A COMMUNITY group at risk of closure has been given more time by Torfaen council to submit plans to repair a external wall deemed unsafe.

The New Inn Community Hall – which is run by volunteers and used by hundreds – has been contacted by the council’s building control department who state a boundary wall needs to be replaced.

While the hall’s committee took immediate action to stop vehicles using the main access adjacent to the wall, estimates to solve the issue could cost up to £30,000.

While Torfaen council initially told the group they had to replace the wall by December, the group have now been asked to submit proposals on how they will make the wall safe long term.

Chairman of the New Inn Community Hall committee Rob James said he was relieved at the time extension but that a recent survey showed the "massive" scale of the works.

"There is still a sense of worry around it because a lot of the people in the village rely on it and they're quite concerned about it," he said.

The group are currently applying for a grant and held a public meeting in November attracting a swell of public support.

So far, a total of £618 has been donated to an online JustGiving page.

A statement on the page states described the hall as an "essential facility" for the New Inn residents and organisations.

"May it continue to do so for many years to come. If everyone in the village gives just a little then we can save this hall," it adds.

The building in New Road is managed by a village charity who own and run the hall with around 300-400 currently using services.

While the hall's land is owned by and rented from Pontypool Park Estate, the group state their lease leaves them responsible for repairs and upkeep.

A Torfaen Council spokesman said: “We are currently monitoring the wall on a regular basis and are waiting on proposals from the hall committee as to how they intend to make it safe in the long term.”

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emily-lloyd-2