AN HISTORIC Monmouthshire building gutted by fire could have a new use - as a community facility.

The disused former Malt-house building on the Fair-field Mabey site in Chepstow was so badly damaged only its four walls were left standing after a blaze ripped through it on January 3.

Now the owners of the building, which has been empty since 1984, say they will consider letting it be used for the community as they cannot identify any other potential use for it.

Peter Lloyd, managing director of the bridge manufacturer, outlined the company's position to members of the Lower Wye Area Committee at their recent meeting in Caerwent Hall.

The committee is now going to out to consultation for ideas on what the buildng could be used for.

Mr Lloyd said he understood the insurance company was willing to repair the old building, rather than have it demolished.

He said: "We would like to try and find a community use for the building if one exists and it will make sense if building is to be refurbished if it is done from a proposal.

"I hope the town council will take this up as an issue. But having said that, I appreciate any change of use may involve Monmouthshire county council as well. We are open to any ideas."

Mr Lloyd added that in 1996 the building was offered to Chepstow town council at a peppercorn rent.

He said: "There was a study done by WS Atkins. They concluded it could be refurbished and they proposed a cinema and other community uses at a cost of £800,000."

Councillor Pam Birchall said the company's offer should be looked at seriously and taken up for the whole of Chepstow.