A WORKING group is to be set-up to protect the interests of local people’s wishes for the derelict site at The British.

At a meeting on Wednesday night Torfaen council officers stated they want to work with the public over South East Wales’ largest derelict industrial site, which came into public ownership last month after more than 40 year so uncertainty.

Abersychan resident John Cox, 81, chaired the meeting at Talywain OAP hall and said: “The council has taken a brilliant step forward and although some may have misgivings about the council, it is better having it in public ownership rather than the banks as hopefully we can assert some influence to get what we want.”

More than 45 people filled the hall for the meeting, which included a presentation from Gwent Wildlife Trust’s living valleys manager Veronika Brannovic as well as an update from Torfaen council’s chief officer for planning Duncan Smith with deputy leader councillor Anthony Hunt in attendance.

Mr Smith, said: “What we want is for a smaller working group to be set up out of everyone here to represent the people, that can be in constant contact with our project manager for the site in order to discuss any small day-to-day problems that occur.

“We will have a project manager in place by January and will be working on a masterplan for the site which is likely to go to planning next Autumn.

“We want you to be involved in shaping that masterplan.”

Dr Cox expressed his agreement with one anonymous resident who “pulled on his heartstrings”.

The attendee, who did not wish to be named, said: “Torfaen is going through a lot of changes with developments throughout the borough.

“Wouldn’t it be great if the British became an oasis hub amongst all of the urban sprawl.”

Elsewhere concerns were expressed about the current £3.7 million plans, which is proposed to have a “clean and green” approach but contentiously also includes building 150 homes.

Mr Smith added: “There is no denying there will be houses on the site, it is a brownfield site and we stipulated its provision with the housing supply in the local development plan.

“Currently our land supply is at three years but should be five, so I am not going to say there won’t be housing on the site.”

Although a date is yet to be decided, a public meeting to confirm the working group and introduce a project manager is expected to take place in January.