A COMMUNITY hall at risk of closure has been given more time by Torfaen council to submit plans to repair a wall deemed as unsafe.

The New Inn Community Hall – which is run by volunteers and used by hundreds – was contacted by the council’s building control department last month stating that a boundary wall needs to be replaced.

The hall’s committee took immediate action to stop vehicles using the main access adjacent to the wall, estimates to replace it could cost up to £30,000.

While Torfaen council initially told the group they had to replace the wall by the end of November, the group have now been asked to submit proposals on how they will make the wall safe in the long term.

Chairman of the New Inn Community Hall committee Rob James said he was relieved at the time extension but that a recent survey reflected the “massive” scale of the works.

“There is still a sense of worry around it because a lot of the people in the village rely on the hall. They’re quite concerned about it,” he said.

The group are applying for a grant and also held a public meeting in November attracting support from the village.

So far, a total of £618 has been donated to an online JustGiving page.

A statement on the page describes the hall as an “essential facility” for New Inn's residents and organisations.

“May it continue to do so for many years to come. If everyone in the village gives just a little then we can save this hall,” it adds.

The building in New Road is managed by a village charity who own and run the hall with around 300-400 currently using services.

While the hall’s land is owned by and rented from Pontypool Park Estate, the group state their lease leaves them responsible for repairs and upkeep.

A Torfaen Council spokesman added: “We are currently monitoring the wall on a regular basis and are waiting on proposals from the hall committee as to how they intend to make it safe in the long term.”

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emily-lloyd-2