Councillors at Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council say they would be “disappointed” to “lose” Llanfrechfa from their boundary.
The councillors met earlier this week to discuss their response to the consultation over proposed changes to all six community councils in Torfaen. The review has suggested that homes that are in Llanfrechfa could be moved and come under Ponthir Community Council. Another suggestion is that Ponthir Community Council merges with Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council.
The residents in the 80 homes who live on the Station Road estate near the train station may be moved into Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon.
Cllr Sean O’Dobhain, Croesyceiliog North Ward, said they would be “disappointed” to “lose” Llanfrechfa: “We would like to keep Llanfrechfa. We’re hoping to gain Station Farm. That’s what we’ve asked for because of the review. They are a member of this community.”
Cllr Stewart Matthew, Croesyceiliog North Ward, said he’d been told Ponthir would like Llanfrechfa and it would mean a “bigger precept” (the budget received by a community council from council taxpayers in its boundary).
Cllr Veronica Crick, Croesyceiliog South Ward, said that Llanfrechfa was within the “boundary of the new town” and wasn’t to be confused with Llanfrecha Village which is part of Ponthir.
Councillor Darrell Dewar, Llanyrafon East Ward, said: “As the crow flies, it’s (Llanfrechfa) closer to Llanyrafon. It’s part of the new town.”
Councillor Colin Crick, Croesyceiliog South Ward, said: “Hopefully the review is looking at the performance and effectiveness of community councils. I’m proud of this community council and think it’s extremely effective. We have a proven track record.”
Cllr O’Dobhain said that under the county council’s latest local development plan, there could be more homes built within the boundary of Ponthir Community Council, which would see its population grow.
Councillors agreed that the clerk should write to the county council to say they would be “disappointed” to lose Llanfrechfa but wanted to go with the proposal to gain Station Farm.
During January, Cwmbran Life has reported on discussions on the boundary the community councils for Cwmbran and Henllys. At the Cwmbran meeting, councillors said the changes could mean residents who are moved to pay more money for fewer services due to the different precepts across the community councils.
Torfaen County Borough Council has to review community council boundaries every ten years. Officers have looked at all six community councils in Torfaen, Blaenavon, Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon, Cwmbran, Henllys, Ponthir, and Pontypool. Now a set of proposals to make changes have been shared and a consultation is underway.
The proposed changes for Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council
- To move the existing boundary to the left-hand side which will move Station Farm from Northville into Croesyceiliog North, this will move 80 properties.
Ponthir
There are two proposals for consideration with regards to Ponthir Community Council. They are as follows
- Move the community ward of Llanfrechfa from Croesyceiliog and Llanyravon Community Council to Ponthir Community Council, which would mirror the electoral arrangements of the Local Government.
- Merge Ponthir Community Council with Croesyceiliog and Llanyravon Community Council.
Share your views
Torfaen Council has published its recommendations following the first stage of the review. The deadline to share your views in the survey is 28 February 2024. The results will go to the task and finish group who will draft final recommendations. The recommendation will then need to be approved by Full Council.
