Delyth Jewell on Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners' Institute consultation

South Wales East Senedd Member Delyth Jewell, who represents Plaid Cymru — South Wales East Senedd Member Delyth Jewell

Delyth Jewell, who is the deputy leader of Plaid Cymru, is one of four regional Senedd Members serving the South Wales East region.

In a few short days time, the council’s consultation period will close about proposed cuts to meals on wheels, and the proposed mothballing of Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miners. I am urging all readers to make their views known about these significant changes, before it is too late.

We all appreciate the difficult financial climate that exists for local authorities, but the proposed cuts have caused great concern locally. If they go ahead, they will affect two landmark buildings in this county, as well as cuts to a vital service on which so many vulnerable people depend.

The level of public feeling about these proposals has been evident in the public meetings my team and I have taken part in, both in Nelson Library and online.

I am very concerned about the proposal to close Llancaiach Fawr. The manor house is a historical gem, and unique to this county borough.

Visiting the manor provides rich and varied educational opportunities for local schools, as it brings history to life and allows people of all ages to understand the role our area played in notable historical events.

It is frustrating that the consultation will close only days after schools will be returning from summer holidays: I can only hope that parents, teachers and pupils will have had a chance to make their voices heard before the consultation ends.

The Blackwood Miners Institute is a crucial venue for the performing arts in the whole of the county borough and has been a hub for fostering the local talent of the future. So many famous bands had their “big break” performing at the Miners, and to this day it provides opportunities for young people to get into dance, drama and music.

What’s more, Blackwood Miners provides a link with our area’s proud history: how many miners’ institutes and libraries have closed their doors over the years, never to open again? This venue, too, must be saved.

These changes, like the drastic proposals to change the Meals on wheels service, cannot be seen as inevitable. My colleague, Peredur Owen Griffiths, and I have asked whether urgent support can be provided by the Welsh Government to save them.

It is so important that residents make their views known, so that the council can understand how valued these services truly are – and there are only a few days left to do this.

There is still one consultation event left on Saturday September 7 at Blackwood Library from 11.30am to 1.30pm. There is also a rally against the closure of Blackwood Miners’ Institute on the same day.

You can also write your response online, up until Tuesday September 10. More information is available here:

‘It is so important that residents make their views known, so the council understands how valued these services truly are’

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