FINDING a new role for Tredegar General Hospital and securing the future of a building that inspired the NHS are among the goals of a new committee hoping to save Tredegar’s historic buildings.

A heritage steering group has been set up after Tredegar Town Council called an emergency public meeting in March, claiming the town’s historic buildings were “in crisis”.

The meeting at Tredegar R u g b y Club saw around 300 residents c o m e together to discuss the future of buildings inc l u d i n g the now empty Tredegar General Hospital, former town hall, NCB Club, and No 10 The Circle, which was once home to Tredegar Medical Aid Society – believed to be Nye Bevan’s inspiration for the NHS.

Following the meeting, a number of residents volunteered to be on a steering group which will decide on the best way to protect Tredegar’s heritage, and the group held its first meeting last week to agree four of its top priorities.

These will include finding a “useful and civic role” for Tredegar General Hospital. Town councillors have previously said they would like the building to be listed.

The steering group will also try to make sure No 10 The Circle remains an integral part of The Circle. The former Medical Aid Society Offices were put up for sale by Swanseabased chartered surveyors Rowland Jones for £60,000 in April, but they are yet to be sold.

Efforts will also be made to promote a positive future for the former town hall and The Cambrian pub, as well as working with Blaenau Gwent council to consider howthe old truck shop in Shop Row might be developed.

A full business plan will now be produced.

A statement from the group said: “The group, very mindful of the shot in the arm provided by the redevelopment of Bedwellty House, are determined to build upon the widespread desire of Tredegar people to rekindle the spirit and purpose that made Tredegar one of Wales’, if not Britain’s, principal industrial and socially responsible townships.”