Iconic music venue to be saved after funding grant

A council has reversed plans to shut an iconic music and cultural venue after receiving additional funding.

Caerphilly council had previously announced plans to "mothball" the Blackwood Miners' Institute as part of cost-cutting measures.

But it has now said the venue will remain open after securing £210,000 of Arts Council of Wales funding.

An important local site, it has hosted numerous events since opening as a snooker hall in the 1920s, including performances by local band the Manic Street Preachers.

The plans to close the venue, affectionately known as the 'Stute, attracted widespread local opposition, including a march by hundreds through the town centre.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard said that the venue "is going to continue" and the mothballing process - which would have seen the venue temporarily closed while a decision was made about its future - was "off the cards".

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that a "strong bid" for the arts funding had helped to secure the venue's future, adding that the council was looking at options for the venue "to be run in a different way".

Councillor Pritchard added that some public services could be moved into the building "to keep it more sustainable", but added that no final decision has been made.

He also said there were "no changes as far as I'm aware" to jobs at the venue.

Councillor Kevin Etheridge, who represents Blackwood and helped organise a march in support of the 'Stute, described the council's decision as a "victory for common sense".

"The heritage of Blackwood is saved," he added.

He said public support for the venue had proved its importance to the town, saying "people power has won the day".

But Councillor Etheridge also called on those who had opposed the venue's closure to show their support for it by attending events held there.

"It's up to the public and the politicians to come to Blackwood Miners' Institute and keep it more vibrant for the future.

"It's about getting the people into the building to see the place thrive," he said.

Caerphilly council has confirmed a new events and activity calendar will be developed beyond the original proposed closure date of 31 March, with details announced "in due course".