Call for more public benches in Welshpool

Welshpool Town Council wants more places for people to sit and socialise across the town, and residents will be able to donate a bench in memory of a loved one if a plan comes together.

Three new ‘mental health’ benches are being donated to Welshpool as part of an initiative that was brought to the Town Council by Cllr David France in the summer, with one to be placed in each ward, but at last night’s Strategy, Policy and Development Committee meeting, councillors called for more.

Committee Chair, Cllr Phil Pritchard, said more seating space was needed at the entrance to Oldford from the main road, while Cllr Nick Howells highlighted how popular the town centre benches are for people to sit, talk and watch the world go by.

But Cllr Morag Bailey went further by suggesting that the town gets involved.

“It would be an idea to invite the public to donate memorial benches for a loved one in the town,” she said.

The committee agreed to contact Powys County Council to ask them for help to identify new locations for benches, and officers will report back at the next meeting in January.

The mental health benches will be put in place over the coming weeks, with the aim of having a safe space for residents to sit. Plaques will explain their purpose.