Representatives from public bodies are visiting a series of locations across the county to discover what local residents, businesses and organisations think of their neighbourhoods and services.

With councils and other public services needing to begin planning at least ten and ideally up to 25 years into the future, the intiative, entitled Our Monmouthshire, will help shape how current decisions affect future generations.

The visits to local communities, which are gleaning information for the area’s wellbeing plan, will continue until mid-October.

The Monmouthshire Wellbeing Plan is a statutory document produced by the local service board - a partnership which includes the county council, health board, Gwent Police, the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and housing associations.

Similar documents are being prepared by public service boards across Wales following the passing of The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act April 2015.

Teams from organisations representing the public service board have already visited Abergavenny market, Usk’s community hub, Raglan’s livestock market, Caldicot’s town centre, Monmouthshire Show and Chepstow Show, asking the questions: what’s good about your community and what would make it better?

So far, the Our Monmouthshire events have been very well-received with many people expressing their thoughts and opinions on specially produced postcards featuring scenes from around the county.

Forthcoming venues include Usk Show and Abergavenny Community Centre.

Residents are also encouraged to engage online via MCC’s platform Monmouthshire Made Open – monmouthshire.madeopen.co.uk/ or the council’s website - monmouthshire.gov.uk/our-monmouthshire - or on Twitter #OurMonmouthshire and Facebook.

MCC’s cabinet member with responsibility for engagement and community development, Councillor Phil Hobson said, “Decisions made now will have real implications for our children and grandchildren so we need to work together to make sure we get this right. This means that all public services must plan for the long-term and understand what well-being means to our county and its communities.

“Your thoughts will help us make sure we address some of the really big challenges facing Monmouthshire.”