Cefn Fforest miners institute in serious disrepair

Cefn Fforest residents are to meet on May 8 in a bid to discuss ideas for save Cefn Fforest Miners Welfare Hall and Institute.

The site has been a fixture in the community since it opened in 1931.

But the venue has fallen into disrepair, with a non-watertight roof, leading to water damage throughout the building and vandalism becoming an issue. In April, vandals ripped up the paving and smashed bits of it through windows and the roof, adding to the cost of repair.

Cefn Fforest RFC bought the hall part of the site from the council around 30 years ago, and currently use the venue as its clubhouse.

Cefn Fforest Miners Welfare Institute as it currently looks (Photo: www.christinsley.co.uk)

But chairman Howard Richards said the club has been struggling with the upkeep of the historic building due to a lack of funds. The council have confirmed that there have been discussions with the club on the usage of the land and are awaiting the club committee’s feedback.

Mr Richards said: “We tried to buy the field from the council, but they put restrictions like having a public right of way through the land. We have had three years’ worth of negotiations with the council about selling the building to them to help clear our debts, but the council decided they wanted to take it back but not give us anything for it.”

“We feel like the council seem to be putting obstacles in front of us,” added Mr Richards.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Discussions have been ongoing between the council and representatives of Cefn Fforest RFC since April 2016 in relation to the future of the site. Although the council’s preference has always been for the building to be reopened for public use, several options have been put forward by the Club, including developing new affordable housing on the land.

“Earlier this year Cefn Fforest RFC informed us of their decision to restore functionality of the building as a clubhouse and the Committee also expressed an interest in purchasing the freehold of the site. There are a number of requirements that must be met before the building can be reopened for public use and before the council can consider the club’s request to purchase the freehold. The council has advised Cefn Fforest RFC’s representatives on these requirements and is currently awaiting further information from them.”

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Richards said that he was not aware of how the community felt about the building until a conversation with the residents.

One resident who expressed these concerns was poet and filmmaker Clare Potter who also created a film for BBC featuring the institute.

She said: “I was deeply impacted by its demise. This building is an important part of our heritage, a once vital and vibrant centre for culture and education, a place to gather and celebrate, argue, and galvanise. With some care and attention, fundraising and publicity, this 'Stute' could once again be a much-used facility for social use to reinvigorate and foster community pride.”

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Richards said: “We are hoping to get the club back up and running for the community, but it seems the council want to shut it down and turn it into social housing.”

Gwent Police have been contacted for comment on the vandalism.

There will be a meeting at St Thomas’ Church Hall in Cefn Fforest on May 8 at 6pm to discuss what can be done about the future of the building to restore it to its former glory. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurStute/