A COMMUNITY group formed to save the hill plans to meet with Dr Olinga Ta-eed to discuss his plans for the former college.

Community Action to Save the Hill (CASH) has developed its own proposals and received the principled support of Abergavenny Town Council following a meeting of the council's projects committee where the proposed scheme was outlined by CASH representatives.

The scheme has two components. One is that some Communities First sponsored courses will return to The Hill.

Secondly, an imaginative community wide project called 'Roots and Shoots' will bring different generations together to work land provided at The Hill by Dr Ta'eed, whilst learning about gardening and related subjects.

This proposal, offering healthy activity, and supporting the current move to 'grow your own' fits in neatly with Abergavenny's image as a food destination.

At the last Bryn y Cwm Forum meeting, CASH was invited to make a presentation which was warmly received by those attending.

There was enthusiasm for the 'Roots and Shoots' project to start as soon as possible after completion of the purchase of The Hill so that the community can see something happening.

Dr. Ta'eed has already expressed interest in these ideas developed by CASH's academic sub-group in consultation with a number of possible partners, including Communities First and MCC's Adult and Community Education.

Abergavenny Climate Action's own 'Woodland Management Group' is also keen to be involved in the management of the woodland areas at The Hill.

Longer term, a larger body, more representative of the whole community, needs to be formed from interested groups to maintain a link between the Hill campus and the people of Abergavenny and, critically, to manage and promote courses that meet the needs of the community.

A future public meeting will be arranged by CASH for Dr Ta'eed to fully explain his vision for The Hill as well as for CASH to give detail of its proposed programme of courses and activities.

•If you feel that you or your organisation would like to be part of this exciting challenge and development, please contact Sue Konieczny, Acting Secretary on 01873 858912 or email [email protected]">[email protected]