LOCAL groups have spoken out about the devastating effect that the proposed closure of the Blackwood Miners’ Institute would have on them and the local community. The performing arts venue, which hosts a range of events and plays host to numerous local community groups, has been threatened with closure after Caerphilly County Borough Council announced proposals to effectively ‘mothball’ the venue by withdrawing its funding. If the plans are approved, the council will remove the funding for the venue in December, meaning community groups will have very limited time to find alternative venues to continue running their classes and clubs.
Janet Stephens, who runs a theatre dance school and holds classes at the Institute four times a week, said that she had rumours that the venue was under threat of closure in recent months, but had not expected the council to push ahead with plans so quickly. She added that: “My dance school has been based at the Institute for many years and I’ve had the pleasure of teaching ballet, tap and jazz dance to lots of children from Blackwood and the surrounding area during this time. “It would be a sad day for Blackwood and for the continued development of arts in the area should this wonderful building be forced to close its doors for a final time.
” Classes held at the venue, including Janet’s dance classes, have nurtured many young talents, with some even going on to achieve further success in the industry. Mrs Stephens said that: “.