A TORFAEN resident is launching a new community group in the Cwmbran ward to help restore the area to its former glory.

David McCarthy has taken it upon himself to launch the Greenmeadow Community Group, which will hold its first meeting next week in February.

The group will hold its meetings at the Greenmeadow Community Centre and initial feedback ahead of the first meeting has pleased the group’s founder.

“The idea for the group arose after I was walking around Greenmeadow and I noticed that it was looking in a bit of a state,” said Mr McCarthy, 37, of Woolpitch, Greenmeadow.

“There was litter lying around and from what I’ve noticed, much of the litter problems in the area have come from the change of bins. Since the smaller bins were introduced, I have noticed more litter in the area.”

In addition to the litter problems, Gwent Police have reported that in recent weeks and months, the level of anti-social behaviour in the ward has increasingly become a problem.

This factor was another consideration point for Mr McCarthy in launching the community spirited group.

“The area does have an issue with anti-social behaviour. All of these factors inspired me to start this group,” he said.

“Originally I had planned a clearance day but from my initial feedback so far, it seems that there is a need for an actual group which can run events for the youth and hopefully restore some pride into the area at the same time.“

The group is supported by Greenmeadow councillor and leader of Torfaen council cllr Bob Wellington, along with Bron Afon and Gwent Police’s community support officers for the ward.

“I have lived in Greenmeadow on and off over the years but moved back most recently in 2014,” said Mr McCarthy.

“The idea behind the group is to help the community understand what is happening here as many people I think are unaware of the issues.

“From what I’ve seen, there are many problems in Greenmeadow and Cwmbran as a whole so the group will try to combat these issues and make the place great once again,” he added.

The first meeting of the community group will take place on Tuesday February 2 from 7pm at the Greenmeadow Community Centre.

For more information, search for ‘Greenmeadow Community’ on Facebook.