Memorial benches to give thanks to people who worked through the coronavirus pandemic could be installed in Llanidloes.

The Town Council is considering the idea of 'talking benches' was put forward by resident Stefanie Phillips-Morgan.

Talking benches have grown in popularity in the UK to encourage people to make conversation with strangers in a bid to tackle loneliness and isolation.

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Councillor Margot Jones thought the idea was "lovely".

The meeting discussed locations to place the benches including Severn Porte, the park and the Old Market Hall.

Powys county councillor for Llanidloes Gareth Morgan said: "The thing about putting it underneath the Market Hall is that you take your life into your own hands because of the traffic."

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Councillors were told that Ms Phillips-Morgan asked whether it would also be possible to install a Welsh bench. Town clerk David Powell added that the town council could designate all the benches as talking benches. The council agreed to discuss the idea at another meeting.

Councillors also paid tribute to Llanidloes Covid-19 Support Group, now known as Llanidloes Mutual Support Group, for their services to the community during the pandemic.

Councillor Gareth Morgan said the group took on "tremendous" work but there had been "no real acknowledgement". The council agreed to send a letter of thanks to members of the group.