Market traders’ concern over soft play plan

Market traders in Welshpool Town Hall have shared concerns over plans for a soft play area to be trialled in the Town Hall this summer.

Welshpool Town Council has approved funding for the former salon area to be turned into a soft play area, a move that was generally welcomed by our readers when we announced it last month.

But with the area to be left unsupervised, the traders who operate in the area have raised concerns at their latest meeting and they have been shared with the Town Council.

At the latest Town Council Operations and Development Committee meeting, it was reported that: “A substantial discussion took place regarding proposals to convert the former salon unit into a children’s soft play area.”

The concerns were then listed:

• Traders had not been consulted before approval.

• Potential increase in noise levels.

• Supervision and safeguarding responsibilities.

• Health and safety considerations.

• Possible impact on neighbouring businesses.

• Risk of children entering trading areas or accessing nearby roads.

• Effect on customers' shopping experience.

The report from the meeting shows that it was also explained to the traders that details of supervision and operational arrangements had not yet been finalised.

The Town Council will trial the soft play area this summer and then report back later in the year before deciding whether it will become a full-time, or longer, attraction.