Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Gilfach Bowling Club has been left in a state of insurance limbo after a fire destroyed its pavilion.

It has been almost two months since the blaze, and what’s left of the building is still standing at Gilfach Recreation Ground.

Club captain Kristian Crocker told Caerphilly Observer: “We’ve been trying to get the council to knock the building down, but it is in the hands of the loss adjusters.

“We have had reports of people going in and trying to steal the metal and reports of kids graffitiing.

“The building is unsafe and you would think the priority would be to get the building demolished.

“They have fenced-off the area around the club, but that’s not doing anything. All the council have said is that it is in the hands of the loss adjusters and there is nothing we can do.”

Gilfach councillor Carol Andrews has raised the issue with the council leader and the local authority’s head of parks and said everyone was supporting the club 100%.

She said: “The council’s hands are tied really until the loss adjusters’ insurance investigation is concluded.

“Once that has happened we will be able to move on to the site and get progress.”

She added: “I have spoken to the police and the council’s community safety wardens and they are increasing their surveillance to keep and eye in the site. However, some things do get missed and we are all gutted it has been vandalised. It is really disappointing.”

A council spokesperson said: “Caerphilly County Borough Council appreciate that this incident has both saddened and shocked the local community as Gilfach Recreation Ground is so well used.

“Whilst we are in the very early stages following the fire, we are awaiting a decision from our insurers prior to being given the go ahead to demolish the building and clear the debris from the site.

“As trustees of the Gilfach Recreation Ground Charity we will continue to work in partnership with the management committee and assist where we can to identify external and other funding sources to enable to facility to be rebuilt.”

Last month investigators admitted the cause of the fire would probably remain unknown.

Emergency services were called to Gilfach Bowling Club, which is on Maes y Graig, at around 6.50am on Wednesday, June 1.