Blackwood Miners’ Institute campaigners told to ‘ramp up’ efforts to keep venue open

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A councillor has told those campaigning to save Blackwood Miners’ Institute to keep the fight up, and claimed the council is still “determined” to shut the cultural venue.

Blackwood councillor and Independent group leader, Nigel Dix, has said despite the council’s announcement to keep the miners’ institute open until at least the end of March 2025, the authority is still determined to close it.

A decision on the future of the institute has been delayed due to a legal issue, described as a simple “conflict of interest” by Cllr Dix, who spoke to Caerphilly Observer.

He said: “The problem they’ve got is that cabinet members within the council are trustees at the institute.

“They can’t think with both caps on and its brought us to this point. That’s the only reason they haven’t shut it already.”

With that in mind, Cllr Dix said campaigners need to “ramp up” their efforts in a bid to keep the venue open.

He continued: “£350,000 to run the place each year is pennies in the council’s budget. There are already 28 empty units on Blackwood high street, another derelict building isn’t going to help attract businesses.

“I’ve seen how quickly once thriving towns can spiral, if this place shuts, it won’t reopen you can guarantee that.”

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Proposals to mothball the venue at the end of 2024 were put on hold last month due to the charitable status of Blackwood Miners’ Institute and the council’s role as trustees in the decision-making process.

“The council 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.

“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.”