A PLEA has been put out to Presteigne residents to come together to help run a vital community venue in the town.

Presteigne Memorial Hall was closed with immediate effect back in April last year after a fire inspection revealed it was unsafe to use – and it was unclear when the venue would reopen to the public.

Much work has been undertaken over the last eight months and that work is nearing completion. However, the team that runs the hall say that a new committee and board of trustees is required to take on the management of the hall.

They are urging local residents to attend a public meeting later this month to help take the Station Road venue forward and restore it as a community asset.

“Presteigne Memorial Hall needs you,” said a post that appeared on the hall’s Facebook page on Wednesday, January 3.

“Following the temporary closure of the hall, due to urgent maintenance and safety concerns, the works are nearing completion.

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“However, there is a requirement for a change to the current trusteeship (Powys County Council) and for both a board of trustees and a management committee to be formed.

“Can you help? Many hands make light work, as well as skills that can ensure the future success of the hall as a much-loved community resource.

“A meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, at Presteigne Youth Centre at 7.30pm. Please come and support your memorial hall.”

The hall committee announced Facebook last year that it had been contacted by Powys County Council (PCC) on April 25, and told the hall would have to be closed immediately.

“Following a recent fire inspection by Powys (County) Council (trustees) the management committee were informed on Tuesday 25th April that the hall must be closed to the public with immediate effect,” read the post.

“This was not expected, the committee are working with Powys CC to remedy this as soon as possible.

“At this time we are unable to give a lead time on how long the work will take. Apologies to all our regular users, please be reassured the committee will do everything in its powers to get the doors re-opened as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The management committee of Presteigne Memorial Hall invited the council to carry out inspections to the building to ensure that (it) complied with the latest regulations.

“The council undertook a series of inspections which identified issues that need to be addressed.  The management committee were informed by the council to remain closed until these issues are resolved.

“The council is now supporting the management committee to develop an action plan to address these issues and to work with them to re-open the building as soon as possible.”