THE Vicar of Risca is part of a campaign calling for the Palace Cinema to be restored to its former glory, branding it a "blot on the landscape."

The building has fallen into disrepair over the years and The Venerable John Blackburn said action needs to be taken to being the grade II listed building up to scratch.

"The people of Risca have been promised this and that over the years and nothing seems to be happening. Over 20 years, the Palace has become a more miserable building," he said.

He added that people wanted action from CADW and Caerphilly Council to see the work carried out.

A Council spokesman said: "The council is keen to see this historic site brought back into community use and we are working closely with a developer to drive forward a regeneration project to restore this landmark structure as quickly as possible."

The venerable Blackburn said the group were not calling for the building to be changed into anything in particular, as long as it was given the attention it needs and provides something the community can use.

"Risca is the first significant town on the floor of the Valleys, what is it saying to visitors who see a severely derelict building. It's a blot on the landscape and we want some positive action," he added.

A Welsh Assembly spokeswoman said the building is privately-owned and consent granted by the council in 2007 for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the site is still valid.

In May 2006, permission was granted to Johnsey Estates to start work on a new library and One Stop Shop, but the developer pulled out of negotiations over claims of the amount of rent that was to be paid.

  • The group is holding a protest at the cinema on June 3 at 11.15am.