Maerdy Workingmen's Hall. Sign of the times

Disgrifiad

Derelict site to be fenced off Thursday 15th January 2004. Immediate action is to be taken to fence off the derelict Maerdy Institute. And a bus stop nearby is to be moved to a safe location. Maerdy councillor Gerwyn Evans said: "I am pleased that the council is taking prompt action to protect Maerdy residents. I attended a meeting. On Wednesday 7th January at which residents from Station Terrace made their concerns about the terrible condition of the building very clear. At the inspection on 9th January, council officers have confirmed that the public highway around Maerdy Institute will be fenced off immediately to protect the public. The bust stop outside the institute will be moved to a safer location outside all Saint's Church. I have also written to Councillor Pauline Jarman, the leader of Rhondda Cynon Tâf Council, and asked her to raise the mater of early demolition with the council's cabinet. I remain very concerned about the terrible state that this building has been allowed to get into and the apparent failure of the current owners to accept responsibility". End in sight for Valley Landmark. Thursday 28th June 2007. Spring 2008 is the new date earmarked for the demolition of the dilapidated Maerdy Workmen's Hall and Institute. Permission to bulldoze the building was granted last December but without the consent of the building's owners the plan could not be put into action. Now Rhondda Cynon Tâf Council is pushing ahead with a compulsory purchase order (C.P.O.) which will grant the council ownership of the building. Currently R.C.T. are in the process of getting all the paperwork together to submit the C.P.O. to the Welsh Assembly Government who will decide whether or not to grant the request. Subject to the successful confirmation of the C.P.O. demolition will take place in spring 2008. Negotiations are already underway with neighbouring residents to ensure that they are inconvenienced as little as possible by the work. Residents are advised that as part of the process notices are to be posted at either end of the lane to the rear of the hall asking if anyone believes they may have a specific right of access along the hall end, as this will be blocked during demolition process. Councillor Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Skills, said: "We understand the issue of the hall is an important one for the local community. That is why we want to keep them informed of the developments. Despite its highly dilapidated state and poor visual appearance, we want the residents to be aware that the building is considered to be structurally sound. However, if they have any concerns at all they may contact the Strategic Project Team on 01685 885630. We want to reiterate to residents that the earliest safe removal of the building remains a top priority for the council, however, the project may take some time to conclude due to the complex legal processes that must be followed". Outlook issue No. 11, December 2007. The Council continues to drive forward plans to demolish Maerdy Hall on behalf of the community. Planning permission has been granted and funding is obtained for the work, which will be carried out by an approved contractor.