There will be an open forum at MCC’s special Strong Communities Select Committee meeting at County Hall on Monday, 30 July (10.00am).  The meeting is to discuss the council’s controversial policy on advertising boards, café seating, etc within the highway, and the committee will be making recommendations.

Recent NRW forestry felling and other changes at Goytre Wharf have prompted the formation of a new group with a Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Goytre-Wharf-797285523802981/.

Meanwhile Torfaen and Caerphilly councils have European, Welsh Government, Canal and River Trust and their own funds for £4.6m plans for an Adventure Triangle to develop recreation and leisure activities on their sections of the canal connected by upland walking and cycling links.

A feature article in today’s Western Mail compares Wales’ efforts to get rid of single-use plastics with those of other countries. Despite Wales’ green credentials and the steps taken by some organisations and community groups, other countries such as Norway, Kenya and Costa Rica are in some ways doing more, and China’s decision to decision to ban imports of plastic waste presents the UK and other nations with a big challenge. You could help by signing this petition (https://act.wemove.eu/campaigns/835?utm_source=civimail-16207&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180713_EN) to support the European Commission’s proposed law to reduce single-use plastics.

Welsh Government is consulting (https://beta.gov.wales/low-carbon-pathway-wales) on their initial thoughts on how greenhouse gas emissions might be reduced by 45% between now and 2030 – en route to the legal requirement to reduce them by at least 80% by 2050. Proposals include more opportunities for active travel, a comprehensive charging network for electric vehicles and higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings. The consultation closes on 4 October.