Senedd members hoping for last-ditch support for at-risk cultural venues

The Welsh Government has been urged to come to the rescue of two cultural venues in Caerphilly, amid ongoing uncertainty over their future.

Senedd members Delyth Jewell and Peredur Owen Griffiths have written to the government, asking it to support Caerphilly County Borough Council, which has proposed mothballing Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners’ Institute.

“We appreciate the difficult financial climate facing local authorities, which is why we have asked whether there is anything the Welsh Government could do to aid the council, or indeed whether the government could assist in finding other ways of keeping these sites open for the community,” the two Senedd members said.

The council argues it has to make “difficult decisions” to save money, in anticipation of an expected £45 million funding gap over the next two years.

But the proposed mothballing of the two well-known sites in the county borough has proved controversial.

Earlier this month, hundreds of people took part in a march through Blackwood to save the miners’ institute, and a petition opposing the council’s proposal has gathered thousands of signatures.

Ms Jewell and Mr Owen Griffiths, both of Plaid Cymru, have written to Jack Sargeant, the new culture minister, over their “urgent concern” about the mothballing plans.

“We are deeply concerned about what might happen should the council’s cabinet decide to press ahead with these closures,” they wrote.

“We hope that the Welsh Government will appreciate the immense value of Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners’ Institute, and that support can be given to the council to keep them open.”

The council’s cabinet members are expected to make a final decision this week on the future of Llancaiach Fawr, as well as its meals on wheels service and a staff restaurant – both of which are earmarked for closure.

A decision on the miners’ institute has been delayed, however, as the council seeks legal advice on its plans.

Cllr Sean Morgan, who leads the local authority, said last week the matters were “very difficult things to consider, but the council is faced with unprecedented financial constraints and we must make huge savings in order to balance our budget”.

However, the uncertain future of the venues comes as part of a “growing and significantly worrying trend for local authorities to withdraw from cultural provision and spending”, an arts charity has warned.

Louise Miles-Payne, the director of Creu Cymru, warned that “communities and audiences will be left with no access to the arts or culture on their doorstep” if the miners’ institute closes.

In a letter to Ms Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture committee, she said such venues are “the lifeblood of local communities” and urged the council to reconsider its plans.

Commenting on Ms Jewell and Mr Owen Griffiths’ calls for support, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The management and funding of Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners’ Institute is a matter for their governing body, Caerphilly County Borough Council.

“We recognise the key role such visitor attractions play in their communities in terms of the health and wellbeing of visitors, their economic impact and as vital resources for schools and lifelong learning. We’re also aware that very difficult options must be explored in the current financial climate.”