A PUBLIC meeting will take place next week to discuss the future of the largest derelict industrial site in south east Wales.

Tomorrow – Wednesday, October 18 – the newly formed British Liaison Group will meet at Talywain OAP Hall at 6pm.

The meeting will hear representatives from Gwent Wildlife Trust, who will take questions on its proposals to manage the British site, in Varteg, and create an environmental “living landscape” scheme.

The meeting will discuss the initiative, said to be based around community involvement – encouraged through volunteering opportunities on site.

A statement reads: “Come along and get involved in creating a sustainable environment for all to enjoy now and for future generations.”

Torfaen council bought the 1,306 acres of disused colliery and iron works from HSBC last year and has taken action to secure and restore the site for public use.

It is costing the council £300,000 to acquire the site from current owners HSBC, as well as contributing up to £2 million from its capital programme, funded mostly through prudential borrowing.

Plans so far have included enclosing the site with a fence, appointing a liaison officer for future projects, working with Gwent Wildlife Trust and erecting anti-fly tipping signs.

The hall is located on Church Road, Talywain.