Councillors have responded to criticism about Newtown's celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee held over the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

Residents had taken to social media to publicly express their disappointment about the lack of events and decorations displayed in Powys' largest town compared to other communities in the county.

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council had planned to hold an outdoor event in the newly-refurbished High Street however delays to the roadworks put a stop to the original plans.

Despite drawbacks in the lead-up to the jubilee weekend, an event held at The Elephant & Castle Hotel on behalf of the Town Council was "very successful" and "well beyond expectations", councillors were told.

The "incredibly helpful" long-established hotel had stepped in to offer to host the town centre celebrations which involved a tea dance, afternoon tea, crown making, face painting and music played by the Newtown Silver Band and local solo artist Meg Louise on Friday, June 3.

Cllr David Selby praised the "co-operative venture" between the Town Council and a local business.

"It was put on at short notice but it was put on," he said.

"It’s unfortunate about the criticism put on the Town Council on something that did happen. Unfortunately people don’t research before making a comment [on social media]. It was a co-operative venture and a good example that we can follow in the future."

The Economy and Environment committee on Monday heard that the Town Council could not close another town centre street, such as Broad Street, because street closure applications to Powys County Council had to be submitted by the end of March. The Town Council was told on May 5 that the High Street revamp would not be completed in time for the Queen's Jubilee weekend.

The Town Council had considered moving to the park "but it meant hiring a stage and we did not have the time or a budget at that point", Cllr Tracy Owen said, adding that it was a "struggle" to book music groups because a lot of members were away for the Bank Holiday.

Cllr Owen added: "All in all it was a really good low cost event for everybody. The event was very successful. The Elephant & Castle sold 350 of their afternoon teas which was well beyond their expectations. It was very busy for the whole duration. People were surprised that most of it was free."

Councillors thanked Town Council staff members for a "lot of hard work" in an "ever changing" situation, and proposed to write to The Elephant & Castle Hotel to thank them for stepping in to help host the jubilee celebrations.

The committee was also told that The Elephant & Castle Hotel had contacted to say that they were "really pleased" with the success of the event and that everybody had "really enjoyed" the day.