Public meeting Friday over new National Park idea

A public meeting will be held in Llanrhaeadr this Friday, with the area being earmarked as the southern gateway for a new national park that will cover a huge swathe of north east Wales.

Montgomeryshire’s MP Steve Witherden has been invited to attend, along with other prominent politicians including Assembly Member, Russell George, and Plaid Cymru’s active local county councillor, Elwyn Vaughan.

Representatives from the National Farmers Union, Farmers Union of Wales and the Country Landowners Association are also expected to attend alongside local town and community councillors.

The meeting will be chaired by S4C presenter, Alun Elidyr.

The Welsh Government has floated the idea of a fourth National Park for Wales, and is in the process of gathering public opinion and comments. The consultation is being managed by Natural Resources Wales who will have officials at the meeting.

But there is growing concern that National Park restrictions on things like planning could impact development and economic growth in areas included.

The meeting will start at 7pm at the Village Hall, with an open invitation for anyone to attend.