Editor

I am writing as a retired historic buildings conservation officer, to express my sadness and dismay at the proposed loss of yet another of Aberystwyth’s historic buildings.

I refer to the proposed demolition of the Old Candle Works building in Park Avenue by Ceredigion County Council, in order to “remarket the site for development purposes” .

Although having been neglected in recent years, the building has survived with its historic and architectural character largely intact, and serves as an important reminder of Aberystwyth’s historic industrial past, providing an essential element of the town’s historic and cultural identity.

The Old Candle Works was known locally as Y Ffatws - the Fat House, due to its use of the fat of livestock from the nearby slaughterhouse and tannery buildings that were once adjacent buildings forming part of the town’s former historic Market Centre.

I am further saddened by the apparent lack of awareness of the importance of the town’s built heritage, once again shown by the county council. Very little imagination would be required to envisage a redevelopment scheme that would integrate the Old Candle Works building and make it into an asset to be proud of within the community, instead of seeing it as part of an “unsightly site” and an obstacle to redevelopment, as has been the fate of so much of the town’s heritage in the past.

G Adrian G Griffiths MPhil,IHBC, CIfA Drefach, Llanybydder

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page