06 April 2009
Ty Rhiw Chapel
Refurbishment of Ty Rhiw Chapel
The Community Council has recently applied for outline planning permission to bring back the dilapidated and abandoned Chapel into beneficial use. This will hopefully be achieved by obtaining grant aid from the various trust bodies that are set up to restore buildings of significant interest.
The Community Council is aware that unfounded and malicious rumours have been made in respect of the proposed uses of the refurbished Chapel and would like to take this opportunity to explain why it has embarked on this restoration project, confirm what use will be made of the building and answer some of the questions raised by these rumours.
Why has the Community Council undertaken this project?
The Community Council believes that the building, although dilapidated, is an important landmark in the area and that restoration is preferable to demolition, as suggested by our local County Council Member Councillor Adrian Hobson.
Is it true that the facilities at the Ty Rhiw Community Centre will be transferred to the Chapel?
This suggestion is the figment of an over active imagination. There are and never have been any suggestion that any facilities or groups would be relocated from the Community Centre. Indeed, the Community Council would actively oppose the transfer of facilities.
Is it true that the Community Council is proposing to run youth clubs etc in the cemetery late at night?
The simple answer is NO. This was a statement made, to Council Officials, by Councillor Adrian Hobson and is simply not true. The Community Council has written to Councillor Hobson stating:- “We are deeply concerned that the statements you make are fictitious and would ask that you either substantiate your claims or withdraw them”.
For the record the Community Council believes that such activities would be wholly inappropriate and would never allow such activities to take place.
What use will the Community Council make of the building?
Once the restoration work is complete it is hoped that the Chapel will once again be able to be used for funeral services and weddings. In addition, it is envisaged that a broad range of community education activities, specifically designed to meet the needs of the local community, will be available at the centre. It could take some considerable time before the building is refurbished. However, residents can be assured that no activities which are inappropriate to such a sensitive site will be allowed.
How will the building be managed?
Whilst the lease for the Chapel will be held by the Community Council the building will be managed by a consortium of local groups and local residents and will include representation from the County Council.
The best way to protect this important site is to become involved in the restoration project. If you are interested please contact one of your local Community Councillors.
