PENARTH Civic Society has appointed a ‘community engagement trainer’ in a bid to turn the Penarth Town Plan into a reality.

Liz Court, who has been appointed to the role, will work with community groups in a bid to help deliver the projects from the town plan.

The Penarth Town Plan, which began its development in summer 2013, is set to be revealed to the public on September 30.

Prior to the Town Plan unveiling Penarth Civic Society will be holding its annual forum, where it will be discussing the general themes of the town plan, on September 24.

Chris Loyn, president of Penarth Civic Society, said that most people knew the general themes of the plan, including local transport, parking and tourism, but that it would have evolved once all the votes and contributions had been collated.

He added that the civic society could act as a conduit for the plans to come to fruition.

“It’s delivery that is critical, as we don’t want it to be one of those plans that sits on the shelf and is never used,” he said.

“We are determined that the town plan is not like that.”

He added about the appointment of a community engagement trainer: “It’s to get over the obstacles of ideas to delivery.”

Penarth councillor Tracey Alexander, a committee member of Penarth Civic Society, added: “It’s the driving force of the community to ensure that this is delivered in partnership with the town council.

“This trainer will equip the community groups with the skills to deliver the projects.”

She added: “The plan is from the people for the people.

“It’s very much up to Penarth to engage with the ideas to deliver them.”

During the official launch of the Town Plan the writers behind it will be speaking about the document, while local people will also have the chance to express their views on it too.

The Town Council are hoping members of the community will put themselves forward to keep the Plan on track and make sure it’s implemented.

Cllr Michael Cuddy, Leader of Penarth Town Council, said: “It’s taken a while for us to get to this stage and the responses we’ve had has been great. We’re hoping that people stay involved once it’s published. A word of warning though: don’t expect a conventional plan.”

The Penarth Civic Society annual forum will be held in the Trinity Rooms of Trinity Methodist Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 24. The Penarth Town Plan will be unveiled at the Paget Rooms on Tuesday, September 30.