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Gower AONB Partnership Group
This Group replaced the old Gower Forum in April 2010; it has representatives of a wide range of interests and acts as a steering group for the AONB. Gordon Howe has sat on this Committee for about 20 years – he is a committee member and represents the Gower Society. At a recent meeting, a number of interesting items were presented - we think that a brief report of these would be of interest to our Members.

Stop Wasting Our Landscape (SWOL)
. The Environment Agency (EA) is very concerned about the loss of many of our geological features within the Gower landscape due to thoughtless tipping and disposal of materials. Typical examples are the filling in of swallow holes, old small quarry areas and 'sinks' within the limestone landscape. Most of these activities are on private land, and in many cases, there is limited legal enforcement that can be taken by the EA. This SWOL initiative is intended to seek the cooperation and increase awareness of land owners, waste producers, local residents and local groups in the ecological value of many of the geological features within our Gower landscape. Besides being a glimpse into our past, these features frequently have small micro-environments and climates that encourage diverse plant life.

It is a fact that much of the builders’ rubble that is unnecessarily dumped within our landscape can be screened and recycled. There is no logical reason why any concrete, bricks and blocks should be unlawfully dumped. It can be screened, crushed and reused locally for farm tracks, road and hardcore bases. The remaining soils can often be spread onto land without any undesirable environmental effects. The EA is only too happy to discuss and advise. The EA will be publicising its concerns and urging local people to respond to the SWOL initiative; if there are any concerns or further information is required, then contact Howard Oates at the EA on 01792 325644 or email howard.oates@environment-agency.com

Please note that this initiative is intended to be both a partnership and a scheme to promote awareness and responsible actions within the AONB and adjacent rural areas.

Design Guide For Gower AONB
This is reaching an advanced stage, and could be adopted by City and County of Swansea by early 2012. It is a comprehensive document that will transform how building design and construction are looked upon in the AONB. It has the potential of being a milestone event for the AONB. The Gower Society has commented in detail on the draft.

Highways Works Good Practice Guide.
This document has been prepared by the City and County of Swansea to ensure that work on highways within rural areas is sympathetically carried out i.e. not treated the same as in the town or urban area. Again commented upon by the Gower Society; this guide should also be in place by early 2012.

Signage and Advertisements on the AONB
A new planning guide is to be prepared to replace a 30 year old out-of-date document. Good news indeed if it will reduce the proliferation and general 'mish mash' of ugly signs in Gower.

National Association of AONBs
Councillor John Hague who chairs the AONB Partnership Group (and the previous Gower Forum) has been elected onto the Board of the National Association of AONBs. This is very good news for Gower.

Another new item:
Gower Responder Service
We have recently been told that this essential service for a rural area has been withdrawn by the Ambulance Service as a cost-cutting move. If you think that such a service needs to be retained in Gower, please write to the Health Minister at Welsh Government