The project behind a new repair and reuse shop in Newtown town centre has already won two national awards.
The Waste Not shop, which opened in late November, aims to get people buying and repairing items that have been saved from being dumped in landfills.
Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Circular Economy Mid Wales have now been recognised by the Welsh Government for pioneering a re-use and repair economy in Wales after winning the 'Delivering Innovation' and 'Overall Winner 2021 Ystadau Cymru' awards.
"The win of both awards acknowledges the creativity of Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to act as a trusted partner to enable social enterprise Circular Economy Mid Wales to source much needed funds to enable a project of this nature to progress," a council spokesperson said.
The town council and Circular Economy Mid Wales received £675,550 from the Welsh Government to buy the empty Broad Street shop. Waste Not opened its doors on November 27, selling preloved goods, household refill products, repair advice, recycling, upcycling and workshops.
Newtown Mayor Cllr Richard Williams said:“ It is fantastic that once again Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town council is being recognised nationally for our innovative and outstanding work”.
Acting as lead councillor on the collaborative project, Cllr David Selby added “This award is recognition of a huge amount of work by a dedicated team from both the Town Council and the Waste Not team.
"Newtown is now leading the way with the 'Waste not' culture."
Ed Humphreys, town clerk, said: “The success and national recognition in these two awards are a clear demonstration of the willingness of the town council to work flexibly and in new ways, grasping opportunities to work with others locally and directly with Welsh Government nationally, bringing significant investment into the community.
"This was made more possible by the evidence of community support in the Place Plan and the Council's own Five-Year Plan both of which are already in place."
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