The charter and accompanying action plan, launched last week, look to strengthen and improve the Authority’s working relationships with town and community councils from across the National Park.
On Friday, October 5 representatives from One Voice Wales, the umbrella body for town and community councils, and councillors from across the National Park gathered at the Authority’s headquarters in Brecon to celebrate the launch of the first ever Town and Community Council Charter.
The sign up event was attended by all the One Voice Wales area committees in and around the National Park, and so far 13 councils have signed up to the history making charter.
This Town and Community Council Charter is the result of two years of consultation with local councils, and the goals of the Charter’s action plan run through to the end of April 2013. Early feedback from local councils has been positive, with councillors saying face-to-face contact with Authority officers has helped to develop better working relationships.
Mair Stephens, Chair of One Voice Wales, said: “We’re delighted that this historic Town and Community Council Charter has come together. I really think it’s the way forward for all National Parks, and it’s great to see partnership working being delivered with such enthusiasm.”
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Sustainable Communities Manager Clare Parsons, said: “The Charter and the associated action plan detail how the National Park Authority and town and community councils will work better together across a range of areas to benefit local communities. We appreciate the time and input given by community and town councillors and One Voice Wales in developing a Town and Community Council Charter and action plan. This is just the beginning and delivering the action plan and regularly reviewing both will help us all to work together better in future.”
National Park Authority Chairman Julie James, added: “The signing of the Town and Community Council Charter signals an historic day and it’s great for the Authority to be working so closely with our local communities on a model that I’m sure will be replicated throughout Wales. We currently have 12 town and community councils signed up, but we hope all 52 councils across the National Park will join us in time.”
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Notes to Editors
The 12 local councils already signed up to the Town and Community Council Charter:
Hirwaun and Penderyn
Tawe Uchaf
Brecon
Talgarth
Llantilio Pertholey
Blaenavon
Cwmamman
Vale of Grwyney
Cwmdu and District
Hay-on-Wye
Llandybie
Brynmawr
Pontypool