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A prominent museum in the Upper Rhymney Valley could be closed due to the council’s proposed budget cuts. 

New Tredegar’s Winding House Museum is home to a collection of 14,000 items helping to preserve the history of Caerphilly County Borough, two exhibition spaces, and a winding engine. 

It also hosts learning programmes for schools.

Under new budget-saving plans, Caerphilly County Borough Council is proposing to “mothball” the venue temporarily.

This would save an estimated £93,000 for 2024/25.

If the decision is approved, the building will be temporarily closed while the possibility of community ownership is explored.

The winding engine will continue to be run by volunteers monthly.

‘Community Resource’

The museum’s East Gallery is a space where professionals, amateurs, community groups and children can exhibit their work.

Fran Quantock, museums officer at the Winding House, previously told Caerphilly Observer that it was a “community resource“.

In the last year alone the museum has hosted artists who have highlighted the beauty of the Rhymney Valley, celebrated Chinese art, and shown that you can pick up a pencil and a paintbrush at any age.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “As outlined in the cabinet report published earlier this week, the council is facing a budget shortfall of around £66 million over the next three years.

“Therefore, a number of extremely difficult decisions will need to made in order to meet this significant financial challenge. The proposal to mothball the Winding House in New Tredegar while a Community Asset Transfer is explored, is one of these proposals.

“It is important to note that no decisions have been made yet, and we encourage residents to share their views in our public consultation that will open on January 22.”

The council has also proposed several other cuts including the closure of Coffi Vista, along with a council tax increase of 6.9%.