Welshpool must keep ‘iconic’ Wiggly Path

Talks are to be held between Welshpool Town Council and Powys County Council for the popular ‘Wiggly Path’ to come under the town’s ownership in order to secure the short cut for generations to come.

The path’s future remains uncertain due to Powys wanting to sell off the former Ardwyn School site that incorporates access to the path, which is not currently a right of way.

It has been used for decades as a short cut from Red Bank to the town centre and, with Welshpool keen to cut down on car use and create more green spaces, it has become a priority to save.

“We desperately want to retain it as part the town culture and heritage,” said Cllr Nick Howells, Town Mayor, who added that the “iconic” path is still “much loved and well used”.

Cllr Phil Pritchard pointed out at Wednesday’s Strategy, Policy and Development Committee meeting that “five times more houses” are up Red Bank than 20 years ago so the path was needed more than ever.

Cllr Richard Church also stressed that it should be declared as a public right of way, while Cllr Davies highlighted the further benefits from taking it on.

“We are talking about a nice green space coming into the ownership of the Town Council,” she said. “It can be developed as a park in whatever way people want. We should look at how we can reduce the carbon emissions in the town, which are not good, and by having that path, it is a real advantage.

“There are no benches on there at the moment so that could be another big thing (to look at). We are in the very early stages.”

The Town Council has written to Powys to make the request, and is awaiting a response.

PICTURE: The Wiggly Path was subject to a public demonstration the last time it came under threat in 2017.