Delays could hamper future of oldest cinema
THE future of Wales’ oldest cinema could be put in doubt due to “unacceptable” delays by the local authority, trustees have warned.
Members of Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr have said they have not been able to apply for crucial funding thanks to a four-and-a-half year wait to take over the building.
In 2013, the cinema was saved from closure after Blaenau Gwent council announced funding for the 123-year-old hall was to be cut from the budget.
The cinema was taken over by a community group following a series of protests and petitions by the community – with plans for a second screen approved two years later.
But now trustees of the cinema have said they are still waiting for the community asset transfer to be completed to give the group control over its future.
In a damning statement posted online, cinema trustees said: “We have been waiting four-and-a-half years to secure the long-term future of Wales’ oldest cinema through an Community Asset Transfer – while the transfer of other former councilowned buildings across Blaenau Gwent have been completed within 12 weeks.
“We are demanding that the council complete this wilfully delayed process with immediate effect, and hand this beloved building to people who know how to run it properly.
“This delay in securing ownership of this – now surplus – council building means our charity has been unable to apply for major grant funding streams to further develop and regenerate a beloved local institution.
“As a registered charity, we have a legal and financial duty to act to protect our interests, even if this places us up against much larger and more powerful organisations; such as a patently less-than-supportive local council.”
The statement comes after the building was closed by Blaenau Gwent council for six months in 2017 after fears over asbestos was found during internal work.
At the time, cinema workers said it was the longest the cinema had ever been shut after first opening during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Following the closure, trustees of the cinema are now calling on the Welsh Government to investigate the time taken to investigate the asbestos.
Their statement said: “Anyone who has even a basic knowledge of the asbestos industry will confirm that to close a public building for six months is highly unusual.
“For a building to be closed for so long despite not having failed a single air or swab test, and where no asbestos was ever removed is, frankly, unprecedented.”
Councillor for Brynmawr Wayne Hodgins said: “Council officers are working through the process and the three ward members are trying to support where we can.
“It has taken a long time and there have been a few issues with the closure which may have impeded on the process. We wish them every success and we hope these unfortunate circumstances come to a speedy conclusion.”
A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent Council said a prohibition notice was served in November 2016 to carry out a series of tests confirming asbestos in the cinema and library buildings.
He said: “A series of tests that were subsequently carried out confirmed that asbestos was present in a number of areas of both the cinema and library buildings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also carried out their own separate and independent investigations into the construction activities in 2017. The cinema then remained closed until remedial works, including a recommended environmental clean, were carried out. Other safety issues were also addressed included electrical, fire safety systems, emergency lighting, building control and legionella control issues.
“The council has always been and remains supportive of Brynmawr Market Hall Cinema and the Cinema Trust.”