To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008.

Councillor H Bennett declared a personal interest in agenda item 4 Cwm Taf Nature Network - Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being Grant as a member of the Public Service Board.

Councillor H Bennett declared a personal interest in agenda item 4 Cwm Taf Nature Network - Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being Grant as a member of the Public Service Board.

To receive for approval the Minutes of 07/02/22

The minutes of the 2 February 2022 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The minutes of the 2 February 2022 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The Town and Community Council Forum noted the report.

The Democratic Services Manager informed the Forum that a Forward Work Programme of items will be developed with the Corporate Management Board and Town and Community Councils.  A standing item will be placed on the agenda at each Forum meeting in order to add or amend items to have a clear plan going forward and items can be prioritised according to need. 

The Head of Operations – Community Services introduced a report which informed the Forum of the Cwm Taf Nature Network Project which is an initiative funded by the Welsh Government as part of the Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being Grant (ENRaW).  The Forum was provided with an update as to project progress and impact during phase 1 of project delivery.  He stated that the Cwm Taf Nature Network aimed to form a collaboration to better manage the green infrastructure of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board Region and this Council would be the lead body delivering the project across the Region. 

The Forum received a presentation by the Natural Resources and Wellbeing Officer on the Cwm Taf Nature Network Project, which is 100% European funded via the Welsh Government.  She stated that one of the deliverables within the project is to engage the community to develop a greater sense of  ownership over their green space, to feel safe in those green spaces and discourage antisocial behaviour.  Another aim of the project is to  strengthen, enhance and protect biodiversity by working with a range of experts and organisations of interest.

The Natural Resources and Wellbeing Officer informed the Forum that 20 green spaces had been identified across the three counties that will be managed as a connected network of green space, largely influenced by the ecological connectivity potential of four species that the project is committed to protecting.  Sites in Bridgend had been chosen where officers have more influence over where there are several local nature reserves which are actively being managed or where there is a strong volunteer presence.  The ethos of the project being for it to be community led, with there being potential in many of the green spaces to build on that.  The project will also seek to support some groups to create exemplar sites, especially around sensory engagement. 

The Natural Resources and Wellbeing Officer also informed the Forum that some of the sites already have excellent access, however a contribution towards improving access to green spaces which lack good access is being looked at.  In phase 1, Direct Access, who are a 100% disability led organisation have been commissioned to assist with improving access to sites.  Their findings, along with that of a health and safety audit, to be delivered by mid-September and the Land Management Plan will be referred to as part of the survey work being carried out.    

The Natural Resources and Wellbeing Officer explained the timeline for delivery of the project which originally was to be delivered over 3 years, would now be delivered across a 12-month period by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider any other item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in accordance with Rule 4 of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency. 

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.