Two new councillors co-opted

Two new councillors have been co-opted to Welshpool Town Council on another night that was marred by squabbles between councillors.

Former college principal, Geoff Lanagan, and youth worker, Harry Evans (pictured), will take vacant seats on the Llanerchydol and Gungrog wards after being welcomed to the council last night following short presentations.

But the evening’s monthly meeting was another marred by councillors squabbling over, sometimes, minor issues like the wording of statements.

It prompted Cllr Shane Squibb to conclude at the end of the meeting that she hoped “our two new members won’t be put off”, with Cllr Phil Pritchard replying “it is, what it is”.

Cllr Lanagan (right) has been a Welshpool resident since the mid-1970s but has spent a lot of time working abroad.

“Welshpool has been good to me, I see this as a way of putting something back,” he said.

Cllr Evans works at the VIP Lounge and is also Technical director at the Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre with experience working at Welshpool Youth Centre.

“I have lived in Welshpool all of my life and have a keen interest in the town’s youth who are the future of Welshpool,” he said.

Both sat in as observers last night, and will fully participate as voting members in the next meeting.