Hundreds March to Save Welsh Tourist Attraction and Historical Arts Venue
Hundreds of supporters marched to protest against the possible closure of Blackwood Miners’ Institute and Llancaiach Fawr Manor on Saturday, September 7th, in Blackwood. Caerphilly Council plans to withdraw funding from both historical buildings, citing financial pressure and the need to make savings of £45 million over the next two years. Here are the key points from the protest:
- Blackwood Miners’ Institute receives £347,000 yearly subsidy, while Llancaiach Fawr Manor gets £485,000.
- Local groups estimate around a thousand people joined the march on September 7th.
- The march saw participants from diverse backgrounds, including local officials and community members.
- Over 10,000 individuals have signed petitions against the closure of the two sites.
One supporter expressed, “It’s such an important part of our local history that losing it for future generations would be a travesty.” The local community values these establishments for their historical significance and cultural impact. The Blackwood Miners’ Institute, originally a snooker hall built in 1925, holds sentimental value as a venue where iconic bands like Manic Street Preachers performed.
“This is a lifeline for our community. Used by all generations and 100 years of history will be lost for future generations.”
Local residents have come together to defend these sites, emphasizing their importance in preserving local heritage. People from all walks of life, including former miners and current users of the buildings, demonstrated passionate support for maintaining these vital community assets.
Concerns and Future
Neal Elstone, a member of the advisory board for Blackwood Institute, voiced concerns about the impact of closing these sites on the youth who rely on them for cultural and artistic activities. The potential loss of funding not only affects the buildings themselves but also raises worries about the continuity of essential services like ‘Meals on Wheels.’
Members of the community, alongside political figures like Councillor George Etheridge and local Senedd members Delyth Jewell and Peredur Owen Griffiths, have united in their efforts to save these landmarks. The public consultation on the closure proposals continues until September 10th, allowing community members to voice their opinions and hopefully find alternative solutions to preserve these cultural hubs for future generations.
Join the discussion on saving important landmarks like the Blackwood Miners’ Institute and Llancaiach Fawr Manor and how it impacts the local community.