"Flash mob" protest against possible Hay supermarket (From Hereford Times)

"Flash mob" protest against possible Hay supermarket

10:19am Thursday 22nd December 2011 in Hay-on-Wye By Lauren Rogers

AROUND 50 people opposed to the idea of a supermarket moving into Hay-on-Wye held a “flash mob” protest outside council offices this week.

A crowd gathered outside County Hall in Llandrindod Wells on Monday (Dec 19) night for a “silent light show” using handheld torches.

They planned to confront Powys County Councillors attending a meeting over plans to sell the Hay’s primary school site to a developer.

However, after realising that councillors were entering the council headquarters via a side entrance - therefore bypassing the protest, the campaigners gathered in the foyer and spoke to council workers, including chief executive Jeremy Patterson.

The group was told it would not be admitted to the private meeting as it was closed to both public and press.

Andy Fryers, from Hay campaign group Plan B, was able to attend as invited stakeholder and said after it was a “constructive discussion”.