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Friday, December 16, 2022
FESTIVE CLOSURE AT LEISURE SITES Escalating costs force shutdown, with some centres remaining shut until spring
KAREN COMPTON
karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk
All Powys leisure centres will be closed over the festive season to save money amid escalating energy costs.
And some will be temporarily closed until the end of March. The action was proposed by Powys County Council and notfor-profit leisure operator Freedom Leisure. It was considered by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday and was unanimously agreed. This was despite other councillors saying they were only informed of the plan on Monday, and there had been no public consultation or scrutiny. They urged the cabinet to defer the matter to allow the whole council to come up with other solutions. But cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby, said there had to be “short term pain to get a long term gain”. The move will mean all leisure centres will close from Friday next week until January 3. East Radnor Leisure Centre in Presteigne, and Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin leisure centres, will temporarily close to the public until March 31, although high schools will have access to “dry side activities”. Swimming pools at Rhayader, Builth Wells and Llanidloes will also close to the public and schools from Friday next week until March 31, although in most cases the dry side activities will continue. l Concerns – Page 33
Date announced for air base consultation
A public consultation on the proposal to close the Wales Air Ambulance base in Welshpool will begin on January 9. Councillors throughout Mid Wales have raised concerns about what impact the closure would have on emergency care on both sides of the English and Welsh border. The proposals would see the closures of the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases and the crews combined into a new North Wales site. Bosses say that move would allow them to provide a better service. The consultation will be conducted over several weeks.
Child’s death leads to Strep A inquiry
Possible links with Strep A are being investigated after the death of a child in Powys, health experts have said. Public Health Wales (PHW) said it was working with local health officials and the council following a possible “very rare complication of Group A streptococcal infection”. PHW’s Dr Ardiana Gjini said people “identified for public health action have already been contacted”. “We remind parents to be vigilant for signs and symptoms,” she said. l Links – Page 6
Christmas market has something for all Liz Jones, dressed as Father Christmas, Amber Russell, who wore an inflatable Christmas tree costume, and Stephen Hambridge make their way around Llandrindod Wells lake during the Santa Fun Run. Photo by Andy Compton.
Colourful characters take part in Santa fun run Anyone desperate to see Santa would have had a great thrill on Sunday as dozens of them ran around Llandrindod Wells lake. They were taking part in the first Santa Fun Run hosted by the Lakeside Boathouse and Llandrindod Community Events. And those wearing Santa hats
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were also joined by some in full Santa costumes, some elves and even an inflatable Christmas tree. The event was held in memory of Mark Percy, the father of the boathouse’s Lee Percy and his brother Kevin. Mark passed away recently at St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree,
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Hereford and the run raised £1,457 for the charity. The senior winner was Harry Shepherdson who completed 11 full laps. The junior winners were Caleb and Ayla Barrett, and Ava Percy, Mark Percy’s youngest grandchild, who all completed 10 full laps. l Super – Page 18
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Knighton’s Christmas market will take place at the town’s community centre tomorrow (Saturday). As well as the usual local producers with top quality products, the event will have a festive feel with a special guest appearance by Santa in a grotto in the Reynolds Rooms. There will also be performances by Knighton Handbell Ringers, and hot turkey, cranberry and stuffing rolls will be available in the cafe. The market will host a variety of stalls including meat, vegetables, skincare, jewellery, bath products, cakes and gifts. It will run from 9.30am until 12.30pm.
LUDLOW MOTORS www.ludlowmotors.co.uk Bromfield Road Ludlow SY8 1EN Telephone: 01584 876 444