A DISPUTE has emerged over the transfer of Wales' oldest cinema.

Blaenau Gwent Council's Executive agreed to support a request for a community asset transfer of Brynmawr Market Hall Cinema to the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust at a meeting yesterday.

The council agreed to support the proposal subject to outstanding financial and legal conditions being agreed with the trust within the next four months.

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent council said the council has always been and remain supportive of Brynmawr Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust.

She said: "This support has included the provision of significant technical officer support free of charge and funding large parts of the remedial works to make the cinema safe for re-opening following its temporary closure in late 2016 through to mid-2017.

"It is disappointing that the trust decided to reject the proposed financial terms without taking the opportunity to meet the council’s leadership and officials in advance of the meeting held on April 18."

The spokeswoman said that, while the council has agreed to the transfer in principle, they have also agreed to a period of up to four months during which there should be adequate time for the council and trustees to meet to find a mutually agreeable way forward.

The council has put forward a series of balanced financial and legal conditions associated with the transfer of the freehold designed to protect the interests of both parties, she added.

"An agreement needs to be reached over financial conditions and repayment of historic debt to the council," the spokeswoman continued. "The council’s current offer includes further funding of £47,000 and the council requires the trust to fund the cost of an environmental clean of the library area following unauthorised building work carried out in the area by the trust which was later referred to the health and safety executive resulting in an investigation and a notice of contravention being issued against the trust."

The spokeswoman said these are the same principles applied to other community organisations that have been granted asset transfers and ensures that the council can demonstrate proper use of public money.

The public toilets are operated by an independent contractor and are being excluded from the transfer, she added.

The spokeswoman said: "The council welcomes further discussions with the trust so that progress can be made and both parties can discuss a mutually agreeable way forward."