Powys County Council has announced safety improvements for the Royal Welsh Show following the death of Montgomery young farmer James Corfield last summer.

They include a ‘Green Route’ between Builth Wells, the Showground, Penmaenau Farm and the YFC Young People’s Village, and a new safety fence between the Groe car park and the river.

More medical services in the area will be available as well as a new welfare facility staffed by the council’s youth service at the former tourist information centre.

Street pastors will be introduced in the town in the run-up to the show week and during the four day event.

The improvements were recommended by an event safety action group following a review.

James Corfield’s death resulted in key organisations, including Powys County Council, all emergency services, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, event organisers, local councillors and volunteers working together to improve the safety of people visiting the area during the Royal Welsh Show week.

The Corfield family supported a safety workshop at the showground which identified four crucial areas – licensing, transport, health and welfare, and infrastructure – that needed improving before this year’s event in July. Plans include better lighting, more security and CCTV coverage in the town, improved traffic and taxi arrangements, more public toilets and new public information material for visitors.

“It was important that following last year’s tragic accident, that we work together combining our experience and knowledge to improve the safety and welfare of people visiting the area for the Royal Welsh Show,” says Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris.

“The show is such an important event, not just for Powys but for Wales, that we must do all that we can to make a positive contribution to managing safety and add to the visitor experience of those attending one of the country’s most important events.

“The review has reached an important stage with significant actions that we believe will make the event and surrounding activities even safer. We have all learnt from last year’s tragic accident and our aim is to do our very best together to keep young people safe,” she adds.

James Corfield died as a result of an accident, an inquest in January concluded.

The 19-year-old farmer and Montgomery Cricket Club star player had been staying with friends at the Royal Welsh Show when he was last seen in Builth Wells town centre shortly before midnight on Monday, July 24.