Fay Jones MP and James Evans MS have found themselves "excluded" from a meeting arranged by the Welsh Government to discuss the future for Gilestone Farm.

Today's meeting was convened by Welsh Government officials at Theatr Brycheiniog. The meeting reportedly included Green Man Festival CEO Fiona Stewart along with the Chair of the Talybont-on-Usk Community Council, Cllr Anita Cartwright, and officials from both Powys County Council and Brecon Beacons National Park.  

The date, venue and attendees of the meeting had been made public in Talybont-on-Usk Community Council past meeting minutes. The meeting was described as "strictly under invitation" in minutes from the community concil's February meeting.

Both Ms Jones and Mr Evans have said they were not invited to today's meeting.

Gilestone Farm was purchased by the Labour-run Welsh Government for £4.25 million and there has been confusion about what the site will be used for.  

James Evans MS raised Gilestone as recently as last week in the Welsh Parliament, criticising the lack of due diligence carried out before the purchase. 

Fay Jones MP said: “There has been zero transparency around this Gilestone deal, which is sadly obvious by the way that I and James Evans MS, have been excluded.

“It says it all that this meeting is not even being held at Henderson Hall in the heart of the impacted village, instead being held miles away in Brecon town”.

James Evans MS said: “I have tried to shine a spotlight on the Welsh Government’s rushed purchase of Gilestone Farm and the community quite rightly deserve to be included in these discussions for its future use” 

“I wrote to the Minister weeks in advance of this meeting to be invited, but I didn’t even receive a response. I am calling for this meeting to be minuted and that these minutes are made publicly available.

"The Welsh Government should be holding proper consultation meetings, where a broad swathe of the community can attend to hear plans and give feedback.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson told the Brecon & Radnor Express: “The meeting is part of our ongoing work in respect of Green Man’s detailed and comprehensive business plan. It included relevant local authorities, the Community Council, the National Park, Greenman and elected members who might have a formal role, to discuss proposals under consideration for Gilestone Farm.

“No final decision on the future of Gilestone Farm has been made. A decision will only be made once the due diligence process is complete and advice has been considered by Ministers.”