A WYE Valley conservation group says it is facing a crisis over its future. 

Three leading members of the committee are stepping down and, unless anybody comes forward to take their place, the Wye Valley Society (WVS) may have to fold.

The group's chairman, Martin Fenn-Smith, said: "Nobody wishes to see the society dissolve, and we are urging all interested parties to help us decide the best way forward, so this year's annual meeting will be particularly critical."

Three options will be put before the AGM at Bishopswood Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 19.  They are: put the society into hibernation; form a closer relationship with the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Office; or dissolve the society altogether.  

Mr Fenn-Smith said: "The preference seems to be to put the society into hibernation – reactive mode rather than proactive as hitherto. Some ideas are being generated and there will be a discussion about which of these should go forward.

 

"We are therefore urging as many members of the society as possible to attend the AGM. Anyone who is not a member is also welcome to come and have their say too."

The Wye Valley Society – formed in 2009 by the amalgamation of the Lower Wye Valley Society (formed 1968) and the Herefordshire Wye Valley AONB Society (formed 2004) – has as its aim the protection, enhancement and promotion of the Wye Valley AONB, and to increase public involvement in and understanding of that unique landscape.  

It reviews planning applications and local planning policies and guidelines, "Particularly important given the rate of change of planning legislation and uncertainty as to how it will all work out," said Mr Fenn-Smith.