Forum aims to keep it green (From Barry And District News)

Forum aims to keep it green

A WASTE FORUM has been launched in the Vale of Glamorgan to help bring together environmental organisations.

The group has been developed by Track 2000 a charity which helps to recycle waste and train people to repair unwanted goods.

As refuse costs the local authority more than £1million a year to sort out recycling is the way forward.

The forum aims to promote and organise waste and educational activities to help enhance the environment.

Tony Crocker of Track 2000 said: "The Vale Waste Forum will give environmental groups a greater status. It will contribute to employment and enhance the community where it will improve the quality of life of residents."

The organisation will be registered as a non profit group and members will operate environmental social projects or non profit activities.

These activities will range from local community regeneration, employment creation, work based training and social inclusion.

All members have to apply to join and will have to have the same objectives as the forum. With this new forum the Vale of Glamorgan will have a strong voice in environmental and waste issues.

It will also promote and support sustainability for all members and community-based environmental activities.

Vale of Glamorgan Council also propose to build a new resource centre where people can find out about recycling and learn how to re-use goods.

The Authority Resource Park which is proposed to be on the Atlantic Trading Estate will be the key member of the forum.

At the launch of the forum on October 4 in Memorial Hall, Barry eminent members of environmental groups such as Keep Wales Tidy and Waste Awareness attended the event.

Jane Hutt AM for health attended, along with Harold Rees the chairman of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.