Tributes to ‘very popular’ deputy mayor killed in car crash

A “DEVASTATED” community paid tribute to a popular deputy mayor who died in a head-on car crash that left three others seriously injured.

Sylvia Rowlands, 70, died after the accident on the A470 at Commins Coch, Glantwymyn, near Machynlleth, around 11.50pm on Saturday night.

Mrs Rowlands, of Machynlleth, was driving a grey Skoda with her son Mark and his girlfriend Kylie Williams towards Llanbrynmair when the head-on crash with a silver Mazda happened.

Yesterday Machynlleth town and Powys councillor Michael Williams said: “Sylvia was the deputy mayor.

“It’s a huge shock to the town and surrounding area. We had known each other all our lives. It’s such a shock. She worked as a health assistant in the surgery at Machynlleth.”

Mr Williams said Mrs Rowlands, a grandmother, “was really well-liked” and “absolutely devoted to the people of Machynlleth.”

He said: “More than that, she was a 100% devoted to her family.”

Mr Williams said he believed that Mrs Rowlands was taking her son and his girlfriend home to Llanbrynmair when the accident happened.

He said: “She had only recently celebrated her 70th birthday.

“She was very much involved with charity work and health, attending many meetings.”

Town mayor Tony Jones said: “It’s a very sad day for us.

“Sylvia Rowlands was one of the best councillors and always looked after the people of the town.

“She was a very popular person. We are absolutely devastated. I have been mayor for almost three years and she has been my deputy. “It is very upsetting.” Former mayor Gareth Jones said: “She will be sorely missed. She looked after the town and put the townspeople first. The town is devastated. It’s a huge blow.”

Mid Wales Fire and Rescue service said two others were taken to Ysbyty Bronglais, Aberystwyth while a third person was flown to hospital in Stoke.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it was investigating the fatal collision.