A MINERS institute in Abertillery up for sale for £70,000 could be saved by the local community.

Residents expressed their sadness after it was announced in April that the Abertillery Workmens Welfare Institute, on Division Street, was to be sold off.

It was originally used by local coal miners but was rebuilt on its current site in the 1950s after being destroyed by fire.

But now, residents in Abertillery are in talks with the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, which owns the building, to hand its running over to trustees from the local community.

More than 260 people have joined a facebook group called S0S Save Our Stute, and people have been coming forward with suggestions of what the institute could be used for.

Mark Lewis, who created the group, has been appealing for any clubs, organisations or individuals who want to hire a room or have ideas of events which could be held in the institute.

The idea is that if enough revenue is made from these events the institute could pay for itself, as it did when the miners owned it years ago.

“It is hopeful and we are just waiting to hear from CISWO,” Mr Lewis said. “But it’s looking good.”

“To be honest the institute is a big part of Abertillery town. It’s a massive part of the town’s history. If it went it would be another part of the town’s history lost.”

He added: “We are waiting to hear but we are all ready to go. We have got people interested, a community charity, the town band, a few ex-miners, people interested in having little gatherings.

“We have got a lady who’s interested in something with the youth club.”

Other ideas have included using a room as a café with tea, coffee and toast or also use it on Saturday morning as a market.

Jeff Anstee, an ex-miner, said: “Willing to help in any way I can. As an ex miner we should be fighting for its survival as a tribute to the people who built it for the people to use.

“We are being robbed of too much local heritage in this valley and it’s time to stop it.”