James Evans says people in Talybont want more information on what future use is to be made of Gilestone Farm.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS asked First Minister Mark Drakeford at the Senedd yesterday how the Government plans to engage with the local community over the farm’s future use.

He said that in March, the Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, asked for his support in ensuring that the community were provided with accurate information.

Mr Evans said: “Subsequently, on 6 April, the minister informed me that he'd be using the community council to inform members of the community about the proposal.

“That seems reasonable to me. However, subsequently, after several resignations from the council and them only having three current members, residents in Talybont are rightly concerned about the council's ability to provide them with the accurate information they require.

“The community is divided over this matter, and some good faith and engagement from the Government would help in bringing the community together.

“I have, therefore, following representations from the community, organised a meeting in Talybont on 8 June, and I've invited the minister and officials from the Government to attend.”

Mr Evans asked Mr Drakeford to ensure that someone from the Government will attend the meeting so that local people get accurate information.

Mr Drakeford said the Government will work with the community council, Powys County Council and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority to promote “constructive community consultation” on the future use of Gilestone Farm.

He said he agreed about the importance of accurate information being provided.

But he didn’t believe a public meeting, not guaranteed to provide “more light than heat”, was the best way to achieve that.

Mr Drakeford said: “I want to do it in a way that allows some of the heat that has been seen to be toned down and a greater emphasis on proper information sharing and reasoned debate.

“I'm not convinced, I'm afraid, that a public meeting of the sort that the Member has described is the best way, at this point, to bring that about.”