There needs to be more community engagement to help preserve and make Wales’ historic environment more accessible, says Delyn AM Sandy Mewies.
She put forward the view during a debate in the Senedd highlighting the passion people in Mold and Flint have shown for historic sites in their communities.
She said:
“I have raised concerns in the past that about access to much of our historic environment and about the protection and use of local historical assets. I told the Minister that in my constituency, there are examples of community engagement with local people and town council in Mold coming together to revive the ancient Bailey Hill, with plans for signage and a heritage trail. Also, in Flint local people have campaigned to be allowed to fly flags at appropriate times and occasions from the Castle—an historic, but sometimes overlooked site in the wider context of Welsh history. That really does hit all the buttons, does it not, for increasing knowledge, conservation and public participation?”
Welsh Culture Minister John Griffiths issued a statement in the Assembly about the future working of Wales’ historic environment services following consultation.
He said in reply:
“It was very heartening to look at the number of responses to the consultation demonstrating the level of interest and passion for our historic environment. I mentioned some of the essential parts of the historic environment services, and many of those are about interpretation and engagement with communities, and helping to produce that sense of ownership that Sandy Mewies mentions which is so crucial.
“Much of this will be the subject matter of our Heritage Bill. I very much look forward to engaging with Members around that Bill and important legislation to make sure that we get the balance right between conservation, protection, finding use, and making sure that the passion and enthusiasm for our historic environment in Wales is reflected in that legislation.”
