Plaid Cymru has selected former health professional Kate Heneghan as its candidate for the Powys County Council by-election in the Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew ward.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, July 2.

Ms Heneghan, who has lived in the ward for more than three decades, previously worked as a mental health charity leader, nurse, midwife and public health researcher. She moved to Llanddew in 1990 and Aberyscir in 2003, and raised four sons who attended local schools.

Speaking after her selection, she said: “I'm excited to stand for our community. I know and love the area. Living in such a rural area brings real challenges - from transport and access to services to keeping our scattered communities connected. I know those challenges first-hand, and I'm determined to be a councillor who listens to and represents everyone.”

Plaid Cymru MS for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Sioned Williams, backed her candidacy, saying: “I know Kate to be hardworking and dedicated. She has an in-depth knowledge of health and public services and would be an excellent representative for her community on Powys County Council.”

Ms Heneghan has set out three main priorities for the ward if elected.

These include improving transport and active travel links, including local footpaths and bridleways such as the Aberyscir to Brecon route via Cradoc, and calling for more accessible and affordable bus services.

She has also highlighted concerns around the proposed Garreg Fawr energy park and its potential impact on the Yscir and Llanfihangel Nant Bran areas.

A third priority is the future of the Cradoc school campus, where she is calling for full community consultation on its closure and future use of the site.