How the National Park is improving it’s engagement is developing but a more consistent approach is needed, according to Audit Wales.

A recent report published by the Wales Audit Office, now called Audit Wales, shows that Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has started to identify who needs to be involved in developing policies and project plans.

It adds that its corporate engagement action plan needs to improve on its approach to involved stakeholders in deciding spending priorities and to “strengthen resilience.”

At the meeting of audit and corporate services on Wednesday, May 13, it was recognised that the authority’s ability to strengthen engagement work was difficult in “challenging financial and operating environment.”

However, Nick Selwyn, of Audit Wales, highlighted the fact the authority often did more than would be expected of an organisation of its size, saying it was often “punching above its weight.”

Increasing the numbers of volunteers working with the authority, as well as those from under-represented groups and younger people, was highlighted as a positive along with a greater emphasis on engagement with black and minority ethnic groups.

The targeting of disabled groups was seen as positive with the use of technology opening up areas of the park that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The transfer of Newport visitor and information centre to the community in 2017 resulted in the right outcome “after a difficult initial engagement and involvement process” the report states, with earlier involvement recommended in future.

The report also highlights the development of Castell Henllys as a Welsh cultural hub with Clr. Mike James adding it was an example of using funds well.

“A lot of money has gone into that project and it’s important for us in the north, and all of Pembrokeshire, it is a hub for the Welsh language,” he said.