CALLS have been made by a Gwent AM to secure the future of Wales’ oldest cinema.

In November 2016, the 122-year-old Market Hall Cinema, in Brynmawr, was issued with a closure notice by Blaenau Gwent Council during works to build a second screen.

The warning referred to a potentially asbestos-contaminated roof space over the adjacent former town library and the cinema has remained closed since. Plaid Cymru AM for the South Wales East region, Steffan Lewis, has called for the Welsh Government to intervene.

In a letter to economy secretary, Ken Skates, the AM expressed “concern for the future” adding residents are worried about the difficulty of funding any future works to secure the re-opening.

He said: “As I am sure you can appreciate, the cinema is a community asset and local people have worked hard to secure it as such. I’m writing to you to ask that you commit Welsh Government support to ensure the long-term future of this local treasure.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The letter has been received which we will consider and respond to shortly. We will explore the issues raised regarding the Market Hall Cinema, Brynmawr, with the local authority and other interested parties.”

After council funding cuts threatened to close the cinema in 2013, a community group took over the site.

In 2016, the cinema scooped several awards including the “Best Cinema Experience in Wales” at the Welsh Hospitality Awards. A post on the cinema’s Facebook page has also appealed for Valentine’s Day cards and for local residents to “bombard the Market Hall with love”. Cards can be sent to the cinema or to Durban’s Shoe Repairs in Worcester Street, Brynmawr, and will be displayed on Valentine’s Day. For updates on the cinema closure search “Market Hall Cinema” on Facebook.