Local towns gain a share of a £1.5m investment

Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Montgomery are among 18 Powys towns set to receive £83,000 each as part of a £1.5 million investment aimed at improving community facilities, public spaces and town centres across the county.

Powys County Council has secured the funding through the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, which supports projects designed to improve local environments, revitalise high streets and strengthen communities.

The council has agreed to distribute the funding equally between all 18 town councils rather than retaining the money for county-wide projects. Each town council was invited to submit proposals based on local priorities identified in town and place plans.

The funding must be spent by the end of March 2027 and can only be used for capital projects that deliver lasting improvements.

Projects will focus on three key areas: improving community spaces and facilities, enhancing public spaces through green areas, play facilities and public art, and supporting town centre improvements such as shopfront upgrades, bringing vacant premises back into use and supporting local markets.

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has already announced plans to use its allocation for a number of projects, including a new teen shelter and seating area, tourist interpretation boards and signage, town centre planters and improvements to community facilities.

Welshpool, Llanidloes and Montgomery are also expected to deliver projects reflecting priorities identified by their communities, although details of individual schemes have yet to be announced publicly.

Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “This funding represents a fantastic opportunity for every town in Powys to invest in projects that will make a real difference to people’s day-to-day lives.

“By allocating an equal share to each of our 18 towns, we are ensuring that communities right across the county can benefit – whether that’s through improvements to public spaces, support for local facilities, or breathing new life into our high streets.

“What’s particularly encouraging is that all town councils have come forward with proposals that reflect their local priorities. This is about communities shaping their own future and taking pride in the places they live, work and visit.”

The funding will be shared between Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin, Llanidloes, Llanwrtyd Wells, Machynlleth, Montgomery, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn, Presteigne and Norton, Rhayader, Talgarth, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais.

Powys County Council said all 18 town councils submitted applications for funding, ensuring every eligible town will benefit from the scheme.