A DINAS Powys community action group has taken centre-stage in highlighting a plan aimed at delivering major environmental improvements in Wales.

Members of Dinas Powys-based 'Soul in Dinas' – who are a group of volunteers supporting litter picks, painting, gardening, general tidying and graffiti removal – welcomed Jane Davidson, Assembly Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, who was launching the second Wales Environment Strategy Action Plan (2008-2011).

Also joining the minister in Dinas were Cllr Geoff Cox, the Vale council’s cabinet member for visible and building services, the Vale’s representative from Keep Wales Tidy, project officer Ian Harvey, and senior enforcement officer and Vale Woman of the Year Denny White.

Cllr Cox said: "We are very pleased the minister chose the Vale and, in particular, one of our most hard-working groups to host the event.

"The action plan is a document for the whole of Wales. We are committed to continue working in partnership."

The action plan revolves around 10 themes and aims to maintain the momentum of a first action plan launched which set out what needs to be achieved over the next 20 years to maintain 'our valued environment.'

Denny White said: "Together, we must work towards an environment that contributes to the health and wellbeing of all people in Wales and maintain projects at a local level."

On the same theme, voluntary groups and local organisations in the Vale are being offered the opportunity to help improve local communities.

Run locally by the council, who have been awarded a Welsh Assembly grant of £331,605 grant over a three-year-period, 'Tidy Towns' offers residents the power to take responsibility for their local environment.

The council is proposing to set up a steering group to implement and oversee environmental clean-up projects which, it is felt, will help to reinforce pride in local communities.

Speaking about the work to be undertaken by 'Tidy Towns,' Ian Harvey said: "It’s vital to focus efforts on removing unsightly environmental nuisances that blight everyday lives. Voluntary and community groups are invited to apply to fund initiatives that will make a difference to local communities."

For more information or to apply for a 'Tidy Towns' grant, telephone 01446 700111, email visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/recycle or www.keepwalestidy.org