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A new gym has opened on the site of a former council building in Rhymney following a community asset transfer.

The building, near the St Clare’s sheltered housing complex, was formerly a meals on wheels kitchen, but has been used for storage since 2008.

JM Gym Fitness, a community interest company, opened the new gym on Friday March 6, having taken over the running of the building from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The council has expanded its use of community asset transfers (CATs) to try and streamline its estate and save money on maintaining disused assets.

CATs allow community groups to take over the responsibility for such buildings if they can prove they have a sustainable plan for them.

Judith Morgan, director and manager of JM Gym Fitness CIC, said: “The asset transfer was a god-send to us.”

Ms Morgan was previously owner of Fit4Living gym, which was based at the Whitbread Centre on Rhymney Walk – where housing developer Linc Cymru is planning to build 27 houses and a children’s home.

The plans meant the gym was forced to leave the venue after two decades, but the council helped it secure a new premises.

Ms Morgan continued: “We wouldn’t be here today as a gym without it and the support of Caerphilly County Borough Council, GAVO and Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

“The people of Rhymney and surrounding villages have shown us that it’s important to have this vital asset in the community.”

A number of dignitaries attended the official opening of the new site, including Nick Smith MP, Dawn Bowden MS, councillors Mansell Powell, David Harse, and Carl Cuss, as well as Caerphilly Council leader Jamie Pritchard – who were all given a tour of the site from Ms Morgan.

Cllr Pritchard said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to see the success of this community asset transfer first-hand, where Judith has taken it from strength-to-strength.

“Thank you to Judith for your hard work and commitment in taking this brilliant facility into a thriving community asset.”