Pontypool hall saved thanks to grants

The Wainfelin and Pentranch Community Centre’s committee feared it would be forced to close as the building that opened in 1923 needed a new roof.

But now it has been saved thanks to two grants.

The community centre’s association chairman, Cllr Mike Jeremiah explained that the hall on Tranch Road has benefited from £53,200 of Welsh Government funding through The Community Facilities Programme to improve the premises.

The funds will pay for a replacement roof, rendering the building and upgrading the foyer.

A further grant of £5,488 was received from the Coal board Community Grant that will pay for the hall to have a new kitchen fitted.

The improvements will allow the hall to be used by more local groups, including afterschool clubs and holiday clubs.

Cllr Jeremiah said: “The hall was facing closure unless it got the grant to pay for a new roof.

“The grants have given the hall a new lease of life for the benefit of the local community.”

The hall’s association was formed in 1986, and it’s current treasurer Ann Gibbons has been there from the start.

The hall is currently open six days a week and holds Zumba classes, children’s dance classes, bingo, a play group and provides a space for local committee groups to meet.

The works are due to start on August 25, and finish on September 25.

The Community Facilities Programme provides capital grant funding for community and voluntary organisations to help mitigate the impact of poverty, through creating new facilities and improving community projects and services.

Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said that the funding will provide a “huge boost” for the community group “helping them remain at the centre of the community where people, young and old, get together to learn new skills and take part in social activities”.

She added: “The Community Facilities Programme has a big impact on communities across Wales and the day-to-day lives of local people.”