RESIDENTS and pupils of Portskewett and Sudbrook are being urged to have their say about the future of Black Rock Picnic Site.

Officers from Monmouthshire County Council and pupils from Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School are seeking local people’s views on the site.

They are canvassing views, concerns and priorities by hosting drop-in community consultations in the main hall of Archbishop Rowan Primary School on Friday 10th February from 3pm to 7pm and on Saturday 11th February from 10am to 12pm.

The sessions will be facilitated by Shirley Hughes, an experienced community development officer, who has held similar sessions in rural villages across Monmouthshire, plus worked with the Countryside Services on open land in Rogiet, Chepstow and Abergavenny.

The community consultations are seen as an important stage in a process to encourage residents of Portskewett and Sudbrook to help plan and shape the future use of Black Rock Picnic Site so all ages can use this local facility.

Mark Langley, Head Countryside Warden, who helps manage the site, is keen for people to get involved.

He said: “Black Rock Picnic Site is a superb asset on Monmouthshire’s Coast.

“We would be very interested to find out what residents think of the area and how we can manage the site for the benefit of the local community and the primary school. We would also be keen to set up a friends group of interested people to help look after the area.

“The site also has a very interesting past, being the crossing point from Wales to England before the Severn Tunnel was constructed. If anyone has any old photographs or stories about the site please come along to the consultations and share them with us.”

For more information about the consultations contact Mark Langley on 01291 691237 or 07836 221598 or email [email protected]