Welsh town praised for Going Green initiative

On the River Severn (Welsh: Afon Hafren), in the community of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn (Y Drenewydd a Llanllwchaearn), is the town of Newtown (Y Drenewydd). The local Council has been striving to develop initiatives to look at new and more sustainable ways to manage the town's open spaces. In a pioneering scheme, 130 acres of land have been transferred in to community ownership in a 99 year lease to a community land trust ‘Open Newtown’. Now Deputy Mayor of Newtown Susan Hill, has accepted an award in recognition of the initiative, presented by Welsh Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn AM at an award ceremony in Cardiff.

The aim of such community inspired schemes in Wales is to ensure that more land is used for the benefit of local communities. Improving the quality and effectiveness of green spaces resulting in a beneficial impact on peoples health and wellbeing. By retaining and enhancing such open spaces, a variety of outdoor facilities can be provided and developed. Whilst at the same time protecting and improving areas of special wildlife & biodiversity that exist within urban areas. The work of 'Open Newtown' is also supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund and the Community Land Advisory Service (CLAS Cymru).