PUBLIC rights of way access in and around the town of Ystradgynlais have been tidied up.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning, Taxi Licencing and Rights of Way Committee Countryside Access and Recreation officer, Sian Barnes gave councillors a presentation on changes proposed for a number of paths and a bridleway in the area.

But, before the presentation started, Ystradgynlais County Councillor, Huw Williams, (Labour) declared an interest.

Cllr Williams, (Labour), said: “I have to declare a prejudicial interest in that I have lobbied for the last eight years for the reinstatement and the improvement of these paths so I can hardly by of an undecided mind.”

He then logged out of the online meeting.

Ms Barnes said: “We have two proposals, the first is to abandon some previous orders from 2008, and the second is to make new orders to replace them.”

Ms Barnes explained that the site is next to the “haul road” of the former Brynhenllys opencast coal site in Ystradgynlais

The proposals affect bridleway 75, footpaths three, six, 56 and 71.

Ms Barnes said:  “It is quite a big site, it’s very close to Ystradgynlais on the edge of the Cwm-Twrch ward and the National Park, so a useful network of paths.

“We don’t feel that the 2008 orders can be submitted to the planning inspectorate because they were opposed, and there are technical issues with them.

“They no longer fulfil the aspirations of the community or landowners, and do not include the move the bridleway onto the haul road.”

She pointed out that the custom and practice of people who live and use the paths in the area had changed.

The proposals were being made to reflect this, and that discussions had taken place with the landowners and town council before a decision is made.

Cllr Hywel Lewis, (Llangunllo – Independent): “This is very much a tidying up operation and seem to have the blessing of all concerned, so I propose the officers recommendation for approval.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Les George (Caersws – Conservative) and approved unanimously.

The approved changes are:

Move bridleway 75 to more convenient route for the public, and carry out practical improvement works to ensure it’s surface is better drained and less boggy

Move footpath six from a crossing point over Nant Gwrach gorge to a footbridge that’s been  in use to cross it for over 20 years;

Moving parts of footpath six and bridleway 75 onto field edge routes;

Remove sections of path that are no longer needed for public use.