THE old Palace Cinema in Risca - an eyesore for almost three decades - could be the "dawn of a new era for the town".

For a planning application to redevelop the former cinema, in Tredegar Street, has just been submitted to Caerphilly county borough council.

If the plans, by owners Johnsey Estates, are approved, then the building could be used for a council one-stop shop, with the upstairs being converted into a new library for the town.

Risca Labour councillor Keith Griffiths says the council would negotiate a lease for the renovated building.

The planning application is due to be discussed at a meeting by March. And if that is approved, then work could begin as soon as May and take around 14 months.

"This building has been empty for 25 or 30 years," Councillor Griffiths said.

"This was one of the things we pledged we would do if we got back into power.

"This will be the first step in the redevelopment of all of Risca and Pontymister - the dawn of a new era for the town.

"We would have a new library on the site and a one-stop shop where people in the community can link straight in with council departments, as well as a rent payment office."

Plans are also being submitted for a retail store next to those facilities. Council leader Harry Andrews said: "I think everyone in Risca will be delighted with the proposed development.

"For too long this has lain there in rather a poor state of repair, and it brought a lot of pleasure to previous generations.

"I think anything being done to rejuvenate it will be widely accepted by the community. It is a perfect position for the library, and we want to crack on with this as soon as possible."

Local resident Sue Wiltshire said: "I would be absolutely over the moon if this building can be restored for the benefit of the community. It is a complete eyesore and an embarrassment - and it used to be the centre of the community."