COUNCILLORS have backed plans to protect the future of a Torfaen family attraction after it was deemed “unsustainable in its current form”.

Today, Torfaen council’s ‘Resources & Corporate Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee’ were asked to consider several options for the future of Cwmbran’s Greenmeadow Community Farm.

The proposals for the centre, which attracts around 50,000 visitors a year, included selling the land or turning the centre into a charitable trust.

Council officers labelled the farm as “unsustainable” and said that changes would help the council save £35,000 per year.

They recommended charity status as the best option to sustain the farm for the next 50 years as it allows access to additional funding streams.

The committee heard that the 80 acre farm site only opens 40 acres to the public and suggested ideas to improve sustainability such as forming partnerships with Coleg Gwent agricultural courses.

Greenmeadow Farm’s director, Sally Partridge, said she had several plans for the farm, including making the cafe accessible to parents with buggies, but needed additional funding to develop the site.

Councillors unanimously agreed that the “unique attraction” should be preserved for future generations with Cllr Huw Bevan describing it as a “legacy for our children and our childrens’ children”.

“None of us wanted to be in this position when we got into politics but as long as we ring fence social services and education, it leaves us with a very small pot,” he said.

He added that the "once in a lifetime opportunity” to turn the farm into a charitable trust should go ahead.

Charity Groundwork Wales could also be involved in a advisory role to help the farm access funding.

The committee recommended that the council retains the freehold rights to the land and leases the site and that ‘suitable models of management’ are sought.

The need for a public engagement / consultation exercise was also noted by Cllr Nigel Davies.

The final decision on the future of the farm will be discussed by cabinet in June or July next year.