Under-threat Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, one of Wales’ top-rated historical venues and a popular destination for educational school trips, must be spared from closure under Caerphilly County Borough Council’s budget-slashing measures, says UNISON today (Monday).
The 16th-century manor house is known for its living history tours that give visitors a journey back in time. But the council announced this week that it is to close as the authority looks to save more than £45m over the next two years, despite a public outcry and a UNISON campaign to avert its demise.
The venue, employing 34 staff, has played a key role in educating thousands of students about Welsh history and heritage.
Now the union has organised a public meeting next Saturday (5 October) to show opposition to the closure. UNISON is calling on local residents, historians, educators and anyone else who values the property to make a stand against the plans.
UNISON Caerphilly branch secretary Lianne Dallimore said: “Closing Llancaiach Fawr would mean the end of an era.
“Not only is the museum a vital cultural and educational centre for the community, it also provides employment for a dedicated team of staff.
“This public meeting is a chance to show the strength of feeling and challenge the council to do everything possible to save this historic building.”
– The meeting to save Llancaiach Fawr will be held at 11.30am on Saturday 5 October at the museum on Gelligaer Road, Nelson, CF46 6ER.
– UNISON held protests outside the council headquarters at Ty Penallta in Hengoed ahead of scrutiny and cabinet meetings to discuss the closure last week.
– The council currently provides a subsidy of £485,000 a year to run the venue.
– The venue was used as a location for Doctor Who in 2018 when actors Jodie Whittaker and Bradley Walsh took part in filming at the site.
