A HEATED debate took place in Tredegar this week to discuss the future of the town’s historic buildings.

Tredegar Rugby Club was packed with local residents who turned up for the Heritage Summit organised by Tredegar Town Council.

The town council said a number of the town’s key buildings were of real concern.

These include the former town hall and NCB club which now stands empty after its owners went into liquidation.

Around 300 people turned up and were able to ask questions to Blaenau Gwent council officers and councillors and representatives from the town council and CADW.

There was clear frustration shown by some residents about the current state of the town.

One resident said: “Tredegar was a very vital part of the valleys. I walk along there now and see nothing but depression.

“I would like to walk along my town and feel like I’m not walking in the third world but in Tredegar.”

Blaenau Gwent council’s heritage officer Frank Olding said they could come up with a proposal to create a buildings at risk list for buildings which are important to the people of Tredegar but which are not listed.

There was also suggestions of how the buildings could be used for young people for example as youth clubs or performing arts centres.

Reference was made to some success stories in the town including Blaenau Gwent council’s multi-million pound refurbishment of Bedwellty House.

But there were questions about how it would be kept safe and secure after the restoration work has finished.

There was also deep concern shown about the future use of the General Hospital which is boarded up with no definite plans for its long-term future.

One resident said the building was of tremendous importance for Tredegar and suggested that some of the wards could be used to house the town’s museum.

Mayor of Tredegar councillor Hayden Trollope said Blaenau Gwent councillors have met the health board on at least four occasions.

He said the town council and borough members asked CADW to list it and now called on residents to help save it.

Cllr Trollope warned: “I want this town to be saved. If we don’t act now we’re going to lose it.”

The town council said it wanted to set up a steering group and at the end of the meeting around 80 people signed up to receive more information on how they can get involved.

'Numbers show depth of feeling' - councillor

Tredegar councillor Steve Thomas said the initial meeting had shown tremendous backing.

He said: "Whilst the meeting did get a bit rowdy at times and it was difficult to hear what was being said, I feel that the sheer numbers who turned up shows the depth of feeling that all of us have for our town.

"Once the steering group is set up it will be time to knuckle down and work with the community to come up with solutions to improve Tredegar."