Charity heading to Newtown after Welshpool Town Council delays decision
Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention had offered to take on the ancient site, which the cash-strapped Town Council leases from Powis Estates, and said they would even restore it to its former glory by using it as a hub for tackling mental health issues.
The group’s leader, Jeff Green, a former Mayor of Llandrindod Wells, gave an impressive presentation to councillors before Christmas, but he was met with resistance from some quarters of the council who were suspicious of the project.
Even MP, Steve Witherden, weighed in on the situation by urging the Town Council to do their due diligence before taking a decision.
It has resulted in the Town Council delaying and, tonight, it appears that Mr Green has had enough and said that his charity had been “warmly welcomed by everyone involved” in Newtown.
He has published an open letter announcing the decision, which is a devastating blow to a Town Council desperate to make savings and potentially facing an enormous bill to restore the site back to its original condition before it can be handed back to Powis Estates in a few years’ time.
Mr Green said the biker community has numerous tradesmen and women in their ranks and that part of their mission would be to carry out the work free of charge, as well as paying an unnamed amount in annual rent.
But instead, it seems that Welshpool Town Council is left with wondering what to do with the site.
Here in full is the open letter published tonight by Mr Green.
Dear Welshpool Town Council,
After waiting six months for a decision regarding the rental of the Motte & Bailey, Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention has decided to relocate to Newtown.
We have secured a rental unit that is easy to access and can accommodate a large number of motorbikes without issue.
We have been warmly welcomed by everyone involved, including the Town Council clerk, and we anticipate opening later this month.
We hope that the Town Council finds an organisation to rent the Motte & Bailey who will restore the buildings and maintain the grounds, thereby alleviating your current financial strain.
We suggest contacting the Lottery fund regarding the historic building, as they expressed significant interest when we spoke with them.
Thank you for the time and support offered by many of your Councillors and office staff. We wish you all the best in the future.
Kind regards,
Jeff Green
Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention
PICTURE: The state of one of the buildings at the Motte and Bailey historic site opposite Tesco.
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