Changing Face of Newtown.

 I spent a significant proportion of my life involved in the transformation of Newtown from the depths of despair following the depopulation in the trentieth century into the modern thriving job-opportunity town it is today. For decades, a key part of this was the construction of a new by-pass. Finally it is happening and should be open next year, or soon thereafter. It's now time to consider seriously how to take full advantage of this massive Welsh Government investment in Mid Wales. Fundamental to this transformation is future development and management of green spaces around the town. A local group, involving the Town Council, Cwm Harri and others has put together a bid to manage the 115 acres involved. A key factor which underpins this plan involves an asset transfer from Powys County Council to the local management group Who presented their proposals to me this week. I have written a supportive letter to Cllr Phyl Davies, the new County Councillor who has taken on the responsibility. My letter follows;

"Following a constructive meeting with the bid team on Friday 28 July, where the whole scheme was outlined and details given of the potential £1.1 million investment in Newtown, I would like to offer my support to such a worthwhile project.

The importance of this potential inward investment into a Mid Wales town cannot be overestimated.  A transfer of land amounting to over 115 acres from Powys County Council ownership to be managed by a newly constituted group of key stakeholders and volunteers, can set an example of good practice to many local authorities in the future.  The fact that this group are looking to not only maintain the land in its present state but, with the help of the lottery funds, to enhance and develop the space, has nothing but positives to commend it. Such an investment will benefit not only the present townspeople but also future generations to come.

This imaginative approach to community asset transfer, with the intention of turning transfer of liability into transfer of asset, has much to recommend it, especially as it aims to galvanise community stakeholder support for self- management thereafter.

With the bypass now well on the way to completion, it is essential that Newtown has as many attractions as possible to encourage visitors into the town, which can only be of benefit to local businesses.  It is tremendous to see the stakeholders being proactive, looking for positive outcomes and hoping to make a difference to the lives of their fellow residents."