A MORE commercial approach will be an important next step in giving Greenmeadow Community Farm “a bright future”, the leader of Torfaen council has said.

Torfaen council’s cabinet has given its backing to creating a business-focused role to lead the new approach at the farm in Cwmbran which has faced funding cuts threatening its future over recent years.

The new role will be tasked with leading a more commercial approach and considering options for a £500,000 investment which has recently been approved by the council.

The plans aim to put in place a more financially sustainable future for the farm, where it is not just covering costs but also raising additional money.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, council leader Cllr Anthony Hunt said creating a new business role to lead the approach would be the next step in giving the farm “a bright future”.

“I really believe the farm can be a central part of our community’s offer and a fantastic visitor attraction as well,” Cllr Hunt said.

“I think this is a key next step to making that a reality.”

A council report says the the more commercial approach will recognise that the farm forms part of Torfaen’s wider community assets and “does not exist in a bubble”.

It will also look to promote Torfaen “as a destination more broadly and not just be focused on the farm”, according to the report.

Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member for children, families and communities, said the farm and its offer would change over time.

Cllr Cross said it was recognised that the £500,000 investment “may not deliver a finished article”, but she said it marks “the start of the farm’s next chapter”.

Cllr Kelly Preston said the plans would benefit people who use the farm.

“I think it’s important now that things move forward with some pace,” she added.

A job description and salary will be drawn up for the new post following cabinet’s approval, with the aim of recruiting by January.

The position will form part of a revised governance structure, allowing decisions to be taken from a more commercial basis.

Longer-term the role could carry out similar tasks within other areas of the authority’s operations.

MORE NEWS: