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Blackwood Miners’ Institute will remain open until at least the end of March, Caerphilly County Borough Council has confirmed.

The local authority has proposed mothballing the cultural venue – which it currently subsidises to the tune of £347,000 annually – because of the need to make a further £45 million in budget savings over the next two years.

However, its plans hit a legal barrier last month, giving the ‘stute a stay of execution. The issues surrounded the venue’s charitable status and the council’s role as trustees in the decision-making progress, according to the authority.

In a statement, the council said it is “currently seeking legal advice on the most appropriate mechanism for decision-making and, once this advice has been considered, we will prepare a report about the future of the venue”.

The statement continued: “Scheduled events and activities will continue in the venue until March 31, 2025 and the council will continue to keep the community and staff updated about developments.”

Last month, around 1,000 residents took to Blackwood High Street to protest the council’s plans.