Brynmawr cinema could close in cutbacks (From South Wales Argus)

Brynmawr cinema could close in cutbacks

3:50pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News

THE Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr and Nantyglo Leisure Centre are both at risk of closure due to council budget cuts.

The two buildings could close to help address Blaenau Gwent council’s £3.9 million budget deficit.

If shut, the double closure could save the council around £300,000.

Deputy leader of the council Stephen Thomas said: “We asked all the service areas to go away and come up with ideas for savings, because we have a £3.9 million shortfall which we need to make up.”

Cllr Thomas said the authority has protected education and social services, meaning other services have to meet higher savings targets, with a decision on cuts due to be made by March 6, when the council looks at the budget.

“This is unprecedented for us as a council, in the way out budget has been cut by central government,” said Cllr Thomas.

“We are anticipating that there will be opposition.

“We understand these proposals are contentious, but nevertheless they have to be considered.

“Beyond this we are looking at other ways to make up the money. We are in talks to collaborate with Merthyr Tydfil’s council, to see if we can share certain services.”

A council spokeswoman said: “2013/14 is a challenging year for all of us, not just at this local authority.

“Financial savings are required everywhere, and in order to achieve these, this council has already made provisional plans for £1 million of savings for the next financial year.

“However, there are still a number of savings proposals being formulated for consideration later this month.”