AN AWARD-WINNING artist commissioned by the builders of the luxury Dinas Powys housing development in Ardwyn Walk is to consult with local residents on how to spend money ringfenced for public art.

Waterstone Homes has invited artist Thomas Goddard to work closely with people living in the village to develop plans for the new project, who will gather opinions on how the area can be improved.

All housing developers are obliged to match 1 per cent of the total build costs to fund public art, with Waterstone Homes making the decision to hand over the reigns on how to spend the full budget to Mr Goddard and local people.

The art's nature could cover anything from physical sculptures and building designs to the development of community facilities and events.

Mr Goddard said: “I’m looking forward to spending time with the people of Dinas Powys and getting to the heart of what they’d like to see in their local community.

"I want to find out what’s important to Dinas Powys through discussion with local residents, so that the project can meaningfully contribute to the village in joyful and potentially unexpected ways."

Local community councillors met Mr Goddard when he joined members of the Older Person’s Art Group, held at Murchfield Community Centre.

Cllr Chris Franks welcomed the move, saying: "This is an opportunity for many local organisations to have their say in promoting and enabling public art in Dinas Powys."