Newtown to trial additional street and pavement cleaning scheme

Newtown could see cleaner streets and pavements later this year after town councillors considered plans for an additional street cleaning scheme at a meeting on Monday night.

A report due to be presented to Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council set out proposals for extra pavement and road sweeping across the town, working in partnership with Powys County Council to supplement existing highways cleaning services.

According to the report, the aim of the project is: “To help promote a clean and tidy town attractive to visitors and residents by providing pavement and street cleaning through accepting offers from the county council for additional pavement and street services to that already provided by the highways authority.”

The proposals follow earlier discussions with county council highways officers and concerns raised by councillors about the standard of cleanliness in different parts of Newtown. The report notes that councillors had concluded there was a clear case for action, stating that:

“There is sufficient need for additional street and pavement cleaning and sufficient benefit against cost to the community.”

Under the plans, pavement cleaning would focus on the town centre, with the exact areas still to be defined, while road sweeping would take place in each ward, with a minimum of one additional sweep per ward each year, subject to budget.

The report explains that the project has already been included in the council’s 2025–26 business plan and budget and is intended to move quickly from planning to delivery. It sets out that:

“First sweeps [are planned] by 31st March 2026, with evaluation by 30th April 2026.”

If the initial phase is successful, councillors were told that the scheme could become a longer-term arrangement, with:

“Operational business as usual [from] 1st June 2026.”

The report also links the scheme to wider ambitions for the town, highlighting expected benefits beyond cleanliness alone. It says the project aims to deliver:

“Improved local community wellbeing and residents’ pride in place,”
and
“Improved local tourist economy.”

As well as improving streets and pavements, the report notes that the project could help strengthen links between councillors, residents and businesses, describing it as:

“A vehicle for councillor engagement with residents and business,”
and
“A vehicle for councillor engagement with county councillors.”

If approved, the project would be jointly led by councillors Phil Lewington and David Gwilt, with the Town Clerk responsible for overseeing delivery.