say and get behind it. It could be transformative for life, commerce and leisure in the town.

Health & education. I am very keen to do what I can to bring additional medical and clinical serves to the town and have been in discussions with Powys CC and the Health Board to explore ways in which this might be done. I am encouraged by the progress we are making towards this and believe the people of Welshpool will welcome some improved access to services that would currently necessitate having to go to Shrewsbury or Telford. Similarly, I would like to work with Welshpool High School to achieve better funding for our excellent school. You could not wish for a better group of young people than those I have met at our High School or, indeed, a better headmaster and staff. Issues of underfunding mean, however, that more direct action needs to be taken by the town, its businesses and other stakeholders to try and boost levels of funding and increase the resources available to the school.

What are your main concerns?

The behaviour of some councillors remains a concern for me. The standard of debate often falls short of what should be expected. Councillors should present themselves in the chamber having prepared themselves to discuss the issues and should then make their points succinctly, intelligently and persuasively. They should conduct themselves with courtesy and decorum and in accordance with the accepted standards of public life. They should engage with the democratic process and not seek to stand outside this when a vote doesn’t go the way they would like. Most councillors adhere to these standards. Sadly, some do not. All councillors are volunteers who give freely of their time for the greater good of the town. There is no place, however, for personal hubris.

I have called for and have welcomed greater public engagement with the council. Improved on-line access means that more people can witness council meetings first hand. I would say this to people, if you don’t agree with what your councillor says or the way they behave, then you have the power to vote them out. Similarly, if you think you can do a better job, put yourself forward.

Is there anything else you wish to get across to the residents?

The role of the mayor is really a twofold one. The public face (and the one that most people see) is the civic and ceremonial one. However, a great deal of the work of mayor is as the chairperson of the council and their role as a spokesperson and facilitator. In discussions with third parties, other government bodies, institutions and funders, it is often the job of the mayor to speak for the town and promulgate the town’s interests. In the few short months since becoming mayor, I have tried to perform this role to the best of my ability. In the number of meetings I have already had, I have argued Welshpool’s case, and will continue to do so, with a view to getting as much as I can for the town. It goes without saying, however, that the mayor’s role is not an autocratic one. All decisions taken are ones that are ultimately made by full council. I would urge people to get behind the council and support us in the serious work we are trying to do. Try not to focus too much on the negative attitude and behaviour of some councillors, but make your feelings known on the significant issues. Support us where you can but don’t be afraid to let us know if you feel we have fallen short.