When a local organisation is successful in gaining funding from the National Lottery to improve its services it provides a real boost to that whole local community.

So, I was very pleased to hear that the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £7,100 to the Radnor Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFCs) to upgrade its Llandrindod Wells HQ toilet and hand-washing facilities, provide additional seating and funds for extra cleaning costs following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The money will also be used to boost the publicity budget for all Radnorshire YFCs.

Similarly, the Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts will receive a £5,990 grant to run a creative writing project, reaching people affected by the isolation caused by the pandemic, a particular problem in such a rural area like ours.

Local organisations make such a major contribution to the quality of life and strength of our communities.

They also enhance people’s skills and self-confidence, which will contribute greatly to the rebuilding of our economic, social and cultural lives after the pandemic, My congratulations and thanks go to all those involved in securing the grants.

The Covid-19 pandemic has very much overshadowed the impacts of the terrible February storms.

Many communities were very badly affected, including Knighton.

Since then Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been working with Powys County Council to collate evidence to provide a better understanding of the risks and mechanisms of flooding in and around the town.

This will be used to identify and test the potential options for reducing flood risk there and improve future flooding responses.

In Llanelwedd and Builth Wells, where flooding occurred on a scale not seen for decades, if ever, NRW has now committed itself to consult with their conservation department and ascertain when, or if, de–shoaling of the bed of the River Wye could be undertaken there and look into the feasibility of undertaking a detailed study of how to make the residential properties in Llanelwedd more flood resilient.