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Bedwas Workmen’s Hall will not be reopening next week after its roof was damaged during storms in March.

The volunteer-run venue is to be fenced off, with scaffolding put up to allow further inspections to be carried out.

Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen Community Council, which has owned the 98-year-old hall since 1979, confirmed the closure on Thursday, May 13.

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 has placed it under a Section 77 notice of the Building Act 1984, meaning it is in a dangerous condition.

Repair work could take around several months.

The statement continued: “We would like to thank Bedwas Workmen’s Hall Management Committee for their previous hard work and now their support at this time.

“They are faced with hirers who now have to find new temporary accommodation for their businesses.  

“The council, as landlords, find this a heart-breaking decision, but one that will hopefully kick start the regeneration of this fine building, and it’s use for future generations.”

Emma Phipps-Magill, chair of Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, said: “The decision to close is heart-breaking, especially for us as a volunteer management committee who work so hard to keep it open for our community.

“We know the impact this will have on our regular and committed hirers and their class members, who after a very difficult year will again be impacted by our closure.

“Please can I reassure you this is a temporary closure. We are doing everything we can to reopen the hall as soon as possible and to complete our full vision, to restore this wonderful building for use of our community.”