Montgomeryshire residents who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic will face "quite significant" life crises over the next couple of months, Montgomeryshire's MP has said.

Craig Williams MP told Newtown town councillors that there will be a "lot of challenges" ahead but was hopeful about high employment in the area and the potential interest of companies coming to the area following the collapse of Laura Ashley.

Responding to Cllr Joy Jones' question about what support is in place for people who have been made redundant, Mr Williams said extra resources had been put in place at the town's job centre.

Mr Williams added that he had been working with a number of companies who are interested in either expanding or moving to the area.

"That clearly will be very welcome at this moment but there are trying times," he said.

The Conservative MP said that north Powys was "very lucky" with the amount of self-employed and skilled workers, and that he is working with local businesses to "survive and expand".

"But we have a lot of challenges coming," he said. "There will be people who will have quite significant life crises over the next couple of months.

"Employment is pretty high, and finding a new job or reskilling will help a lot of people over the next few months.

"We need to make sure we've got the right support in place. And make sure the Department for Work and Pensions are ready with the Welsh Government to supply support financially. "