LOCAL villages are being invited to undertake an audit of their community as a lasting comprehensive record of their area.

The scheme is being launched as part of the Aspirational Monmouthshire's Social and Community Enterprise project which can be used by villages in obtaining grants in the short term and a social document on the way live in the early part of the 21st Century.

The scheme's co-ordinator Shirley Hughes told members of Raglan Community Council that undertaking the project was to compile an record of he village, its people, its assets and its aspirations as well as documenting the area's social, economic and environmental needs for the future.

Shirley added: "It's not going to happen overnight and will take some time to complete.

"But the procedure for this audit has already been established just over the Herefordshire border in Garway. This community have already published a plan which has brought everybody together, from the church, school, pub and commoners for their comments and aspirations.

Councillor Richard Moorby said: "It sounds like a modern version of the Doomsday book by documenting everything.

"It's a lot of work but I am sure it will be worth the effort that we put in."

Councillor Trevor Phillips added: "If we take part in this project it will help us gain funding in other grant applications in the future because all the information can be found in one place."

The councillors past the motion to take part in the scheme which is provided under Adventa's latest Axis 4 project, which realises the potential of Monmouthshire's rural businesses and communities working together to provide expertise and support by embracing new ideas.