THEATR Ardudwy in Harlech has been forced to shut down due to health and safety reasons.

WEA YMCA Community College Cymru, the site managers, instructed the theatre to close on Wednesday, 5 October following concerns that the building posed a risk to visitors and staff due to its deteriorating condition.

Ben Rosen, who is a Theatr Ardudwy board member, said the decision to close them down came as a shock.

He said: “It all came as a surprise, we were only given five hours' notice.

“We know the site managers have received a report which says the building is not safe so we are now seeking legal representation to look at what the problems are.

“We are continuing to operate as best as we can and we are currently postponing the showing of our films and looking at different venues to move our other activities to.

“There is still five years left on our lease so we are now looking at what options we have.

“We will be making a formal statement when we hear from our legal team.”

Earlier this year the theatre installed a £100,000 digital cinema following support from the Arts Council of Wales large Digital Cinema Capital Grant, Cist Gwynedd and the Gwynedd Volunteering Scheme as well as private donations.

WEA YMCA CC Cymru says they are also helping to find a new venue to accommodate the theatre’s activities which include a film society, film screenings and exhibitions.

Speaking of the theatre sites closure, WEA YMCA CC Cymru chief executive, Mark Isherwood, said: “Surveys show that deterioration of the Theatr Ardudwy building poses a risk to the public.

“While options for its future are considered, we need to ensure that public safety is fully recognised and that appropriate steps are taken. We are currently working with Theatr Ardudwy towards alternative arrangements so that activities can continue.”