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Following extensive feedback from the recent engagement exercise on the future of Powys town centres, the temporary arrangements in Brecon, Newtown and Crickhowell will stay in place for now.
The temporary changes to the town centres were introduced last year to encourage the public back into our town centres and to help businesses open safely and in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions. These measures were designed to facilitate social distancing and provide additional outdoor space for both pedestrians and businesses to utilise.
"I would like to thank all those who took part in our engagement exercise and for the valuable comments received on the future of our town centres. Given such positive and supportive feedback from businesses, residents and visitors, and in anticipation of an influx of visitors to our county with the rising popularity of 'staycations', the temporary measures in Brecon, Newtown and Crickhowell will stay in place." explains Cllr Heulwen Hulme, Cabinet Member for Highways.
"As we move into a phase of less legal restrictions we are all very much looking forward to seeing our iconic Powys towns enjoy a busy summer. But it is important to remember to remain cautious, with government advice recommending we take responsibility for our own actions with regard to social distancing, both inside and out."
"We will now go through all the feedback in detail and start discussions about what may be possible for each town longer-term. All proposals will go through the appropriate levels of consultation with all stakeholders."
Smaller measures in other towns, including pavement licences granted to individual businesses to make use of public areas such as walkways and roads, will also remain.
On the contrary, in line with the initial feedback from the engagement exercise and at the request of the town council, the temporary restrictions in Hay on Wye will be lifted from 7 August, should the Welsh Government decide to progress with the latest plans to ease restrictions. However, if there is a spike in Covid-19 cases in the town, the measures may be reintroduced to limit the spread of the virus by enabling safe social distancing in such a busy tourist hot-spot.
