A new roof is needed on a purpose-built youth centre in Llanidloes following a "quite scathing" condition report, councillors have been told.

Llanidloes Town Council has expressed its interest to take over the building, which has been closed for many years, from Powys County Council. Llanidloes Mayor Cllr Jamie Jones said it was “sad it's gone to that state”.

Councillors were told that Powys County Council would not contribute to anything but would give the empty building to Llanidloes Town Council rent free.

OTHER NEWS:

Town council clerk David Powell said he was "slightly concerned" that the county council had yet sent a fire, legionella and asbestos survey which he said were statutory items.

"There are asbestos stickers inside the building, but I don't what [PCC] doing. We should have had an asbestos report during the visit. I expect it's very low risk".

Councillors were told that the latest round of bidding opened earlier this week and closes on Wednesday, April 10. Mr Powell added that until the county council responds with the various reports that they have, "I can’t really submit anything because we haven’t got any figures”.

"Until we know the cost, it's quite difficult. I am happy to get quotations by the next meeting and then we can get perimeters.

"The community ownership fund is made for this. It would be nice that we could make it into a proper youth centre.

County Times: County Times subscription offer

"I get frustrated by the speed of moving things forward."

Councillor Gareth Morgan added: "With the Old Market Hall, you shouldn't be surprised by the speed of it all."

The Town Council agreed that the clerk continues to get hold of the paperwork from Powys County Council and get quotes from three builders "then we can put some meat on it".

Llanidloes Town Council had previously shared its frustrations that the purpose-built building, which is more than 50 years old, had been left empty after it had been a "highly busy and lively establishment".

Mayor Councillor Jamie Jones said it was a "matter of urgency" to ask Powys County Council to consider handing over control of the building to the town council. "It would be a real shame to lose it," he said.

Councillor Margot Jones said the former youth centre building was a "fabulous place" when she was in her teens.

"I think it is immoral," she said. "We have to hold our hands up to parents.  When you’ve got it there ready made for youngsters then not open it to them is absolutely appalling.

"There are a lot of groups that would use that building. We need to do everything we can to bring building back for its purpose it was built for."