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Bedwas Workmen’s Hall has reopened after work was carried out to fix its storm-damaged roof.

A fortnight ago, Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen (BTM) Community Council, which runs the 98-year-old venue, announced it would not be reopening despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Wales.

There were fears the hall could be closed for several months while the damage was repaired.

In a statement, the community council said it had to “act swiftly on advice of our insurers” following the damage, which saw debris falling from the roof.

Caerphilly County Borough Council placed the hall under a Section 77 notice of the Building Act 1984, meaning it was in a dangerous condition.

A Caerphilly Council spokesperson said: “We were notified that there was a potential risk to some of the exterior of Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.

“Following a visit, a section 77 notice was issued instructing the removal of materials.”

What has changed?

Work was carried out at the hall on May 17, with loose slates and debris cleared from the roof and gutters.

A council spokesperson said: “Since the visit, a substantial amount of the materials have been removed and as a result an extension of the notice has been agreed to undertake the remainder of the works.

“We will continue to work with the committee to mitigate the risk going forward.”

The work means the problems with the side of the building have now been addressed, but there is still work that needs to be done at the back of the building.

With the Section 77 order being extended for a further three months, it means BTM Community Council has three months to address the issues at the back of the building – which will remain closed off while the rest of the hall is allowed to reopen.

BTM Community Councillor Amanda McConnell said the next stage of repairs is now being organised.

Cllr McConnell said: “We’re in the process of getting scaffolding up so loose tiles and fascias on the roof can be replaced.

“Bedwas Workmen’s Hall is a community asset that’s well used, so I’m very happy and pleased we can open again. It’s a relief.”

Emma Phipps-Magill, chair of Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, said she was concerned about the impact the closure would have had on the numerous groups that hire space in the hall.

She said the hall’s management committee will be working with Caerphilly Council to come up with a plan on what steps to take.

With the hall now having reopened, groups such as dance, theatre, arts, quilters, choirs and Slimming World are getting back up and running at the venue.

Ms Phipps-Magill praised the “phenomenal” support from the community and said the committee will be looking at funding opportunities to get the work done.

She also confirmed that money raised as part of Red Ray’s Lift Appeal would not be redirected towards funding the repairs.

The Lift Appeal, named in honour of late BTM councillor Ray Davies, is aiming to raise around £150,000 to install a lift at the hall so it can comply with the 2005 Disability Act.

The hall’s management committee has released a survey to gather residents’ views on the hall.