SEVERAL Torfaen residents are concerned over The British, the largest derelict industrial site in South East Wales, going into public ownership.

Torfaen County Borough Council have recently agreed to purchase the site from HSBC as part of a £3.7 million package with support from the Welsh Government, but many still believe they have a long way to go before the site’s future is secure.

Members of The British Liaison Group, which has led local people’s interest, has been largely in favour of the brownfield site going from the private to the public sector but there are a lot of people in the north of the borough with feelings of mistrust over the council purchase.

Gwyn Jenkins, of Garndiffaith, said: “This is the best proposal we could have imagined but I just don’t trust Torfaen council. The planning officer, Duncan, said at the last public meeting for us to trust him and I am willing to hold him to his word.

“I lived in this area all my life and over the years Torfaen have promised so much. I know John Cox (chairman of the liaison group) is more positive about it than me but they have never listened, not over Pontnewynydd Primary School nor the old Cwmavon brewery site and I doubt they will now.”

The current proposals for the 1,300-acre site is for the remaining adits and shafts, from when it was an iron and coal works, to be made safe and for a hydro-electrical power from on-site running water to be installed.

Council officer David Leech has this month been appointed as project manager for the site and talks are continuing with Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT) over a recreational facility being set up, while 150 new homes have been planned, which was seen as a way to ensure Welsh Government funding.

Owen Elliott, 78, of Talywain, said: “There is a long way to go yet.

“There is a deep feeling of distrust and that stems from numerous decisions Torfaen council have made in the north.

“I know many people haven’t forgotten about the old Blaenavon leisure centre, and the plans to close Victoria Primary School is an example. How can they plan houses when closing all the facilities?

“It is exciting times after all these years but it’s very important that we as a group exercise some control and don’t just roll over to the council or to GWT. Many seem set on an arrangement with GWT but I think we can be more creative than that.”

Lynda Clarkson, of the liaison group, said: “It is changing times and we will have to see how our first meeting with David Leech goes. I am amazed that they have plans for 150 homes as I don’t think the market is there in the north of the borough anymore and they will struggle to sell them, either as one site or individual lots.

“Previously there has been talk of a thousand homes but I can’t see the current figure increasing.”

A Torfaen council spokesman said: “We have worked closely with the local community throughout the process of acquiring the British site and this will continue now the land is in public ownership.

“We have a new project officer starting and one of their first priorities will be to meet with the community, listen to suggestions, comments and concerns, and keep them updated regularly with how the project is progressing.

“The British means different things to different people and we know that we will never be able to please everyone but by working closely together with the community we are confident that we can return the British to a clean, green environment that will bring great benefits to the whole of the borough.”