A PROPOSED licensing scheme for canoe and boat hire on the River Wye in Powys has been proposed, in part, in response to the death of a nine-year-old girl. Billie Clayton died in the river near Glasbury-on-Wye in 2006. She and her twin brother were canoeing on the river in a self hire boat with their father Ian when they lost control after taking a wrong turn and capsized. Billie drowned in the fast flowing rapids. Powys County Council is exploring the possibility of regulating self hire and wants canoe and boat operators to have their say at a meeting at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, on June 30. Some operators have expressed support for better regulation but say they are weary of increased costs to businesses. The council says it is studying a scheme already in operation downstream in Hereford and has called the meeting so operators can discuss it and raise concerns. For the full story see this week's Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale now