CWMBRAN'S struggling Greenmeadow Comm-unity Farm could be turned into a Trust - if it can find ways to improve its financial situation.

Foot-and-mouth and worries about e-coli scares across Britain and the possibility that animals could spread the bacteria caused visitor numbers to plummet last year.

The figures fell from 120,000 in 1994 to 44,668 in 2001, and prompted owners Torfaen county borough council to have to plough in as much as £100,000 to make up the shortfall in revenue. Consultants were called in to assess the situation last year and produced a report to try to identify areas where cutbacks could be made.

Visitor surveys were also carried out and used by the consultants to devise an action plan.

In a report to the council's development and economic development overview and scrutiny committee, head of economic development David Ludlow said the authority had long harboured a desire to give the farm Trust status.

This would mean "splitting" the farm into two enterprises. The farm would retain its charitable status and there would be a separate trading arm for all other business concerns.

Mr Ludlow said: "The consultants, however, have suggested that a transfer of the farm to Trust status in the short term is likely to jeopardise the sustainability of both the Trust and the farm. It is therefore suggested that any transfer should be put on hold until the financial situation of the farm has been put on a more sustainable basis."

The recommendations put forward to save the Cwmbran attraction are to: Improve the education packs to encourage more schools to take advantage of the site; Develop the events programme by offering a larger number of smaller events; Establish a Community Orchard, with contributions from local schools and businesses; Bring in other 'on site' attractions; Build a covered play area to allow children to visit whatever the weather. Staff at the farm have already controlled outgoings and dropped unsuccessful activities to cut costs, but footpaths, fencing and access routes need work to meet health and safety requirements.

Torfaen's deputy leader Bob Wellington, chairman of the farm's board, said: "Closure is out of the question. I expect the council to continue supporting the farm as it has done in the past. Obviously, the foot-and- mouth crisis was a substantial setback, but the public have continued to be supportive."

Cwmbran community councillor Fred Walker, who also sits on the board, said he was worried the local authority would not be able to keep bailing the farm out. "They're trying hard to turn the thing around and get the number of visitors up, but it's going to be hard," he said.