A TRUST has been formed to preserve Abergele Community Centre following its closure last week.

Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) stopped taking bookings at the building from September 29, citing heating costs and cost-cutting as the reason for its decision.

Following a meeting of Abergele Town Council last Thursday (September 28), Councillors Tracey Brennan, Pauline Heap-Williams, and Ann Williamson have formed the Abergele Conservation Trust.

Their goal is to maintain the Grade II listed building and ensure it continues to serve as a hub for community activities.

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Sadness following ‘unacceptable’ closure of Abergele Community Centre

A statement from the trust read: “Abergele Conservation Trust is committed to working closely with the local community, authorities, and stakeholders to secure the future of Abergele Community Centre.

“Our mission is to safeguard this historic gem for generations to come, preserving its rich heritage and significance in the heart of Abergele.

“Abergele Conservation Trust, a newly established nonprofit organization, is embarking on a mission to safeguard the beloved Abergele Community Centre.

“This cherished landmark, originally known as Abergele National School, has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1869.”

CCBC is to consider alternative uses and/or disposal to secure the future of the building, which was formerly the home of Abergele Youth Club.

If no alternative use is found, permission will be sought to place the property on the open market.

Darren Millar, Clwyd West MS, had set up a petition in a bid to save the centre from closure, which received more than 1,000 signatures.

It is understood that the intention is for a report to be presented to CCBC’s cabinet in mid-October, setting out the options for the future of the community centre.

Due to its status as a listed building, demolition is not currently an option.

Caryl Jones, of Abergele Women’s Institute, spoke at Thursday’s Abergele Town Council meeting on Thursday.

She said: It looks that CCBC appears to have decided to close Abergele Community Centre without any public consultation or engagement with stakeholders, particularly those which use the building.

“If Abergele Community Centre had been well looked after, it would have made an idea centre hub for the community.”

In 2020, it was calculated that £1million would be needed to bring the building up to modern day requirements.

The income currently generated from community use of the building is just £11,000, one-third of its annual running costs of £33k.

Cllr Keith Eeles, of the Gele and Llanddulas ward in which the centre is situated, said: “It is incredibly sad to see the loss of this building to local community, and the groups who were still using it.

“I have been in correspondence with users or the centre and members of the public, after reading the independent building report regarding maintenance and immediate repair works, I don't see a lot of other options other than to reluctantly agree with CCBC officers to try and dispose/repurpose it.

“It is a shame, and it will certainly be the end of an era. They just don't build buildings like this anymore so before it deteriorates any further, I hope it is taken on as a project and retained and invested in.”